Summary
An upcoming PlayStation game, Anime Life Sim, has drawn criticism for its striking resemblance to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The game appears to be a near-identical clone, mirroring not only the visuals but also the core gameplay loop of Nintendo's popular title.
A new indie game on the PlayStation Store has sparked controversy for its blatant imitation of Animal Crossing. Specifically, Anime Life Sim seems to be a direct copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
The Animal Crossing franchise has inspired numerous games. While some borrow general concepts, others directly lift elements. Direct copies are less common, but Anime Life Sim, recently listed on the PlayStation Store, is a prime example. Developed and published by IndieGames3000, this upcoming indie title has garnered attention for its near-identical resemblance to Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Anime Life Sim's PS Store Page Mirrors Animal Crossing
The similarities extend beyond visuals. The PS Store description of Anime Life Sim closely mirrors that of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, promising a "charming social simulation" with home building, decorating, befriending animal neighbors, and engaging in activities like fishing, bug catching, gardening, crafting, and fossil hunting—all core mechanics of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Game Rules Aren't Patentable, But Visual Similarity Could Be Problematic
According to patent analyst Florian Mueller, game rules are generally unpatentable. Legally, copying gameplay mechanics is permissible. However, visual elements like art style, character design, and specific graphics are often protected by copyright. If Nintendo pursued legal action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on the visual similarities to Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Nintendo's history suggests a willingness to pursue legal action. Whether they will target Anime Life Sim remains unclear. Currently, the game is slated for a February 2026 release. The PS Store listing doesn't specify PlayStation 4 compatibility.
