A new indie game titled Anime Life Sim has recently caught the attention of gamers and industry watchers alike for its striking resemblance to Nintendo's beloved Animal Crossing series, particularly the latest installment, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This upcoming PlayStation title, developed and published by IndieGames3000, appears to be a direct clone, not just in terms of visuals but also in its gameplay mechanics.
Anime Life Sim's listing on the PlayStation Store describes it as a "charming social simulation" where players can build and decorate their homes, befriend animal neighbors, and engage in daily activities such as fishing, catching bugs, gardening, crafting items, and discovering fossils. These activities mirror those found in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, raising eyebrows about the originality of the new game.
Game Rules vs. Visuals: Legal Implications
According to patent analyst Florian Mueller, game rules themselves are not patentable, meaning that the core mechanics of games like Animal Crossing can be replicated without legal repercussions. However, the situation becomes more complex when it comes to visuals. Elements such as art style, character design, and certain graphical features can be protected under copyright law in many jurisdictions. If Nintendo decides to take action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on these visual similarities rather than the gameplay mechanics.
Nintendo has a history of being protective of its intellectual property, often taking legal action against perceived infringements. Whether the company will pursue Anime Life Sim remains to be seen, especially since it's unclear if the game is even on Nintendo's radar. Currently, Anime Life Sim is slated for a February 2026 release on the PlayStation Store, though it's not specified whether it will be available on both PS4 and PS5.
