Rumor has it that Ubisoft is diving into a new realm with their upcoming game ‘Alterra,’ a voxel-based social simulation that seems to blend elements from popular titles like Animal Crossing. This is an interesting move, considering the lineup of games such as Stardew Valley, Coral Island, and Castaway Paradise that have already captured the hearts of Xbox users in this genre.
Recent insights from Insider Gaming suggest that Alterra will serve up an experience familiar to fans of Nintendo’s Animal Crossing. We’re talking about charming island homes populated by Funko Pop-esque NPCs known as Matterlings. But it’s not just about the aesthetics; Ubisoft seems to be taking a page from Minecraft, offering building mechanics that allow players to shape and craft their ideal island surroundings.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Alterra reportedly includes the exploration of various worlds, each with its own unique biomes brimming with materials waiting to be gathered. These worlds will echo themes, with Matterlings, adversaries, and resources styled to match. The Matterlings, with their oversized heads, draw inspiration from a mix of mythical beings and familiar fauna, adding a whimsical touch to the storytelling.
The dynamic nature of Alterra also seems to extend to its non-playable characters, with plans for new Matterlings and various outfits throughout the game’s lifecycle. Interaction with fellow players is on the table, though details about multiplayer features are still under wraps. Could this mean a chance to wander through other players’ crafted worlds? Only time will tell.
Interestingly, Alterra has its roots in another shelved voxel-based project and has been under the creative direction of former Gotham Knights’ Patrick Redding for the past 18 months at the Ubisoft Montreal studio. The project’s production is being spearheaded by Ubisoft veteran of 24 years, Fabien Lhéraud.
Shifting gears for a moment, it seems Ubisoft is also cooking up some intriguing stealth elements in the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows. But back to Alterra—what do you think about Ubisoft stepping into the social sim arena? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
