Ubisoft Develops a Game Inspired by Animal Crossing

Ubisoft might just be diving into the cozy gaming scene with a project that’s resonating Animal Crossing vibes, calling it Alterra. It’s hard to forget how New Horizons hit the ground running, completely revitalizing Nintendo’s beloved series after an eight-year breather following New Leaf. Now, it seems, fans of that gentle island life might get their fix sooner than expected, and not just from Nintendo.

Gaming enthusiasts know the story: Animal Crossing began as a humble series and captured a loyal audience over the years, building up to its latest triumph. New Horizons didn’t just succeed—it skyrocketed to become the second-highest selling game on the Switch, surpassing heavy hitters like Zelda and Smash Bros. Despite this, news on the franchise’s future remains sparse with Nintendo focusing more on mobile efforts like Pocket Camp. Yet whispers suggest Ubisoft is up to something that could keep those mellow vibes flowing.

An intriguing rumor from Insider Gaming reveals that Ubisoft’s secret development, Alterra, borrows heavily from the playful loop of Animal Crossing while adding a twist of Minecraft’s building mechanics. Despite a prior setback—a similar endeavor scrapped after four years—Ubisoft has had its team returning to the drawing board for about 18 months now. While numerous indie games nod to Animal Crossing’s charm, a powerhouse like Ubisoft getting involved could turn many heads if these rumors pan out.

Imagine this: Alterra could emerge as a delightful fusion of Animal Crossing’s community spirit with Minecraft’s creative construction. An insider describes an inviting world where players interact not just with NPCs dubbed Matterlings, akin to our fuzzy friends in Animal Crossing, but also journey from island to island, striking up friendships, meeting new Matterlings, and collecting rare materials—a tip of the hat to New Horizons’ travel features. Additionally, Alterra introduces a building mechanic reminiscent of Minecraft’s, potentially crafting a unique gaming experience seasoned fans have craved.

Is the comparison to Animal Crossing uncanny? Sure, but those adorable Matterlings promise something different—not simple villagers but fantastical creatures like dragons and monsters as well as familiar animals, all designed in a delightful, voxel-based style reminiscent of Funko Pops. Naturally, all these details exist firmly in the realm of speculation, and if Alterra is truly in the works as claimed, we’re likely years away from its debut. Speculation also floats around the next Animal Crossing potentially arriving by 2026, promising a bustling time ahead for fans of tranquil island escapades.