Ubisoft Unveils "Alterra," New Minecraft-Inspired Social Sim

Ubisoft Montreal is developing a new voxel-based game, codenamed "Alterra," blending the building mechanics of Minecraft with the social simulation aspects of Animal Crossing. This exciting project, reportedly born from a previously cancelled four-year development, features a unique gameplay loop.

Players interact with "Matterlings," creatures resembling Funko Pops, inspired by both fantasy and real-world animals. These interactions take place primarily on a home island, but exploration extends to diverse biomes, each offering unique building materials. The Minecraft influence is evident in the biome-specific resources, allowing players to construct structures using materials gathered during their adventures. However, these journeys aren't without peril, as enemies inhabit the various biomes.

The game, in development for over 18 months, is led by producer Fabien Lhéraud (24 years at Ubisoft) and creative director Patrick Redding (known for his work on titles like Gotham Knights and Far Cry 2). While the information is promising, remember that "Alterra" is still under development and details are subject to change.

Understanding Voxel Games:

Voxel games utilize tiny cubes or voxels to construct 3D environments. Unlike polygon-based games (like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2), which use triangles to create surfaces, voxel games build objects by stacking these individual blocks, giving them inherent volume. This eliminates the clipping issues often seen in polygon-based games. While polygon rendering is generally more efficient, Ubisoft's commitment to voxel technology in "Alterra" is noteworthy.

Although often compared to Minecraft, it's important to note that Minecraft uses a voxel-like aesthetic but employs traditional polygon models for its blocks. True voxel games, like the upcoming "Alterra," offer a distinct visual and interactive experience.