Ubisoft Allegedly Creating a Social Simulation Game Inspired by Animal Crossing

Rumor has it that Ubisoft is cooking up something exciting in the form of a new game named ‘Alterra.’ This project is said to be a voxel-based social simulator that takes inspiration from the beloved Animal Crossing series. With popular games like Stardew Valley, Coral Island, and Castaway Paradise already capturing the hearts of many players on Xbox, Ubisoft certainly has some competition ahead in this space.

Insider Gaming has shed some light on these whispers, suggesting that Alterra combines the cozy vibe of Animal Crossing with the creative freedom found in Minecraft. It seems players will enjoy an island abode populated with charming Funko Pop-style characters, known in the game as Matterlings. The magic doesn’t stop there; Ubisoft reportedly integrates Minecraft-esque building mechanics, giving players the freedom to construct their ideal island paradise.

Beyond our quaint island, Alterra promises to broaden horizons by allowing us to journey to various worlds, each bursting with unique biomes. Here, players can gather new materials essential for enhancing their home world creations. Each world is themed, with its own distinct set of Matterlings, adversaries, and resources, all brought to life with a combination of whimsical creatures and real-world animal inspirations.

Word has it that Ubisoft intends to continually expand the Matterling roster while altering their appearances, such as clothing styles, as the game evolves. Although details on multiplayer features remain vague, there’s talk of potential interactivity with fellow players, possibly even exploring their crafted worlds.

Interestingly, Alterra reportedly emerged from the remnants of another abandoned voxel-based project, having been in the works for 18 months under Ubisoft Montreal. The project boasts notable talent, including Patrick Redding, former creative director of Gotham Knights, now in a similar role, along with Fabien Lhéraud, a seasoned Ubisoft veteran, taking the lead as producer.

Meanwhile, another Ubisoft gem, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, is creating buzz with new insights into its stealth mechanics. But returning to Alterra, how does a social simulator from Ubisoft sound to you? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share in the comments!