Ubisoft Develops a Game Inspired by Animal Crossing

Ubisoft appears to be setting the stage for a game that melds the charm of Animal Crossing with the creative spirit of Minecraft. Rumors are swirling about a new social simulation game, currently going by the codename Alterra. It’s been in development for about a year and a half, following the scrapping of a similar project that had been in the works for four years. If true, this could be an exciting prospect for fans who have been waiting since Animal Crossing: New Horizons rejuvenated interest in the beloved series.

Animal Crossing has steadily grown a dedicated fanbase since it first hit the scene, but New Horizons truly skyrocketed its popularity, becoming the second-best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch, surpassing iconic titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Despite this, Nintendo has kept details about future Animal Crossing entries close to the chest, aside from mobile ventures like Pocket Camp. This has left fans hungry for a new fix, and Ubisoft might just be the studio to deliver it.

According to a source reported by Insider Gaming, Alterra is gearing up to take cues from Animal Crossing’s gameplay, but with a twist of Minecraft’s construction elements. Ubisoft’s development team, which began working on the project after canceling a previous similar endeavor, seems keen on creating something that resonates with Animal Crossing enthusiasts. Unlike many indie titles that draw inspiration from Nintendo’s cozy simulator, having a powerhouse like Ubisoft potentially behind a contender in this space is noteworthy.

In Alterra, players can expect to explore islands and mix with characters called Matterlings—bringing New Horizons vibes to mind. There’s also a multiplayer aspect akin to island hopping in New Horizons, where you encounter diverse Matterlings and gather resources. But Alterra doesn’t stop there; it integrates Minecraft-like building mechanics, letting players unleash their creativity using what they collect. The idea of combining these two beloved worlds might sound like a match made in gaming heaven.

Matterlings are not just your usual anthropomorphic villagers. Some might be familiar, animal-inspired faces, but expect to also meet dragons, monsters, and other fantastical beings. The visual style of Alterra reportedly adopts a voxel-based approach, giving it a distinct look that sets it apart from traditional Animal Crossing games, possibly resembling the aesthetics of Funko Pops. As intriguing as it sounds, we must keep in mind that all these details remain speculation until Ubisoft officially confirms them. While there’s chatter that the next Animal Crossing release could be on the horizon by 2026, Alterra’s timeline remains a mystery, and could potentially hit the shelves afterward.

In a market yearning for the next perfect blend of simulation and creativity, if these rumors pan out, Alterra could carve out a remarkable niche for itself. Until then, fans can only watch the horizon for any official announcements from Ubisoft.