Genshin Impact Developer Branches Out: Creating an Enchanting Animal Crossing-Inspired Game

Genshin Impact developer HoYoverse has recently leaked information suggesting that they are working on a game similar to Animal Crossing for their next major project. While known for their successful games like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, HoYoverse has also developed other popular titles. They have been supporting Honkai Impact 3rd since its Chinese launch in 2016 and released the visual novel adventure game Tears of Themis in 2020. Now, it seems that the studio is drawing inspiration from the well-loved Nintendo franchise for their upcoming game.

Animal Crossing, which made its debut on the GameCube over twenty years ago, has grown into one of Nintendo's most cherished properties. With each new console release, a new exclusive Animal Crossing title has joined the lineup. The latest installment, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, has been the franchise's most successful, becoming the second best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch. Now, HoYoverse aims to capture the same magic with their own project.

HoYoverse, the developer behind Genshin Impact, is reportedly working on a new life simulation game that will directly compete with Animal Crossing. Although the game has not been officially titled, Twitch streamer SipSipStefen leaked screenshots of the project, referring to it as "HoYoworld." Unfortunately, these images were later taken down due to a copyright claim. This venture into the life simulation genre marks a departure for HoYoverse, as they have primarily focused on RPGs in the past. While specific details about the game are scarce, HoYoverse is known for drawing inspiration from popular Nintendo titles. Genshin Impact, for example, drew comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild upon its initial reveal and gameplay. Furthermore, the game has also incorporated events and mini-games inspired by Nintendo franchises, such as the Pokemon-themed "Fabulous Fungi Frenzy" event.

A new simulation game from HoYoverse, inspired by Animal Crossing, aims to strengthen the developer's position as one of the leading studios in the modern gaming industry. Building on the success of Genshin Impact, which garnered millions of players and substantial revenue in China, and the record-breaking launch of Honkai: Star Rail, the potential release of this highly-anticipated game would further enhance HoYoverse's impressive lineup.