Summary
- An upcoming PlayStation game called Anime Life Sim has drawn attention for closely resembling Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
- The game not only mimics the visuals but also features a gameplay loop identical to that of ACNH.
- Anime Life Sim is developed and published by IndieGames3000, which has a broad portfolio of titles across various genres.
A new indie game, Anime Life Sim, has recently appeared on the PlayStation Store, sparking discussions for its striking resemblance to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This upcoming title, developed and published by IndieGames3000, seems to be a direct clone of Nintendo's popular social simulation game.
The Animal Crossing series has long been a source of inspiration for many game developers. While some have drawn broad concepts from the franchise, others have more directly adopted its elements. However, outright copies of the series are less common, making Anime Life Sim a notable case. IndieGames3000, known for its extensive catalog of games across various genres, is behind this project.
Anime Life Sim's PS Store Page Essentially Mirrors Animal Crossing
The similarities between Anime Life Sim and ACNH extend beyond visuals. The PS Store description of Anime Life Sim promises a "charming social simulation" where players can build and decorate homes, befriend animal neighbors, and engage in daily activities such as fishing, bug catching, gardening, crafting, and fossil hunting—activities that are central to Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Game Rules Aren't Patentable, But Copying Visuals Can Lead to Legal Issues
According to patent analyst Florian Mueller, game rules are not patentable worldwide, meaning developers can legally replicate gameplay mechanics, including those from Animal Crossing: New Horizons. However, the situation becomes more complex with visuals, as elements like art style, character design, and certain graphics can be protected by copyright law in many regions. Should Nintendo decide to take action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on the visual similarities between the two games.
Nintendo has a history of being protective of its intellectual property, though it remains uncertain whether the company will pursue legal action against Anime Life Sim. Currently, Anime Life Sim is slated for a February 2026 release, with its PS Store page not specifying whether it will be available on both PS4 and PS5.
