Report: Ubisoft Developing Social Simulation Game Inspired by Animal Crossing

Ubisoft is rumored to be diving into a new venture with a game tentatively called ‘Alterra’, which seems to blend elements from beloved social sims like Animal Crossing. This unique project reportedly takes inspiration from voxel-based structures reminiscent of Minecraft, offering players an engaging universe to explore and personalize.

According to insider buzz, Alterra is designed as a social simulation where players can create islands populated by quirky characters called Matterlings, who possess an adorable Funko Pop-style aesthetic. The gameplay is said to revolve around utilizing crafting features similar to Minecraft, letting gamers build their dream island homes from scratch.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Alterra allegedly invites players on expeditions to various themed worlds, each featuring distinct biomes. These environments serve as rich hunting grounds for new resources, allowing players to gather materials essential for enhancing their own worlds. Each themed realm comes alive with its unique Matterling residents, enemies, and resources that reflect the local setting—melding fantasy inspirations with real-world animal traits.

Interestingly, Ubisoft might plan to expand the Matterlings roster throughout the game’s life, introducing new species variations and customizable features like clothing. The multiplayer component remains a bit of a mystery, though there’s speculation that it could involve visiting each other’s islands, adding a social layer to the dynamic gameplay.

This new title has roots in a previously shelved voxel project and has been under development at Ubisoft Montreal for about a year and a half. The team features industry veterans, including former Gotham Knights creative director Patrick Redding and long-standing Ubisoft producer Fabien Lhéraud, promising a seasoned touch to its development.

Meanwhile, Ubisoft continues to generate buzz with revelations about new stealth elements in its next Assassin’s Creed installment, ‘Shadows’. But back to Alterra—does the prospect of this social simulator pique your interest? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!