Every digital storefront has its share of questionable listings, but few have managed to stir the internet quite like Animal Village Online, a so-called cozy life sim that appeared on the PlayStation Store with a planned 2027 release date.
It gives the impression of a calm, carefree game about village life, crafting tools, and making friends.
However, a closer look reveals that it’s almost an exact copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, matching its art style, layout, and gameplay.
Why Does It Look So Familiar?
The promotional image raised concerns as soon as it appeared because the island and character design were instantly recognizable.
The lighting, trees, cliffs, and even the character design seemed lifted directly from Animal Crossing itself.
Many players immediately pointed out that the supposed “screenshot” could very well have been generated by AI, using prompts meant to mimic Nintendo’s iconic series.
You can argue the details, but the resemblance speaks for itself.
What Does the Store Description Say?
Even the store description feels like a parody of Nintendo’s marketing.
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Animal Village Online invites players to “design and expand your own charming house, craft furniture, grow crops, catch fish, and decorate your surroundings,” all while playing solo or online with friends.
That’s word-for-word the formula that’s defined Animal Crossing since the GameCube era.
From its concept to its delivery, the whole thing feels way too intentional to pass as a coincidence.
This really deserves to be branded as one of the boldest rip-offs the PS Store has ever hosted.
Who’s Behind the Game?
Under both developer and publisher sits the name Wisnu Sudirman, but that only makes things more confusing, as no trailers, social posts, or official pages seem to exist.
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You’d expect more from a game that claims to be releasing in 2027. Some believe the listing is just a placeholder or a lazy attempt to cash in on Nintendo’s global fame.
But the fact that it slipped through Sony’s vetting process at all says a lot about how easily these copycat projects manage to appear on major storefronts.
What Does This Say About Digital Storefronts?
If anything, Animal Village Online just underlines how poorly curated digital storefronts have become.
It’s become effortless for lazy AI projects and asset-flipped games to go undetected.
The PS Store, Steam, even the Nintendo eShop — they’re all littered with low-effort games that exist only to ride on someone else’s success.
It’s not even subtle anymore. The system’s already drowning in so-called indie charm clones, but this might just be the most obvious rip-off so far.
Could Nintendo Take Action?
Then there’s the legal elephant in the room, because Nintendo’s legal team isn’t exactly known for being forgiving.
This game practically waves a flag in their faces. This isn’t one of those “heavily inspired” projects that might sneak under the radar — this is a mirror image of a billion-dollar franchise. I’d honestly be shocked if this listing survives long enough to see another week.
Knowing Nintendo, they’ll yank it faster than you can say cease and desist. And while some fans joked that Sony might have missed the red flags, others suspect the listing won’t stay up much longer once Nintendo’s legal team takes notice.
For now, the listing remains, complete with its suspiciously polished screenshots and oddly familiar description.
It might get pulled without a word, or it might end up remembered as a legendary rip-off.
Either way, Animal Village Online shows that imitation might just be the fastest route to fame in modern gaming.
But when your inspiration is Animal Crossing, you’d better hope Nintendo doesn’t notice you first.
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