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, said to be a revival of a previously cancelled four-year development, blends elements reminiscent of Minecraft and Animal Crossing.
The core gameplay loop draws inspiration from Animal Crossing's social simulation mechanics. Players interact with charming "Matterlings," creatures resembling Funko Pops with large heads, inspired by both fantastical creatures (like dragons) and familiar animals (cats, dogs, etc.). These Matterlings exhibit variations in appearance based on their attire.
Beyond the home island, exploration extends to diverse biomes, each offering unique building materials. The Minecraft-esque element of resource gathering and crafting is prominent, with forested areas providing ample wood, for example. However, the journey isn't without peril, as players will encounter enemies.
The game, in development for over 18 months, is helmed by lead producer Fabien Lhéraud (24 years at Ubisoft) and creative director Patrick Redding (known for Gotham Knights, Splinter Cell Blacklist, and Far Cry 2). While exciting, remember that "Alterra" is still under development and subject to change.
Understanding Voxel Games
Voxel games utilize a distinctive 3D rendering technique employing tiny cubes or voxels as building blocks. This contrasts with polygon-based rendering (used in games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2), which uses triangles to create surfaces. Voxel games offer a unique solidity; there's no "clipping" through objects. While polygon rendering is often favored for efficiency, Ubisoft's embrace of voxel technology in "Alterra" is noteworthy.
While details remain scarce, "Alterra" promises a compelling blend of social simulation and voxel-based construction, offering a potentially fresh take on the genre.
