Summary
- An upcoming PlayStation game called Anime Life Sim has drawn attention for its striking resemblance to Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
- The game not only mirrors the visual style but also replicates the core gameplay mechanics of ACNH.
- Anime Life Sim is developed and published by IndieGames3000 and is slated for a February 2026 release.
A new indie game, Anime Life Sim, recently listed on the PlayStation Store, has caught the eye of gamers for its uncanny resemblance to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This upcoming title appears to be a direct clone of Nintendo's popular life simulation game.
The Animal Crossing series has long been a source of inspiration for numerous games. While some have taken broad concepts from the franchise, others have more directly borrowed specific elements. However, outright copies of the series are less common, and Anime Life Sim stands out as a particularly bold example. Developed and published by IndieGames3000, a studio known for its diverse portfolio of games, Anime Life Sim has quickly garnered attention due to its similarities with ACNH.
Anime Life Sim's PS Store Page Basically Describes Animal Crossing
The resemblance between Anime Life Sim and Animal Crossing: New Horizons extends beyond mere visuals. The description on the PS Store page for Anime Life Sim promises a "charming social simulation" that includes building and decorating a home, befriending animal neighbors, and engaging in daily activities such as fishing, catching bugs, gardening, crafting items, and discovering fossils. These are all key mechanics featured in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Game Rules Aren't Patentable, But Copying Visuals Can Spell Trouble
According to long-time patent analyst Florian Mueller, game rules cannot be patented globally. This means that there's no legal barrier to copying the gameplay of any game, including Animal Crossing: New Horizons. However, the situation becomes more complex with visuals. Elements such as art style, character design, and graphical components can be protected under copyright law in many jurisdictions. Should Nintendo decide to take action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on the visual similarities to ACNH.
Nintendo is known for its aggressive legal stance in the gaming industry. However, it remains uncertain whether the company is actively considering legal action against Anime Life Sim, or even if the game is on Nintendo's radar. As it stands, Anime Life Sim is scheduled for release in February 2026, though it's unclear whether it will be available on both PS4 and PS5.
