Ubisoft Montreal, the studio behind the acclaimed Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, is reportedly developing a new social simulation game inspired by the beloved Animal Crossing franchise. This upcoming title, currently codenamed Alterra, is said to incorporate building mechanics reminiscent of Minecraft, with former Gotham Knights creative director Patrick Redding at the helm.
Game Development Insights
According to Insider Gaming, Alterra has been in development for approximately 18 months. The project reportedly emerged from the remnants of a previous Ubisoft Montreal endeavor that was shelved after four years. Both games share a common theme centered around voxel creation, which is a hallmark of the genre.
Insider Gaming’s sources describe Alterra as an engaging “Animal Crossing-inspired social sim” where players will inhabit a vibrant home island inhabited by charming NPCs known as Matterlings. These unique characters are likened to Funko Pop figures, featuring oversized heads and designs that blend elements from both fictional and real-world creatures, ranging from polar bears to dragons.
The social dynamics of Alterra are complemented by its voxel creation features, allowing players to build and craft items using resources scavenged from their surroundings. Players will explore diverse biomes, each teeming with specific resources and various Matterling types, as well as unique enemies and materials. For instance, an ice biome is said to host snow-ice Matterlings, where players can create objects from snow and ice.
Furthermore, players will have the opportunity to encounter others in the expansive world, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
Insider Gaming also notes that Ubisoft veteran Fabien Lhéraud is leading the production of Alterra, although the game’s release is anticipated to be a few years away.
As for Ubisoft’s broader release schedule, it remains somewhat uncertain beyond the upcoming titles, including the delayed Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Anno 117: Pax Romana. The publisher has confirmed that a new Rayman project is currently in the exploration phase, alongside the long-awaited Beyond Good & Evil 2 and the troubled Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake, which is now aiming for a 2026 launch. In a notable shift, Ubisoft has also recently ventured into the blockchain space, launching its first game featuring NFT figurines priced as high as £50,000.
