Ubisoft Unveils 'Alterra,' a Minecraft-Inspired Social Simulation

Ubisoft Montreal is developing a new voxel-based game, codenamed "Alterra," blending the building mechanics of Minecraft with the social simulation aspects of Animal Crossing. This exciting project, reportedly born from a previously cancelled four-year development, features a unique gameplay loop.

Players will interact with "Matterlings," described as Funko Pop-esque creatures, on their home island. These Matterlings, inspired by both fantasy creatures and real-world animals, come in various forms depending on their attire. Beyond the home island, players can explore diverse biomes, each offering unique building materials—a forest, for example, provides plentiful wood. However, exploration isn't without peril; enemies will challenge players along the way.

The game has been in development for over 18 months, led by producer Fabien Lhéraud (24 years at Ubisoft) and creative director Patrick Redding (known for titles like Gotham Knights and Splinter Cell Blacklist). While details are scarce, and the project remains subject to change, "Alterra" promises a fresh take on the voxel genre.

Understanding Voxel Games:

Voxel games utilize tiny cubes to construct their 3D environments, offering a unique aesthetic and interaction. Unlike polygon-based games (like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2), voxel games provide solid, volumetric objects, preventing players from clipping through them. While polygon rendering is often favored for efficiency, Ubisoft's embrace of voxel technology in "Alterra" is intriguing.

This contrasts with games like Minecraft, which employs a voxel-like aesthetic but uses traditional polygon models for its blocks. The result in "Alterra" promises a unique visual experience.

Remember, this information is based on current reports and the game is still under development; specifics may evolve.