Ubisoft Montreal's New Voxel Game "Alterra": A Blend of Minecraft and Animal Crossing

Ubisoft Montreal, renowned for titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Far Cry 6, is reportedly crafting an exciting new voxel-based game titled "Alterra." This project, rising from the remnants of a previously canceled voxel game, promises to blend the beloved mechanics of Minecraft and Animal Crossing. Dive in to discover more about this intriguing development.

A Unique Blend of Building and Social Simulation

According to an article by Insider Gaming dated November 26, "Alterra" is poised to offer a gameplay loop reminiscent of Animal Crossing. Instead of interacting with anthropomorphic NPCs, players will engage with "Matterlings" on their home island. These Matterlings, designed with a whimsical touch akin to Funko Pop figures, draw inspiration from fictional creatures like dragons, and animals such as cats and dogs, each with unique variations based on their attire.

The game encourages players to not only design their homes but also to explore diverse biomes for gathering materials, much like Minecraft. Each biome offers specific resources; for example, a forested biome teems with wood suitable for constructing wooden structures. However, the journey is fraught with dangers as players will encounter enemies along the way.

"Alterra" has been under development for over 18 months, led by Fabien Lhéraud, a Ubisoft veteran of 24 years, serving as the lead producer. His LinkedIn profile hints at his involvement in a "Next Gen Unannounced Project" since December 2020. Patrick Redding, with experience on games like Gotham Knights and Splinter Cell Blacklist, is also reportedly contributing as the creative director.

While the details shared are exciting, it's essential to remember that "Alterra" is still in development, and the final product may differ from what's currently known.

Understanding Voxel Games

Voxel games are unique in their approach to modeling and rendering. They utilize tiny cubes or pixels, akin to LEGO bricks, to create intricate 3D objects. This method contrasts with traditional polygon-based rendering used in games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 or Metaphor: ReFantazio, where millions of tiny triangles form surfaces. In voxel games, each block or pixel adds volume, creating a more tangible world.

A notable example of a voxel game is Teardown, where players meticulously plan heists by manipulating the environment voxel by voxel. Interestingly, while Minecraft adopts a voxel-like aesthetic, it actually uses traditional polygon models for its blocks.

Despite the efficiency of polygon-based rendering, Ubisoft's decision to employ voxel-based graphics in "Alterra" signals a bold and promising direction for the game's visual and interactive experience.