"Animal Crossing Clone Spotted on PlayStation Store"

Summary

• An upcoming PlayStation game called Anime Life Sim recently garnered attention for looking like a blatant Animal Crossing clone.
• The game seems to rip off the latest entry in Nintendo's series, New Horizons.
• Aside from having identical visuals, Anime Life Sim seems to feature a gameplay loop that's the same as that of ACNH.

A new indie game that has recently surfaced on the PlayStation Store has caught the attention of many for its striking resemblance to Animal Crossing, particularly the latest installment, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The upcoming title, Anime Life Sim, appears to be a direct clone of the beloved Nintendo series.

The Animal Crossing franchise has long been a source of inspiration for numerous games. While some of these titles have taken broad, conceptual cues from Nintendo's series, others have more directly borrowed specific elements.

While outright copies of the franchise are less common, Anime Life Sim stands out as a clear example. This indie game, developed and published by IndieGames3000—a studio with a diverse portfolio spanning various genres—was recently listed on the PlayStation Store. It immediately drew significant attention due to its apparent similarities to Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Anime Life Sim's PS Store Page Basically Describes Animal Crossing

The resemblances between Anime Life Sim and ACNH extend beyond just the visuals. The PS Store description of Anime Life Sim mirrors that of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, touting a "charming social simulation" where players can build and decorate their homes, 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 Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Game Rules Aren't Patentable, But Copying Visuals Can Spell Trouble

According to long-time patent analyst Florian Mueller, game rules cannot be patented anywhere in the world. This means there is no legal barrier to copying the mechanics of any game, including Animal Crossing: New Horizons. However, the situation becomes more complex when it comes to visual elements. Art style, character design, and certain graphical elements can be protected under copyright law in many jurisdictions. If Nintendo decides to take action against Anime Life Sim, their focus would likely be on the visual similarities between the two games.

Nintendo has a well-established reputation for being highly protective of its intellectual property. It remains uncertain whether the company is actively considering legal action against Anime Life Sim, especially if the game has yet to catch their attention. Meanwhile, Anime Life Sim is slated for a February 2026 release on the PlayStation Store, though it is not specified whether it will be available on both PS4 and PS5.