Blatant Animal Crossing Copy Appears on PlayStation Store

Summary

• A new PlayStation game, Anime Life Sim, has drawn attention for closely resembling Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
• The game not only shares similar visuals but also mimics the gameplay mechanics of ACNH.
• Anime Life Sim is developed and published by IndieGames3000 and is set for a February 2026 release.

A new indie game titled Anime Life Sim has recently caught the eye of gamers for its striking similarities to the beloved Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH). Listed on the PlayStation Store, this upcoming title from IndieGames3000 appears 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, with some drawing broad inspiration and others more directly copying specific elements. Anime Life Sim falls into the latter category, sparking discussions due to its close resemblance to ACNH.

Anime Life Sim's PS Store Page Echoes Animal Crossing

The description of Anime Life Sim on the PS Store is remarkably similar to that of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It promises a "charming social simulation" where players can build and decorate their homes, befriend animal neighbors, and engage in daily activities such as fishing, bug-catching, gardening, crafting, and fossil hunting. These activities mirror the core mechanics of ACNH, raising eyebrows among fans and critics alike.

Legal Considerations: Game Mechanics vs. Visuals

Florian Mueller, a noted patent analyst, has pointed out that game rules cannot be patented, meaning anyone can theoretically replicate the gameplay mechanics of any game, including ACNH. However, the visual elements of a game, such as art style, character design, and graphical elements, can be protected under copyright law. If Nintendo decides to take action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on the visual similarities rather than the gameplay mechanics.

Nintendo is known for its aggressive legal stance against intellectual property infringements. Yet, it remains uncertain whether the company will pursue action against Anime Life Sim, especially considering the game's current low profile. The title is slated for release in February 2026, but it's unclear if it will be available on both PS4 and PS5.

For fans of life simulation games, Anime Life Sim offers a familiar experience, but its close resemblance to ACNH has sparked a debate about creativity and originality in game development.