Ubisoft Montreal Unveils "Alterra," a Novel Voxel-Based Social Sim

Ubisoft Montreal, renowned for titles like Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Far Cry 6, is reportedly developing a new voxel game codenamed "Alterra," as revealed by Insider Gaming on November 26th. This project, drawing inspiration from both Minecraft and Animal Crossing, reportedly emerged from a previously cancelled four-year voxel project.

The game's core gameplay loop, according to sources, mirrors the charming social interactions of Animal Crossing. Players interact with "Matterlings," unique characters inhabiting a home island, engaging in activities reminiscent of the Animal Crossing experience: home design, wildlife interaction, and socializing. However, unlike Animal Crossing's anthropomorphic villagers, Matterlings are described as resembling stylized Funko Pop figures, featuring large heads and designs inspired by both fantastical creatures and familiar animals like cats and dogs. Clothing variations further add to their diversity.

Beyond the home island, players can explore diverse biomes, gathering resources and interacting with various Matterlings. This exploration, however, isn't without peril, as enemies pose a challenge. The game incorporates Minecraft-style mechanics, with biomes offering specific building materials; for example, forested areas provide ample wood.

The project, led by producer Fabien Lhéraud (a 24-year Ubisoft veteran) and creative director Patrick Redding (known for his work on Gotham Knights, Splinter Cell Blacklist, and Far Cry 2), has been in development for over 18 months, commencing in December 2020.

While the details are exciting, it's crucial to remember that "Alterra" is still under development and subject to change.

Understanding Voxel Games

Voxel games utilize a unique rendering technique. Objects are constructed from tiny cubes or voxels, assembled to create 3D models. This contrasts with polygon-based rendering (used in games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2), which uses triangles to form surfaces. Voxel games offer a distinct visual style and solid object representation, unlike polygon-based games where clipping through objects might reveal empty space.

While polygon rendering is often favored for efficiency, Ubisoft's embrace of voxel technology in "Alterra" suggests a visually unique and potentially innovative gaming experience. Further details are eagerly awaited.