Indie Game “Anime Life Sim” Sparks Controversy with Animal Crossing Resemblance 30l3g
A new indie game, Anime Life Sim, has recently appeared on the PlayStation Store and is drawing attention for its striking similarities to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Developed by IndieGames3000, the title offers a “charming social simulation” where players can build and decorate homes, befriend animal neighbors, fish, catch bugs, and engage in other familiar activities from the Animal Crossing series. 5m2c12
While the game doesn’t directly copy the mechanics of New Horizons, the resemblance in gameplay and style is hard to ignore. The game’s description on the PlayStation Store mirrors many features from Nintendo’s popular title, including home decoration, social interactions, and outdoor activities.
Legally, there’s little stopping Anime Life Sim from being released, as game mechanics are not protected under copyright. However, the visual similarities—such as character design and art style—could present issues if Nintendo chooses to take legal action.
Anime Life Sim is slated for release in February 2026, though it’s unclear whether it will be available on both PS4 and PS5. Fans of Animal Crossing are already debating whether the indie game crosses the line in of originality.
