Minecraft-Like Social Sim Game “Alterra” In Development by Ubisoft

Ubisoft Montreal Unveils "Alterra," a Novel Voxel-Based Social Simulation Game

Ubisoft Montreal, renowned for titles like Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Far Cry 6, is reportedly developing a new voxel game codenamed "Alterra," as revealed by Insider Gaming on November 26th. This project, drawing inspiration from both Minecraft and Animal Crossing, reportedly emerged from a previously cancelled four-year development effort.

The game's core gameplay loop is described as similar to Animal Crossing's social simulation mechanics. Instead of anthropomorphic villagers, players will interact with "Matterlings," creatures resembling Funko Pop figures with oversized heads. These Matterlings, inspired by fantastical creatures and familiar animals like cats and dogs, exhibit variations in appearance based on their attire.

Players will establish a home base on a starting island, customizing their dwellings and engaging with the Matterlings. Exploration extends beyond the home island, with diverse biomes offering unique building materials and encounters with various Matterlings. However, the journey won't be without peril, as hostile entities will challenge players. The game incorporates Minecraft-esque mechanics, tying biomes to specific resources; for example, forested areas provide abundant wood for construction.

The project, helmed by lead producer Fabien Lhéraud (a 24-year Ubisoft veteran) and creative director Patrick Redding (known for his work on Gotham Knights, Splinter Cell Blacklist, and Far Cry 2), has been in development for over 18 months, commencing in December 2020.

While the details are exciting, it's crucial to remember that "Alterra" is still under development and subject to change.

Understanding Voxel Games:

Voxel games utilize a unique rendering technique, constructing objects from small cubes or voxels. This differs from polygon-based rendering used in many games, including what is often mistakenly considered a voxel game, Minecraft (which uses a voxel-like aesthetic but employs traditional polygon models). True voxel games, like the planned "Alterra," offer a distinct visual and interactive experience. The image below illustrates the difference between voxel and polygon rendering.

Ubisoft's foray into voxel-based game development with "Alterra" presents a promising and innovative direction for the studio. Further updates are eagerly awaited.