Blatant Animal Crossing Copy Appears on PlayStation Store

Summary

• Anime Life Sim, an upcoming PlayStation game, has drawn criticism for its striking resemblance to Animal Crossing.
• The game appears to be a near-identical copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, mirroring both its visuals and gameplay.
• The similarities extend beyond aesthetics, encompassing core gameplay mechanics.

A new indie game on the PlayStation Store, Anime Life Sim, has sparked controversy for its blatant imitation of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This isn't the first time a game has drawn inspiration from Nintendo's popular life sim, but Anime Life Sim's level of imitation is noteworthy. While some games borrow broad concepts, Anime Life Sim appears to be a direct clone. Developed and published by IndieGames3000, a studio with a diverse portfolio, the game's appearance has generated significant online discussion.

Anime Life Sim's PS Store Listing: A Near-Identical Description

The similarities between Anime Life Sim and ACNH extend beyond superficial resemblance. The PS Store description mirrors New Horizons' core features, promising a "charming social simulation" with home building, decorating, befriending animal neighbors, and engaging in activities like fishing, bug catching, gardening, crafting, and fossil hunting—all key mechanics in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Gameplay Mechanics vs. Visual Copyright

According to patent analyst Florian Mueller, game rules themselves aren't patentable. This means copying gameplay mechanics isn't inherently illegal. However, visual elements like art style, character design, and specific graphical assets are often protected by copyright. If Nintendo chooses to pursue legal action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on these visual similarities to Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Nintendo's history of legal action is well-documented. Whether they will target Anime Life Sim remains uncertain. Currently, the game is slated for a February 2026 release, though its PS Store page doesn't specify PS4 or PS5 exclusivity.