Summary
- An upcoming PlayStation game called Anime Life Sim has drawn attention for resembling a direct clone of Animal Crossing.
- It closely mimics Animal Crossing: New Horizons in both visuals and gameplay mechanics.
- Anime Life Sim is set to be released in February 2026 by IndieGames3000.
A new indie game titled Anime Life Sim, recently listed on the PlayStation Store, has caught the eye of many for its striking resemblance to Animal Crossing, particularly to the latest installment, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. While the Animal Crossing series has inspired numerous games, Anime Life Sim stands out as a particularly close clone, both in appearance and gameplay.
Anime Life Sim's description on the PS Store page mirrors that of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, highlighting a "charming social simulation" where players can build and decorate homes, befriend animal neighbors, and engage in daily activities like fishing, bug catching, gardening, crafting, and fossil hunting—activities that are all core to the gameplay of ACNH.
Legal Considerations
According to patent analyst Florian Mueller, game rules cannot be patented, meaning that replicating the mechanics of games like Animal Crossing is not legally restricted. However, copying visual elements such as art style, character designs, and other graphics can lead to copyright infringement issues. If Nintendo decides to take action against Anime Life Sim, it might focus on these visual similarities.
Nintendo is known for its litigious approach to protecting its intellectual property, though it's uncertain whether the company will pursue legal action against Anime Life Sim. Developed and published by IndieGames3000, a studio with a broad portfolio, Anime Life Sim is slated for a February 2026 release. The PS Store listing does not specify whether the game will be available on both PS4 and PS5.
