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

Ubisoft Montreal, renowned for titles like Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Far Cry 6, is reportedly developing a new voxel-based game codenamed "Alterra." According to a recent Insider Gaming report, this project, drawing inspiration from both Minecraft and Animal Crossing, emerged from a previously cancelled four-year development.

This social simulation game features a gameplay loop similar to Animal Crossing, but instead of anthropomorphic villagers, players interact with creatures called "Matterlings" on a home island. Players can customize their homes, explore diverse biomes to gather resources, and encounter various Matterlings. However, the exploration isn't without peril; enemies inhabit these biomes. Building mechanics resemble Minecraft, with different biomes providing unique building materials – forests, for example, offer plentiful wood.

The Matterlings are described as having a "Funko Pop"-esque design, featuring large heads and designs inspired by both fantasy creatures (dragons) and familiar animals (cats, dogs). Variations exist based on attire.

Development, led by Fabien Lhéraud (a 24-year Ubisoft veteran) and creative director Patrick Redding (known for Gotham Knights, Splinter Cell Blacklist, and Far Cry 2), has been underway for over 18 months, beginning in December 2020.

While exciting, remember that "Alterra" is still in development and details may change.

Understanding Voxel Games

Voxel games utilize a unique rendering method. Objects are constructed from tiny cubes or voxels, assembled to create 3D models. Think of it as digital LEGO. This differs from the polygon-based rendering used in many games, including Minecraft (which uses a voxel-like aesthetic but employs polygon models for individual blocks). Voxel games offer a distinct advantage: there's no empty space within objects, as each voxel occupies a defined space. This contrasts with polygon-based games where clipping through objects might reveal empty interiors. While polygon rendering is often preferred for efficiency, Ubisoft's "Alterra" promises a compelling experience using voxel-based graphics.