Ubisoft's 'Alterra': New Voxel-Based Social Sim Inspired by Animal Crossing Reportedly in Development for Nintendo Switch

With Animal Crossing: New Horizons standing as one of Nintendo Switch’s biggest success stories—reaching an astounding 46.45 million units sold globally—it's clear that the life simulation genre has a vast, dedicated audience.

This unprecedented popularity has inevitably inspired other developers to try their hand at the cozy social simulation formula, putting their own unique spin on the experience. One of the latest entrants is Ubisoft, which, according to a recent exclusive report from Insider Gaming, is in active development on an all-new social sim project codenamed 'Alterra.' The game is said to channel the community-building and charm that made Animal Crossing a phenomenon, while introducing a distinctive voxel-based visual style reminiscent of titles like The Touryst.

This modern, blocky aesthetic sets Alterra apart visually from its Nintendo counterpart, signaling a fresh approach to the familiar genre. Insider Gaming’s sources describe Alterra as centering on the player's journey to build a home life on an island teeming with creatures called Matterlings.

These inhabitants sport a quirky design—large heads and playful features—that creatively blend elements from both imaginary beings, such as dragons, and real-world animals like polar bears.

Although comparisons have been drawn to the iconic Funko Pop figures in their look, Ubisoft appears to be aiming for an inviting and whimsical atmosphere. Unlike Animal Crossing’s focus on peaceful, day-to-day island life, Alterra will reportedly encourage exploration across diverse biomes, offer players the chance to engage with enemies, and provide opportunities to gather special materials.

This expanded scope and the promise of varied environments suggest Ubisoft’s project could offer a fresh flavor for fans of the genre seeking new mechanics alongside deep customization. Development is said to be led by Patrick Redding of Ubisoft Montreal, known for his previous work on narrative-driven titles like Gotham Knights.

If the report holds true, the project remains early in production, with no confirmed release date or finalized platforms.

The speculation centers around the potential for a launch on Nintendo’s next-generation hardware, informally dubbed the 'Switch 2,' though Ubisoft has made no official announcements at this time. Social simulation games remain a thriving and evergreen genre, especially within Nintendo’s ecosystem.

Should Alterra make it to the Nintendo Switch or its successor, Ubisoft will face the challenge of differentiating its offering in a space largely defined by Nintendo’s own acclaimed series.

When reached for comment regarding Alterra, Ubisoft declined to provide details.

The gaming community will be watching closely for any official reveals, both from Ubisoft and from Nintendo regarding future Animal Crossing plans. As more information about Alterra emerges, readers can expect further updates, particularly regarding launch windows, gameplay features, and platform availability via official Ubisoft channels and Nintendo Direct presentations.

Nintendo Switch Ubisoft Animal Crossing Nintendo Switch Alterra Animal Crossing New Horizons Patrick Redding Ubisoft Montreal