Animal Crossing Clone Hits PlayStation Store

A PlayStation game, Anime Life Sim, has sparked controversy for its striking resemblance to Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH). The game appears to be a near-identical clone, mirroring not only the visuals but also the core gameplay loop.

While many games draw inspiration from Animal Crossing, Anime Life Sim's similarities are far more direct. Developed and published by IndieGames3000, the game's PlayStation Store listing describes a "charming social simulation" featuring home building, befriending animal neighbors, and engaging in activities like fishing, bug catching, gardening, crafting, and fossil hunting—all key mechanics of ACNH.

Legally, game mechanics themselves are generally not patentable. However, the visual similarities between Anime Life Sim and ACNH could present copyright issues. Elements like art style and character design are often protected under copyright law. While Nintendo's legal response remains uncertain, their history of legal action suggests a potential challenge to Anime Life Sim's release, focusing on the visual similarities to ACNH.

Currently slated for a February 2026 release, the PS Store page doesn't specify PS4 compatibility beyond PS5. The game's blatant imitation of ACNH has generated significant discussion within the gaming community.