Ubisoft Developing “Alterra”: A Social Simulator Inspired by Animal Crossing and Minecraft

Introduction

Renowned journalist Tom Henderson has unveiled details about Alterra, an unannounced game from Ubisoft. Inspired by hits like Animal Crossing and Minecraft, Alterra is shaping up to be a unique social simulator with expansive gameplay features.

What Is Alterra?

Alterra is described as a social simulation game in the vein of Animal Crossing. Players will inhabit an island filled with NPCs known as “Matterlings”. The game offers an opportunity to explore beyond your home island, venturing into other worlds featuring diverse biomes, enemies, resources, and interactive opportunities.

Key Gameplay Features

• Island Living: Players will interact with NPCs called Matterlings and engage in daily activities on their home island.
• Exploration: The game allows players to travel to other worlds with varying biomes such as snowy landscapes, forests, and deserts.
• Multiplayer Interaction: Players will be able to connect and collaborate with others in these expansive worlds.

Minecraft-Inspired Building Mechanics

According to Henderson’s sources, building in Alterra will bear similarities to Minecraft. For example, constructing icy or snowy structures will require players to gather specific resources from winter biomes. This dynamic encourages exploration and resource collection across different environments.

Development Details

• Studio: The game is under development at Ubisoft Montreal, a studio renowned for its innovative projects.
• Creative Leadership: The development is led by Patrick Redding, who previously served as the creative director for Gotham Knights at Warner Bros.
• Experienced Production Team: The project is being produced by Fabien Lero, a veteran with 24 years at Ubisoft.

Release Timeline

Although Alterra has been in development for over 1.5 years, Henderson estimates that the game is still several years away from release. This timeline suggests Ubisoft is taking the time to create a polished and immersive experience for players.

Conclusion

Alterra is shaping up to be a promising addition to Ubisoft’s lineup, blending elements from Animal Crossing and Minecraft into a unique social simulator. With its focus on exploration, building, and multiplayer interaction, the game has the potential to captivate a wide audience. Fans will need to stay tuned for further updates as Ubisoft continues its development journey.