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 imitation of Animal Crossing. Specifically, Anime Life Sim seems to be a near-identical clone of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

The enduring popularity of Animal Crossing has inspired numerous games. While some borrow general concepts, others directly lift specific elements. Games that attempt outright 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 has 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 Animal Crossing: New Horizons, promising a "charming social simulation" with features like home building and decorating, befriending animal neighbors, and engaging in activities such as fishing, bug catching, gardening, crafting, and fossil hunting. These mechanics are all central to Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Gameplay Mechanics Aren't Patentable, But Visuals Might Be

As patent analyst Florian Mueller explained to Game Rant, game rules themselves are generally unpatentable. Legally, copying gameplay mechanics is permissible. However, visual elements like art style, character design, and specific graphical assets are often protected by copyright law. If Nintendo pursues legal action against Anime Life Sim, it would likely focus on the visual similarities to Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Nintendo has a reputation for aggressively protecting its intellectual property. Whether they will take action against Anime Life Sim remains uncertain. Currently, the game is slated for a February 2026 release. The PS Store listing doesn't specify whether it will be available on PS4 or only PS5.