Alterra: Social Sim Sets Course for Minecraft-Inspired Adventure

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.

Blending Building and Social Interaction

The core gameplay loop, according to sources, mirrors the charm of Animal Crossing. Players interact with "Matterlings," unique characters residing on a home island, engaging in activities reminiscent of the popular life-simulation game. Beyond the home island, players can explore diverse biomes, collecting resources and interacting with different Matterlings. However, this exploration isn't without peril, as enemies populate these environments.

Minecraft-inspired mechanics are evident in the biome-specific building materials. For example, forested areas provide ample wood for construction. Matterlings, described as resembling Funko Pop figures with large heads, are inspired by both fantastical creatures and familiar animals like cats and dogs, each exhibiting variations in attire.

Development and Creative Team

"Alterra" has been in development for over 18 months, led by producer Fabien Lhéraud (a 24-year Ubisoft veteran) and creative director Patrick Redding (known for his work on Gotham Knights, Splinter Cell Blacklist, and Far Cry 2). Lhéraud's LinkedIn profile confirms his involvement in a "Next Gen Unannounced Project" starting December 2020.

A Deeper Dive into Voxel Technology

Voxel games utilize tiny cubes or pixels to construct and render 3D objects, offering a unique aesthetic reminiscent of digital LEGO bricks. While Minecraft employs a voxel-like visual style, it uses traditional polygon models for its blocks. In contrast, true voxel games, like the anticipated "Alterra," provide a distinct volumetric experience, eliminating the clipping issues common in polygon-based games.

While still under development and subject to change, "Alterra" promises a fresh and exciting take on the voxel genre, combining elements of social simulation and exploration with a unique visual style. Remember to approach this information with cautious optimism, as details may evolve during the development process.