Fake Animal Crossing Game Found on PlayStation Store

Summary

An upcoming PlayStation game, Anime Life Sim, has drawn criticism for its striking resemblance to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The game appears to directly copy both the visuals and 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 seems to be a near-identical clone of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

The Animal Crossing franchise has inspired countless games, with some borrowing broad concepts while others adopt more direct elements. While outright copies are less common, Anime Life Sim, developed and published by IndieGames3000, is a prime example. Its appearance on the PlayStation Store quickly generated attention due to its overt similarities to Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Anime Life Sim's PS Store Page Mirrors Animal Crossing

The similarities between Anime Life Sim and ACNH extend beyond visuals. The PS Store description echoes New Horizons, promising a "charming social simulation" where players build and decorate homes, befriend animal neighbors, and engage in familiar activities like fishing, bug catching, gardening, crafting, and fossil hunting—all core mechanics of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Gameplay Mechanics Aren't Patentable, But Visual Similarity Could Be an Issue

According to patent analyst Florian Mueller, game rules are generally unpatentable. Therefore, copying gameplay mechanics, even those from Animal Crossing: New Horizons, doesn't necessarily violate legal protections. However, visual elements such as art style, character design, and certain graphical aspects are often protected by copyright law. If Nintendo were to pursue legal action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on these visual similarities.

Nintendo's reputation for legal action is well-established. However, it remains uncertain whether they will target Anime Life Sim, or if the game is even on their radar. Currently, Anime Life Sim is slated for a February 2026 release. The PS Store page doesn't specify whether it will be available on PS4 or only PS5.