Minecraft-Like Social Sim Game “Alterra” In Development by Ubisoft

Ubisoft Montreal is developing a new voxel-based game, codenamed "Alterra," blending the building mechanics of Minecraft with the social simulation aspects of Animal Crossing. This exciting project, reportedly resurrected from a previously cancelled title, features a unique gameplay loop centered around "Matterlings," Funko Pop-esque creatures with which players interact on their home island.

Beyond the home island, players can explore diverse biomes, gathering resources specific to each environment to construct buildings. These explorations, however, aren't without peril, as enemies inhabit these varied landscapes.

The Matterlings, inspired by both fantasy creatures and real-world animals, boast diverse appearances thanks to varying clothing styles. The game has been in development for over 18 months, led by producer Fabien Lhéraud and creative director Patrick Redding, both veterans of the gaming industry.

While the concept is intriguing, remember that "Alterra" is still under development, and details are subject to change.

Understanding Voxel Games

Voxel games employ a unique rendering technique using tiny cubes or voxels to construct 3D objects. Think of it as a digital LEGO system. Unlike Minecraft, which uses a voxel aesthetic but relies on traditional polygon modeling for its blocks, true voxel games, like the upcoming "Alterra," utilize voxels for complete 3D object construction.

This contrasts with polygon-based rendering (used in games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2), where surfaces are created from triangles. Voxel games offer a distinct advantage: the solid, volumetric nature of their objects prevents the clipping issues often found in polygon-based games. Ubisoft's embrace of voxel technology in "Alterra" represents a compelling departure from industry norms.