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 built upon the foundation of a previously canceled four-year endeavor, promises a unique gaming experience.
The gameplay revolves around interacting with "Matterlings," Funko Pop-esque creatures inspired by both fantasy and real-world animals, on a home island. Players can customize their homes, explore diverse biomes for resources, and encounter both friendly and hostile Matterlings. The Minecraft-like element is evident in the biome-specific building materials; forests provide wood, for example.
The game’s development, led by producer Fabien Lhéraud (a 24-year Ubisoft veteran) and creative director Patrick Redding (known for his work on titles like Gotham Knights and Far Cry 2), has been underway for over 18 months. While details are still scarce, the concept of a voxel-based social sim with a blend of charming characters and challenging exploration is intriguing.
For those unfamiliar with voxel games, they utilize tiny cubes (voxels) to construct 3D environments, offering a unique aesthetic and solid object interaction unlike polygon-based games. Unlike Minecraft, which uses a voxel-like appearance, Alterra will truly leverage voxel technology for its world building.
The contrast between voxel and polygon rendering is highlighted: voxel games provide solid, volumetric objects, eliminating the "clipping" issues common in polygon-based games. Ubisoft's embrace of voxel technology for "Alterra" marks a notable departure from industry norms and suggests a visually distinct and engaging experience.
While exciting, remember that "Alterra" is still under development, and details are subject to change. However, the initial concept suggests a compelling fusion of familiar gameplay elements with a fresh visual style.
