Blatant Animal Crossing Copy Appears on PlayStation Store

A PlayStation game, Anime Life Sim, has sparked controversy for its striking resemblance to Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH). The game appears to be a near-identical clone, mirroring not only the visuals but also the core gameplay loop.

While Animal Crossing has inspired numerous games, Anime Life Sim stands out for its blatant imitation. Developed and published by IndieGames3000, the game's PlayStation Store listing practically describes ACNH, highlighting features like home building, befriending animal neighbors, and engaging in activities such as fishing, bug catching, gardening, crafting, and fossil hunting – all key mechanics in ACNH.

Legally, game mechanics themselves aren't patentable. However, the visual similarities between Anime Life Sim and ACNH could present copyright issues. Elements like art style and character design are often protected, potentially giving Nintendo grounds to take action. While Nintendo is known for its legal aggressiveness, whether they will pursue Anime Life Sim remains uncertain. Currently, the game is slated for a February 2026 release on PS5, with PS4 compatibility yet to be confirmed.