It’s almost hard to believe, but this year marks five years since the release of *Animal Crossing: New Horizons*. Launched at just the right moment in global circumstances, this life simulation game captured the hearts of millions and became a cultural phenomenon. As fans eagerly await a new entry in the beloved series, something curious has surfaced on the PlayStation Store that raises eyebrows.

Over the weekend, players browsing the store may have stumbled upon a new title titled *Anime Life Sim*, set for release in February 2026. Instantly recognizable, the game strikes an uncanny resemblance to the *Animal Crossing* series. While it may not be attempting to mask its influences, fans can’t help but notice its gameplay principles align closely with Nintendo's iconic title.

*Anime Life Sim* invites players to "Create your perfect anime life," featuring elements like building your dream home, befriending anthropomorphic animals, and embarking on whimsical adventures. Gamers will engage in activities such as fishing, fossil hunting, bug catching, gardening, and even managing a shop or organizing town festivities. Sounds familiar, right?

However, it’s worth noting that *Animal Crossing* isn’t the sole pioneer of the life simulation genre. Despite the similarities in gameplay mechanics, a single glance at promotional images reveals how closely related the visual aesthetics and character designs are. For instance, the grassy textures and distinct eye shapes of characters echo *Animal Crossing*, and several animal residents bear striking resemblances to the series' beloved villagers. This leads to the question—how does the game plan to differentiate itself enough to avoid the dreaded label of clone?

In an intriguing twist, some screenshots showcased in *Anime Life Sim* raise eyebrows, displaying peculiar graphical elements that seem reminiscent of AI-generated designs. One image features an oddly designed kitchen appliance that looks nothing like a conventional cooking tool, while another showcases a character with oddly shaped eyes—glaring inconsistencies that fans are quick to point out.

What’s particularly concerning is the developing studio's track record. Operating under the moniker IndieGames3000, led by Maksym Vysochanskyy, the developer gained notoriety for previous projects that appeared to be “asset flipped,” such as a clone of *Monster Hunter* which was subsequently pulled from the PlayStation Network. Their catalog also includes titles with names like *Anime Girls Military Strike* and *City Bus Driving Simulator*, which, if searched, show familiar patterns of low-effort production.

Interestingly, some of these titles also find their way onto the Nintendo Switch eShop but often under different publisher names, hinting at a potentially larger trend of low-quality game remakes flooding multiple platforms. For example, *Rainbow Ascend: Anime Girls Go Up* is linked to BurleaGamesStudio, while *World War II City Rebirth Tycoon* has been published by Tashlik.

With so many iterations showing up across gaming platforms, it raises unsettling questions about the integrity of game development and whether we are witnessing the birth of a new wave of copycat games. While it's uncertain whether *Anime Life Sim* will actually meet its 2026 release, history suggests it will face challenges, much like other high-profile clones such as the notorious imitation of *The Last of Us*, which were quickly removed from circulation.

So, as we wait for the next *Animal Crossing* to grace our screens, keep a cautious eye out for imitations lurking in the digital aisles. Is there enough originality left in today's game development, or are we destined to experience déjà vu over and over again? Let us know your thoughts on this budding controversy!