Animal Crossing Clone Spotted on PlayStation Store

Summary

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

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

The Animal Crossing franchise has long inspired other games, with some drawing broad inspiration while others more directly emulate its features. While outright copies are less common, Anime Life Sim stands out as a clear example. Developed and published by IndieGames3000, a studio known for its diverse range of titles, this game has sparked significant interest due to its similarities to ACNH.

Anime Life Sim's PS Store Page Echoes Animal Crossing

The similarities between Anime Life Sim and ACNH extend beyond visuals. The PS Store description of Anime Life Sim mirrors that of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, promising a "charming social simulation" where players can build and decorate homes, befriend animal neighbors, and engage in daily activities such as fishing, bug catching, gardening, crafting, and fossil hunting. These are all core mechanics found in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Legal Considerations: Game Rules vs. Visuals

According to patent analyst Florian Mueller, game rules are not patentable worldwide, meaning there's no legal barrier to copying game mechanics, including those from Animal Crossing: New Horizons. However, the situation becomes more complex with visuals. Art style, character design, and certain graphical elements can be protected by copyright law in many jurisdictions. If Nintendo decides to take action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on the visual similarities to ACNH.

Nintendo is known for its litigious nature within the gaming industry, but it remains uncertain whether the company will pursue legal action against Anime Life Sim. Currently, the game is slated for a February 2026 release, with its PS Store page not specifying whether it will be available on both PS4 and PS5.