Rumor has it that Ubisoft is crafting a new game called ‘Alterra’, which might pique the interest of those who love a good social simulator in the vein of Animal Crossing. With its voxel-based mechanics, it seems Ubisoft is aiming to carve out a niche among popular titles like Stardew Valley, Coral Island, and Castaway Paradise on the Xbox platform, setting the stage for some exciting competition.
According to reports from Insider Gaming, Alterra is shaping up to be a voxel-based social sim with a sprinkle of Nintendo’s Animal Crossing magic. Players will find themselves on an island home, surrounded by quirky NPCs known as Matterlings, who sport a unique Funko Pop aesthetic. The game is expected to employ Minecraft-like building mechanics, granting players the freedom to create and personalize their ideal island getaway.
In addition to our cozy island retreat, players will reportedly embark on journeys to various worlds, each featuring distinct biomes. These biomes will offer new materials crucial for constructing your dream island. Each world will be uniquely themed, from Matterlings with oversized heads inspired by both fictional creatures and real-life animals, to the diverse enemies and resources embedded in each environment.
The buzz suggests that Ubisoft plans to introduce new Matterlings throughout the game’s life, each with different attire and features. Multiplayer interactions are also hinted at, allowing players to possibly explore and engage with each other’s worlds, though the specifics remain under wraps.
Interestingly, Alterra emerged from the remnants of a previously canceled voxel-based project and has been in development for around 18 months at Ubisoft Montreal. Leading the charge is former Gotham Knights creative director Patrick Redding, with longtime Ubisoft veteran Fabien Lhéraud serving as the head producer.
Meanwhile, Ubisoft continues to excite fans with fresh details about the stealth elements in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. But back to Alterra – does a unique social sim from Ubisoft get you intrigued? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!