Summary

• An upcoming PlayStation game, Anime Life Sim, has drawn attention for resembling a clear clone of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
• The game not only shares similar visuals but also features an identical gameplay loop to ACNH.
• Anime Life Sim is developed and published by IndieGames3000, a studio known for releasing numerous games across various genres.

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

The Animal Crossing series has influenced many games, with some drawing broad inspiration while others directly emulate specific elements. However, outright copies of the franchise are less common, making Anime Life Sim's similarities particularly noteworthy. Developed and published by IndieGames3000, a prolific studio with a diverse portfolio, this game has quickly sparked discussions due to its apparent imitation.

Anime Life Sim's PS Store Page Echoes Animal Crossing

The parallels between Anime Life Sim and ACNH extend beyond visuals. The PlayStation Store description for Anime Life Sim mirrors the essence of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, touting a "charming social simulation" where players can build and decorate homes, befriend animal neighbors, and engage in activities like fishing, bug catching, gardening, crafting, and fossil hunting—all core mechanics of ACNH.

Legal Considerations: Game Rules vs. Visuals

According to patent analyst Florian Mueller, game rules cannot be patented, meaning there's no legal barrier to replicating the mechanics of 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 by copyright laws in many regions. If Nintendo decides to take action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on the visual similarities to ACNH.

Nintendo is known for its litigious nature within the gaming industry, but it remains uncertain whether the company will pursue legal action against Anime Life Sim. As of now, the game is slated for a February 2026 release, with no clarification on whether it will be available on PS4 in addition to PS5.