"Animal Crossing Clone Spotted on PlayStation Store"

Summary

• An upcoming PlayStation game called Anime Life Sim has drawn attention for its striking resemblance to Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
• The game not only shares similar visuals but also features a gameplay loop identical to that of ACNH.
• Anime Life Sim, developed and published by IndieGames3000, is set to release in February 2026.

A new indie game titled Anime Life Sim has recently appeared on the PlayStation Store, sparking discussions for its close resemblance to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This upcoming title, developed and published by IndieGames3000, seems to be a direct clone of Nintendo's beloved series.

The Animal Crossing franchise has inspired numerous games over the years, with some drawing broad inspiration and others borrowing more directly from its mechanics. While outright copies are less common, Anime Life Sim stands out as a clear example of the latter. The game has caught the eye of many due to its similarities to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, both in terms of visuals and gameplay.

Anime Life Sim's PS Store Page Basically Describes Animal Crossing

The similarities between Anime Life Sim and ACNH extend beyond the surface. The PlayStation Store description of Anime Life Sim mirrors that of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, promising a "charming social simulation" where players can build and decorate their homes, befriend animal neighbors, and engage in daily activities such as fishing, bug catching, gardening, crafting, and fossil hunting—activities that are central to the gameplay of ACNH.

Game Rules Aren't Patentable, But Copying Visuals Can Spell Trouble

According to patent analyst Florian Mueller, game rules are not patentable worldwide, meaning there is no legal barrier to copying the mechanics of any game, including Animal Crossing: New Horizons. However, the situation becomes more complex with visuals. Art styles, character designs, and certain graphical elements can be protected under copyright laws in many regions. If Nintendo decides to take action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on the visual similarities between the games.

Nintendo is known for its proactive legal stance in the gaming industry. Whether the company will pursue action against Anime Life Sim remains to be seen, especially since it's unclear if the game is on Nintendo's radar. Meanwhile, Anime Life Sim is slated for release in February 2026, with its PS Store page not specifying whether it will be available on PS4 in addition to PS5.