Minecraft-Like Social Sim Game “Alterra” In Development by Ubisoft

Ubisoft Montreal is developing a new voxel-based game, codenamed "Alterra," blending the building mechanics of Minecraft with the social simulation aspects of Animal Crossing. This exciting project, reportedly resurrected from a previously cancelled four-year endeavor, promises a unique gameplay experience.

A Blend of Building and Social Interaction

The core gameplay loop, according to Insider Gaming, will strongly resemble Animal Crossing. Players will interact with "Matterlings," creatures described as resembling Funko Pops, on their home island. These Matterlings, inspired by both fantasy creatures and real-world animals, boast diverse appearances based on their attire.

Beyond the home island, players can explore various biomes, collecting resources for construction and encountering new Matterlings. The Minecraft influence is evident in the biome-specific building materials; forests, for example, provide ample wood. However, these explorations aren't without peril, as enemies will challenge players along the way.

Development and Team

Under the leadership of Fabien Lhéraud (lead producer, 24 years at Ubisoft) and Patrick Redding (creative director, known for his work on titles like Gotham Knights and Splinter Cell), "Alterra" has been in development for over 18 months. While this information is promising, remember that the game is still under development and details are subject to change.

Understanding Voxel Games

Voxel games utilize tiny cubes to construct 3D environments, offering a unique visual style often compared to digital LEGO bricks. While Minecraft employs a similar aesthetic, it technically utilizes traditional polygon rendering for its blocks. True voxel games, like the planned "Alterra," render each cube individually, resulting in a distinct volumetric feel. This contrasts with polygon-based games (like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2) where objects are formed from surfaces, potentially leading to visual glitches when players interact with them.

Ubisoft's embrace of voxel technology for "Alterra" is noteworthy, promising a visually distinct and potentially innovative gaming experience. Further details are eagerly awaited.