Ubisoft Develops Minecraft-Inspired Social Sim Game: "Alterra"

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.

The game's core gameplay loop is described as similar to Animal Crossing, focusing on social interaction and base building. Instead of traditional anthropomorphic characters, players will interact with "Matterlings," creatures described as resembling Funko Pops, with designs inspired by both fantastical creatures (like dragons) and familiar animals (cats, dogs, etc.). These Matterlings exhibit variations in appearance based on their attire.

Beyond the home island, players can explore diverse biomes, each offering unique building materials reminiscent of Minecraft's gameplay. For example, forested areas provide ample wood for construction. However, exploration isn't without peril, as hostile entities inhabit these different environments.

The project, led by 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 details remain scarce, and the project is subject to change, the use of voxel-based graphics distinguishes "Alterra" and promises a unique gaming experience. The game's blend of social simulation and exploration, coupled with its voxel art style, makes it a highly anticipated title. Remember, this information is based on early reports and should be considered preliminary.

What are Voxel Games?

Voxel games utilize a distinct rendering technique, constructing objects from tiny cubes or voxels arranged in three dimensions. This contrasts with polygon-based rendering, which uses triangles to create surfaces. The voxel approach provides a unique aesthetic and avoids the clipping issues sometimes seen in polygon-based games. While many games opt for polygon rendering for efficiency, Ubisoft's commitment to voxel technology in "Alterra" is noteworthy.