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 evolved from a previously cancelled four-year project.

The core gameplay loop, according to sources, mirrors the charm of Animal Crossing. Instead of anthropomorphic characters, players interact with "Matterlings," creatures resembling Funko Pops, on a home island. These Matterlings, inspired by both fantastical creatures (dragons) and familiar animals (cats, dogs), boast diverse appearances based on their attire. Players can customize their homes, explore diverse biomes for resources, and engage with the Matterlings. However, the journey won't be without peril, as enemies inhabit these biomes.

The Minecraft influence is evident in the biome-specific building materials: forested areas provide ample wood, for example. The game's development, spanning over 18 months, is led by producer Fabien Lhéraud (24 years at Ubisoft) and creative director Patrick Redding (known for Gotham Knights, Splinter Cell Blacklist, and Far Cry 2).

While the concept is exciting, remember that "Alterra" is still in development and subject to change.

Understanding Voxel Games

Voxel games utilize a distinctive rendering technique. Objects are constructed from tiny cubes (voxels), assembled to create 3D models. This contrasts with polygon-based rendering (used in games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2), which employs triangles to form surfaces. Voxel games offer a unique solidity; unlike polygon-based games where clipping through objects might reveal empty space, voxel objects maintain their volume. While polygon rendering is often favored for efficiency, Ubisoft's embrace of voxel technology in "Alterra" makes it a noteworthy project.