Ubisoft Unveils "Alterra," a Social Sim Similar to Minecraft

Ubisoft Montreal Unveils "Alterra," a Novel Voxel-Based Social Simulation Game

Ubisoft Montreal, renowned for titles like Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Far Cry 6, is reportedly developing a new voxel game codenamed "Alterra," as revealed by Insider Gaming on November 26th. This project, drawing inspiration from both Minecraft and Animal Crossing, reportedly emerged from a previously cancelled four-year development.

Blending Building and Social Interaction

Sources suggest "Alterra" will feature a gameplay loop reminiscent of Animal Crossing. Instead of anthropomorphic villagers, players will interact with "Matterlings," creatures resembling Funko Pop figures with large heads and designs inspired by both fantasy creatures (dragons) and familiar animals (cats, dogs). These Matterlings exhibit variations in appearance based on their attire.

The game will incorporate exploration beyond a home island, allowing players to traverse diverse biomes, gather unique materials, and encounter a variety of Matterlings. However, these journeys aren't without peril, as players will face enemies. Minecraft-style mechanics will also be present, with different biomes providing specific building resources (e.g., forests offering wood).

Development and Team

"Alterra" has been in development for over 18 months, led by producer Fabien Lhéraud (24 years at Ubisoft) and creative director Patrick Redding (known for his work on Gotham Knights, Splinter Cell Blacklist, and Far Cry 2). Lhéraud's LinkedIn profile confirms work on a "Next Gen Unannounced Project" starting December 2020.

Understanding Voxel Games

"Alterra" utilizes voxel-based graphics, a unique rendering technique employing small cubes to construct 3D objects. This contrasts with polygon-based rendering (used in games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2), which uses triangles to create surfaces. Voxel games offer a distinct aesthetic and avoid the clipping issues sometimes found in polygon-based games.

While still under development and subject to change, "Alterra" presents a promising blend of social simulation and voxel-based construction, offering a fresh take on the genre. Remember to approach this information with cautious optimism.