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 closely resembles Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
The Animal Crossing franchise has inspired countless games. While some borrow general concepts, others directly replicate specific elements.
While outright copies are rare, Anime Life Sim, a PlayStation Store listing from IndieGames3000, is a prime example. This studio boasts a diverse portfolio, yet Anime Life Sim stands out for its uncanny resemblance to Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Anime Life Sim's PlayStation Store Listing: A Virtual Mirror of Animal Crossing
The similarities extend beyond aesthetics. The PS Store description mirrors 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.
Gameplay Mechanics Aren't Patentable, But Visuals Might Be
As patent analyst Florian Mueller explained to Game Rant, game rules are generally unpatentable. Legally, copying gameplay mechanics is permissible. However, visual aspects such as art style, character design, and specific graphical elements are often copyright-protected. If Nintendo pursues legal action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on these visual similarities.
Nintendo's history of legal action is well-documented. Whether they will target Anime Life Sim remains uncertain. Currently, the game is slated for a February 2026 release, with PS5 compatibility confirmed, but PS4 availability remains unclear.
