Ubisoft Rumored to be Creating a Social Sim Inspired by Animal Crossing

Rumor has it that Ubisoft is diving into the world of voxel-based social sims with a new game named ‘Alterra.’ This venture seems to be taking inspiration from titles like Animal Crossing, a beloved classic in the genre. With popular games such as Stardew Valley, Coral Island, and Castaway Paradise already captivating audiences on the Xbox, Ubisoft is gearing up to join a pretty competitive field.

Insider Gaming has shared some intriguing details about ‘Alterra.’ The game is reported to be a voxel-based social simulation heavily influenced by Nintendo’s iconic Animal Crossing. Players will find themselves on an island inhabited by quirky characters known as Matterlings, resembling those charming Funko Pop figures. But it doesn’t stop there—Ubisoft seems to be incorporating building mechanics reminiscent of Minecraft, allowing players to sculpt their ideal island paradise.

Beyond crafting cozy island homes, players will reportedly embark on journeys to other worlds. Each destination is themed around a unique biome, offering a diverse array of materials to gather for building back home. These worlds promise intriguing Matterlings, described as having those signature Funko-style big heads, along with themes inspired by both fictional and real-life creatures.

It seems Ubisoft is planning to mix things up over time, introducing new Matterling species and various iterations, complete with different outfits and styles. And while player interaction is hinted at, the specifics of multiplayer gameplay remain under wraps. Could this mean the possibility of visiting others’ islands?

This project has an interesting backstory, having evolved from a previously canceled voxel-based game, and it’s been in development for roughly a year and a half at Ubisoft Montreal. With Patrick Redding, known for his work on Gotham Knights, reportedly at the creative helm, and Fabien Lhéraud, a seasoned 24-year Ubisoft veteran, as the lead producer, expectations are certainly running high.

In more Ubisoft news, juicy tidbits about Assassin’s Creed Shadows have surfaced, focusing on its exciting stealth features. As for Alterra, are you curious to see how Ubisoft tackles the social sim genre? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so hit us up in the comments!