Summary
- Ubisoft is potentially working on an Animal Crossing-style game with Minecraft-inspired building features.
- Devs have reportedly been working on the project for roughly 18 months after Ubisoft canceled a similar title that was four years into development.
- Codenamed Alterra, the game will use a voxel-based design.
Ubisoft could be trying to echo Animal Crossing's success with a social sim of their own codenamed Alterra. It's been more than four years since New Horizons brought Nintendo's cozy franchise back into the spotlight, and it took nearly eight years for the massively popular title to come out after New Leaf. Now, there's a chance Animal Crossing fans won't have to wait quite as long to scratch the same itch.
Animal Crossing developed a cult following throughout its history, but its most recent mainline entry shot the series into a whole new level of popularity. New Horizons is the second-best-selling game on the Switch, even beating out the likes of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. In the four years since, Nintendo has released relatively little about the franchise's future outside its mobile spin-off, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp. If current rumors hold true, though, fans could get their next cozy game fix from Ubisoft.
A reported inside source sent Insider Gaming details about the project, claiming Alterra will follow a similar gameplay loop to Animal Crossing while offering Minecraft-adjacent building features. Devs have reportedly been working on the project for roughly 18 months after Ubisoft canceled a similar title that was four years into development. There are already plenty of games inspired by Animal Crossing, though most of these come from indie studios. A name as big as Ubisoft backing such a project would certainly be worth noting if the rumors are true.
Alterra Could Be an Animal Crossing-Minecraft Hybrid
Insider Gaming's source says Alterra will place players on an island where they can interact with NPCs called Matterlings, similar to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Users will also be able to travel between islands to meet other players, encounter new Matterlings, and find unique resources, which also echoes New Horizons' gameplay. However, Alterra will also reportedly let players build things with the materials they gather, like in Minecraft. Fans have already pointed out how Animal Crossing and Minecraft are perfect matches for each other, so it makes sense that Ubisoft would want to combine the two.
The Matterlings in Alterra won't be an exact replica of Animal Crossing's villagers. While some will be inspired by real-world animals, others will be dragons, monsters, and other fictional creatures. As far as art styles go, Alterra will use a voxel-based design not unlike Minecraft, with the Matterlings looking something like Funko Pops. Of course, all details so far have yet to be confirmed. If Alterra is real, it will likely be a few years before it comes out. There are rumblings that the next Animal Crossing game will launch in 2026, which would likely outpace Alterra, but this, too, is just a rumor for now.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- March 20, 2020
- ESRB
- Everyone / Comic Mischief, Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- Havok
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
- Expansions
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Happy Home Paradise
WHERE TO PLAY
Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.
Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online** or with others beside you***, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you’ll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.
- Franchise
- Animal Crossing
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
- How Long To Beat
- 100 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
