Blatant Animal Crossing Copy Appears on PlayStation Store

Summary

An upcoming PlayStation game, Anime Life Sim, has drawn criticism for its striking resemblance to Animal Crossing. The game appears to be a near-identical copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Beyond the visual similarities, Anime Life Sim seems to share the same core gameplay loop as ACNH.

A new indie game on the PlayStation Store has sparked controversy due to its blatant similarities to Animal Crossing. Specifically, it's considered a clone of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

The Animal Crossing franchise has inspired numerous games. While some borrow general concepts, others directly replicate specific elements.

Games that outright copy Animal Crossing are rare, but Anime Life Sim, a recently listed PlayStation Store title, is a prime example. Developed and published by IndieGames3000, a studio with a diverse portfolio, Anime Life Sim immediately garnered attention for its close resemblance 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 that of Nintendo's 2020 title, promising a "charming social simulation" where players build and decorate homes, befriend animal neighbors, and engage in 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 Copying Could Be Problematic

According to patent analyst Florian Mueller, game rules are generally unpatentable. Legally, copying a game like Animal Crossing: New Horizons is possible. However, visual elements such as art style, character design, and graphics are often protected by copyright. If Nintendo were to take action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on the visual similarities to Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Nintendo is known for its aggressive legal approach. Whether they will pursue action against Anime Life Sim remains uncertain. Currently, the game is slated for a February 2026 release. The PS Store listing doesn't specify PS4 compatibility, only mentioning PS5.