Get ready for Anime Village Online, a new game slated for 2027 that has recently appeared with a PSN listing. Developed by GamePoc, this title immediately draws comparisons to Nintendo’s beloved Animal Crossing series. The similarities are striking, from the distinct character designs (especially the eyes) and the game’s title to its core gameplay loop, which revolves around decorating, fishing, and growing crops.
Interestingly, GamePoc, a developer with no previously released games, also has another title, Rooted: Survival, listed on PSN. This game features visuals that bear a remarkable resemblance to The Last of Us. When questioned about these projects, GamePoc CEO Wisnu Sudirman confirmed that both games are indeed real.
Sudirman addressed the uncanny similarities in an email, stating, “While it’s true that Rooted: Survival shares post-apocalyptic themes like zombies and survival elements, which are also found in The Last of Us, and Anime Village Online may evoke a life-simulation vibe similar to Animal Crossing, our games are built with distinct goals and mechanics in mind. Our primary focus is on online cooperative multiplayer, encouraging players to connect, collaborate, and enjoy unique experiences together. We believe this differentiates our games significantly from the franchises mentioned.”
Despite claims of “true cross-platform multiplayer” for Anime Village Online, no listings for the game are currently found on other storefronts. GamePoc also has two more projects in the pipeline: Orbital Station Simulator, scheduled for a May 2026 release on PSN, and Cyberpunk Fighter, with a general ‘TBA’ release on Steam. None of these announced titles are currently available for purchase.
The appearance of ‘copycat’ games is not a new phenomenon in the industry. For instance, in 2023, a game named The Last Hope – Dead Zone Revival, a blatant rip-off of The Last of Us, was removed from the Switch eShop. However, that particular game was never made available in North America.