Summary
Ubisoft could be trying to echoAnimal Crossing’s success with a social sim of their own codenamedAlterra. It’s been more than four years sinceNew Horizonsbrought Nintendo’s cozy franchise back into the spotlight, and it took nearly eight years for the massively popular title to come out afterNew Leaf. Now, there’s a chanceAnimal Crossingfans won’t have to wait quite as long to scratch the same itch.
Animal Crossingdeveloped a cult following throughout its history, but its most recent mainline entry shot the series into a whole new level of popularity.New Horizonsis the second-best-selling gameon the Switch, even beating out the likes ofThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildandSuper 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 sourcesent Insider Gaming details about the project, claimingAlterrawill follow a similar gameplay loop toAnimal Crossingwhile offeringMinecraft-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 ofgames inspired byAnimal 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 saysAlterrawill place players on an island where they can interact with NPCs called Matterlings, similar toAnimal 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 echoesNew Horizons' gameplay. However,Alterrawill also reportedly let players build things with the materials they gather, like inMinecraft. Fans have already pointed out howAnimal CrossingandMinecraftare perfect matchesfor each other, so it makes sense that Ubisoft would want to combine the two.
The Matterlings inAlterrawon’t be an exact replica ofAnimal 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,Alterrawill use a voxel-based design not unlikeMinecraft, with the Matterlings looking something like Funko Pops. Of course, all details so far have yet to be confirmed. IfAlterrais real, it will likely be a few years before it comes out. There are rumblings thatthe nextAnimal Crossinggame will launch in 2026, which would likely outpaceAlterra, but this, too, is just a rumor for now.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
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’re able to 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.
