"Animal Crossing Clone Spotted on PlayStation Store"

Summary

• An upcoming PlayStation game, Anime Life Sim, has drawn attention for resembling a blatant clone of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
• The game not only shares similar visuals but also features an identical gameplay loop to that of ACNH.

A new indie game listed on the PlayStation Store, Anime Life Sim, has caught the eye of many for its striking resemblance to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This upcoming title appears to be a direct clone of the popular Nintendo series.

The Animal Crossing franchise has long been a source of inspiration for various games. While some have drawn broad inspiration from the series, others have more directly borrowed its elements. However, games that outright copy the franchise are less common, yet Anime Life Sim stands out as a notable example. Developed and published by IndieGames3000, a studio known for its diverse portfolio of titles, Anime Life Sim has quickly gained attention for its similarities to Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

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

The similarities between Anime Life Sim and ACNH extend beyond mere visuals. The description on the PS Store for Anime Life Sim mirrors that of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, promising a "charming social simulation" where players can build and decorate a home, befriend animal neighbors, and engage in daily activities such as fishing, catching bugs, gardening, crafting items, and discovering fossils—all key mechanics found in 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's no legal barrier to copying any game, including Animal Crossing: New Horizons. However, the situation becomes more complex with visuals. Art style, character design, and certain graphical elements can be protected under copyright law in many jurisdictions. If Nintendo decides to take action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on the visual similarities to ACNH.

Nintendo has a reputation for being highly litigious within the gaming industry. It remains uncertain whether the company is considering legal action against Anime Life Sim, or if the game is even on Nintendo's radar. Meanwhile, Anime Life Sim is slated for a February 2026 release, with its PS Store page leaving unclear whether it will be available on both PS4 and PS5.