Rumor has it that Ubisoft is working on an intriguing new game called ‘Alterra’—a voxel-based social sim that takes cues from the beloved Animal Crossing series. As gamers increasingly invest their time in titles like Stardew Valley, Coral Island, and Castaway Paradise, Ubisoft is stepping into a competitive Xbox arena with this new offering.
According to Insider Gaming, Alterra aims to marry the charm of Nintendo’s Animal Crossing with the creative construction elements found in Minecraft. Picture this: an island paradise bustling with quirky Funko Pop-style characters known as Matterlings, all yours to personalize using Minecraft-like building mechanics.
As the adventure unfolds, players will reportedly journey to various worlds, each showcasing unique biomes. These exotic locales will offer fresh resources for crafting your dream island. The Matterlings, with their adorable big heads, draw inspiration from both fantastical creatures and real-world animals, adding a distinct flair to each themed biome.
Ubisoft seems committed to keeping the game dynamic, planning to introduce new Matterlings throughout its lifecycle. Each species will feature diverse clothing and styles, adding even more personalization. While multiplayer details remain a bit of a mystery, there’s speculation about the possibility of exploring each other’s islands—a delightful prospect for social gamers.
Interestingly, Alterra emerged from the ashes of another voxel-based project that was shelved. It’s been in development for the past 18 months at Ubisoft Montreal. Notably, the team includes Patrick Redding, who previously served as creative director for Gotham Knights, and Fabien Lhéraud, a seasoned Ubisoft developer with 24 years under his belt.
Switching gears slightly, there’s also buzz around fresh stealth mechanics being introduced in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. But focusing back on Alterra, what do you think? Is a social simulation game from Ubisoft something you’d eagerly anticipate? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
