Ubisoft Unveils "Alterra": Social Sim Game Inspired by Minecraft

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 core gameplay loop, according to sources, mirrors the charm of Animal Crossing. Instead of anthropomorphic villagers, players interact with "Matterlings," creatures resembling Funko Pop figures with oversized heads, inspired by both fantastical beings (like dragons) and familiar animals (cats, dogs, etc.). These Matterlings exhibit variations in appearance based on their attire.

Players establish a home base on a central island, customizing their dwellings and engaging in typical Animal Crossing activities. However, the experience extends beyond this island. Exploration of diverse biomes is a key element, with each biome offering unique building materials – forests providing wood, for example. This exploration isn't without peril; hostile creatures populate the game world. The Minecraft influence is evident in this aspect of resource gathering and biome-specific building.

Fabien Lhéraud, a 24-year Ubisoft veteran, leads production on "Alterra," a project in development for over 18 months (commencing December 2020). His LinkedIn profile confirms his involvement in a "Next Gen Unannounced Project." Patrick Redding, known for his work on Gotham Knights, Splinter Cell Blacklist, and Far Cry 2, is reportedly the creative director.

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

Understanding Voxel Games:

Voxel games utilize a distinctive rendering technique. Objects are constructed from small cubes or voxels, assembled to create complex 3D structures. This contrasts with polygon-based rendering (used in games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2), where surfaces are formed from triangles. Voxel games, unlike polygon-based games, avoid the "clipping" issue where players can pass through solid objects.

While Minecraft employs a voxel-like aesthetic, it's not technically a voxel game, utilizing traditional polygon models for its blocks. Ubisoft's embrace of true voxel technology in "Alterra" makes this project particularly noteworthy.