Summary
- An upcoming PlayStation game, Anime Life Sim, has drawn attention for its striking resemblance to Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
- The game not only shares similar visuals but also features a gameplay loop that mirrors that of ACNH.
- Anime Life Sim is developed and published by IndieGames3000, a studio known for its diverse portfolio of titles.
A new indie game that recently surfaced on the PlayStation Store, Anime Life Sim, has turned heads for its apparent resemblance to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This upcoming title seems to be a direct clone of Nintendo's popular life simulation game.
The Animal Crossing series has long been a source of inspiration for many games. While some have taken broad inspiration from the series, others have more directly borrowed elements. However, outright copies of the franchise are less common, and Anime Life Sim stands out as a notable example. Developed and published by IndieGames3000, a studio with a vast array of titles across various genres, this game has quickly caught the eye of gamers and critics alike.
Anime Life Sim's PS Store Page Basically Describes Animal Crossing
The similarities between Anime Life Sim and ACNH extend beyond the visual. The PS Store description of Anime Life Sim reads like a direct lift from Animal Crossing: New Horizons, promising a "charming social simulation" where players can build and decorate a home, befriend animal neighbors, and engage in daily activities such as fishing, catching bugs, gardening, crafting items, and discovering fossils. These are all core mechanics found in ACNH.
Game Rules Aren't Patentable, But Copying Visuals Can Spell Trouble
As noted by patent analyst Florian Mueller in a recent discussion with Game Rant, game rules are inherently unpatentable worldwide. This means there's no legal barrier to copying the gameplay mechanics of any game, including Animal Crossing: New Horizons. However, the situation becomes more complex with visuals. Art style, character design, and certain graphical elements can be protected by copyright law in many jurisdictions. Should Nintendo decide to take action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on the game's visual similarities to ACNH.
Nintendo has a well-established reputation for being highly litigious within the gaming industry. Yet, it remains unclear whether the company is actively considering legal action against Anime Life Sim, especially since it's uncertain if Nintendo is even aware of the game. Meanwhile, Anime Life Sim is slated for a February 2026 release, though the PS Store page does not specify whether it will be available on both PS4 and PS5.
