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 born from a previously canceled four-year development, features a unique gameplay loop.

Players will interact with "Matterlings," Funko Pop-esque creatures inspired by fantasy and real-world animals, on their home island. The cozy atmosphere allows for home design, collecting wildlife, and socializing, reminiscent of Animal Crossing.

Exploration extends beyond the home island, with players venturing into diverse biomes to gather resources for construction. Minecraft-style biome-specific building materials add another layer of gameplay. However, the journey isn't without peril, as enemies will challenge players.

Matterlings boast diverse appearances, with variations in clothing adding to their charm. The game has been in development for over 18 months, led by producer Fabien Lhéraud (24 years at Ubisoft) and creative director Patrick Redding (known for his work on titles like Gotham Knights and Splinter Cell Blacklist).

While details remain scarce, the use of voxel technology, distinct from Minecraft's voxel-like aesthetic, is a key feature. Unlike polygon-based rendering, voxel technology provides true volumetric objects, eliminating the clipping issues common in polygon-based games.

This innovative approach, combined with the compelling gameplay loop, makes "Alterra" a promising title, though its still-early development stage warrants caution regarding future changes.