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

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

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 canceled four-year voxel project.

The core gameplay loop, sources suggest, will closely resemble Animal Crossing. Instead of anthropomorphic villagers, players will interact with "Matterlings," creatures described as resembling Funko Pops, with designs inspired by both fantasy creatures (dragons) and familiar animals (cats, dogs). These Matterlings exhibit variations based on their attire.

Beyond the home island, players can explore diverse biomes, gathering unique materials for construction, mirroring Minecraft's crafting mechanics. For example, forested areas provide ample wood. However, these explorations aren't without peril, as hostile entities inhabit these regions.

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.

Understanding Voxel Games:

Voxel games utilize a unique rendering technique. Objects are constructed from tiny cubes (voxels), assembled to create complex 3D models. This contrasts with polygon-based rendering (used in games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2), which employs triangles to define surfaces. Voxel games offer a distinct visual style and solid object interaction, unlike polygon-based games where clipping through objects is more common. While polygon rendering is often favored for efficiency, Ubisoft's commitment to voxel technology in "Alterra" is intriguing.

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