Ubisoft Montreal is reportedly developing a social simulation game codenamed Alterra, blending elements inspired by Nintendo ADR's (OTC:NTDOY) Animal Crossing and Microsoft Corp.'s (NASDAQ:MSFT) Minecraft.

The project, led by former Gotham Knights creative director Patrick Redding has been in development for approximately 18 months, according to a report from Insider Gaming.

A New Direction: Social Sims And Voxel Creativity

Alterra is said to have emerged from the remnants of a canceled Ubisoft Montreal project, which also centered around voxel-based creation.

The new game is described as an "Animal Crossing-inspired social sim," where players inhabit a home island shared with NPCs known as Matterlings. These quirky characters are likened to Funko Pop figures, featuring exaggerated head proportions and designs that blend fictional and real-world creatures, ranging from polar bears to dragons.

The gameplay reportedly combines social elements with a voxel-based building mechanic reminiscent of Minecraft. Players gather resources from different biomes beyond their home island to craft items and structures. Each biome features unique Matterlings, enemies and materials.

For example, an ice biome might host snow-themed Matterlings and provide resources for crafting objects made of snow and ice. Players may also encounter others while exploring these diverse regions.

Key Talent And Timeline

The project is helmed by Ubisoft Entertainment SA's (OTC:UBSFF) veteran Fabien Lhéraud, serving as lead producer, alongside Redding's creative leadership.

While details remain limited, Insider Gaming's report suggests that Alterra is still in its early stages, with a release likely several years away.

The Broader Ubisoft Landscape

The publisher is gearing up for the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows and Anno 117: Pax Romana next year. Meanwhile, projects like Beyond Good & Evil 2 and the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake continue to face protracted development timelines, with the latter now eyeing a 2026 release.

In addition, Ubisoft recently ventured into blockchain gaming, launching its first NFT-based game featuring collectible figurines priced as high as $64,000.

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