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: 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 similarities to 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. While some borrow general concepts, others directly lift elements. Direct copies are less common, but Anime Life Sim, recently listed on the PlayStation Store, is a prime example. Developed and published by IndieGames3000, this game's resemblance to New Horizons has generated significant attention.

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" featuring home building and decoration, befriending animal neighbors, and engaging in activities like fishing, bug catching, gardening, crafting, and fossil hunting—all core mechanics of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Game Mechanics Aren't Patentable, But Visuals Might Be

According to patent analyst Florian Mueller, game rules are generally unpatentable. Legally, copying gameplay mechanics, even from Animal Crossing: New Horizons, isn't inherently prohibited. However, visual elements like art style, character design, and specific graphical assets are often protected by copyright. If Nintendo pursued legal action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on the visual similarities.

Nintendo's history of legal action is well-documented. Whether they will pursue action against Anime Life Sim remains unknown. Currently, the game is slated for a February 2026 release. The PS Store listing doesn't specify PS4 compatibility.