"Animal Crossing Clone Spotted on PlayStation Store"

Summary

• An upcoming PlayStation game called Anime Life Sim has drawn attention for appearing to be a blatant clone of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
• The game not only mimics the visual style but also replicates the gameplay mechanics of Nintendo's popular title.
• Anime Life Sim is developed and published by IndieGames3000, a studio known for a diverse portfolio of games.

A new indie game titled Anime Life Sim, recently listed on the PlayStation Store, has caught the eye of gamers for its striking resemblance to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This upcoming title seems to be a direct clone, drawing heavily from Nintendo's beloved franchise.

The Animal Crossing series has long been a source of inspiration for numerous games. While some have taken broader cues from the series, others have more directly borrowed specific elements. However, outright copies of the franchise are less common, making Anime Life Sim a notable example. Developed and published by IndieGames3000, a studio with an extensive catalog across various genres, this game has sparked significant interest due to its similarities with ACNH.

Anime Life Sim's PS Store Page Echoes Animal Crossing

The similarities extend beyond visuals. The description on Anime Life Sim's PS Store page mirrors the core elements of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, describing it as 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. These are all key mechanics found in ACNH.

Legal Implications of Copying Game Elements

According to patent analyst Florian Mueller, game rules cannot be patented anywhere in the world. This means that there's no legal barrier to copying the gameplay mechanics of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. However, the situation becomes more complex when it comes to visual elements. Art style, character design, and certain graphical features can be protected by copyright laws in many jurisdictions. If Nintendo were to pursue legal action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on the visual similarities to ACNH.

Nintendo is known for its aggressive legal stance in protecting its intellectual property. However, it remains uncertain whether the company is actively considering action against Anime Life Sim, or if the game is even on Nintendo's radar. Meanwhile, Anime Life Sim is slated for a February 2026 release, with no information yet on whether it will be available on PS4 in addition to PS5.