A new title named “Anime Village Online,” scheduled for a 2027 release, has surfaced on the PlayStation Network, developed by GamePoc. This game exhibits notable resemblances to Nintendo`s popular “Animal Crossing” series. These similarities encompass character aesthetics, particularly the distinctive eye design, the very name of the game, and its core gameplay loop, which centers on activities like decorating, fishing, and cultivating crops.
GamePoc, a developer with no prior releases, also has another game listed, “Rooted: Survival,” which showcases visuals highly reminiscent of “The Last of Us.” When questioned about these projects, GamePoc CEO Wisnu Sudirman confirmed their authenticity.
The PlayStation Store features this screenshot for Anime Village Online, which bears similarities to Nintendo`s Animal Crossing franchise.
In an email response, Sudirman addressed the comparisons directly: “While `Rooted: Survival` indeed features post-apocalyptic themes, zombies, and survival elements akin to `The Last of Us,` and `Anime Village Online` certainly evokes a life-simulation feel similar to `Animal Crossing,` our titles are designed with unique objectives and gameplay mechanics.”
He elaborated that GamePoc`s “primary emphasis is on online cooperative multiplayer, fostering player connection, collaboration, and shared unique experiences. We believe this aspect distinctly sets our games apart from the aforementioned franchises.”
Although “Anime Village Online” is advertised with “true cross-platform multiplayer,” it currently lacks listings on other digital storefronts. Furthermore, GamePoc is developing two additional games: “Orbital Station Simulator,” slated for a May 2026 release on PSN, and “Cyberpunk Fighter,” planned for a future release on Steam. None of GamePoc`s announced titles are currently available for purchase.
The emergence of games closely mimicking successful franchises is not an unfamiliar occurrence in the industry. For instance, in 2023, a game titled “The Last Hope – Dead Zone Revival,” heavily criticized as a “The Last of Us” imitation, was delisted from the Nintendo Switch eShop, though it was never sold in North America.