"Animal Crossing Clone Spotted on PlayStation Store"

A new indie game, Anime Life Sim, has caught the attention of gamers and industry watchers alike for its striking resemblance to Nintendo's beloved Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Released on the PlayStation Store and developed by IndieGames3000, this upcoming title has sparked discussions due to its apparent similarities, both visually and in terms of gameplay mechanics.

The Animal Crossing series has long been a source of inspiration for game developers, with various titles drawing inspiration from its social simulation elements. However, Anime Life Sim stands out as it seems to directly emulate the latest installment, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The game's description on the PS Store closely mirrors that of ACNH, touting a "charming social simulation" where players can build and decorate their homes, befriend animal neighbors, and engage in activities such as fishing, bug catching, gardening, crafting, and fossil hunting—core mechanics of the Nintendo game.

Legal Implications of Game Clones

According to patent analyst Florian Mueller, game rules themselves are not patentable, meaning that the mechanics of Animal Crossing: New Horizons can be replicated without legal repercussions. However, the visual elements of a game, including art style, character designs, and certain graphics, can fall under copyright protection in many countries. Should Nintendo decide to take action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on the visual similarities between the two games.

Nintendo has a history of being protective of its intellectual property, often engaging in legal battles to defend its creations. Whether the company will pursue action against Anime Life Sim remains to be seen, especially since it's unclear if the game is even on Nintendo's radar at this point.

Anime Life Sim is currently slated for release in February 2026, but details on whether it will be available on both PS4 and PS5 are not specified on its PS Store page. As the gaming community watches this situation unfold, the debate around game clones and intellectual property continues to be a hot topic.