The 2023 claim that Genshin Impact developer HoYoverse was making an Animal Crossing-like game began as a leak, not an announcement. HoYoverse later announced Petit Planet, a cosmic life simulation game with planet customization, gathering, crafting and social features. It is the publicly announced HoYoverse game most relevant to that old rumor, but available reporting does not prove that every earlier leak or codename referred to Petit Planet.
What the original 2023 rumor said
In a June 23, 2023 report, Tech Times attributed the claim to leaker UBatcha, who described a “casual simulation style game.” The story also cited Twitch streamer SipSipStefen, who reportedly said a preview image had been removed after a copyright strike. Tech Times explicitly noted that HoYoverse had not confirmed or denied the claims. A reported takedown is secondhand context; it does not establish a project’s identity or features.
How the Starry Sky Valley name fits in
In February 2024, ComicBook.com reported speculation linking the earlier rumor to the name 星布谷地, translated in that coverage as “Starry Sky Valley.” The connection rested on a community leaker’s post about registrations, and the report said the nature of the game was unknown. That is not confirmation that Starry Sky Valley was an official former title for Petit Planet.
What HoYoverse later announced as Petit Planet
In September 2025, HoYoverse publicly announced Petit Planet as a “cosmic life simulation game.” Push Square reproduced the company’s description: “Petit Planet is a cosmic life simulation game that invites players on a journey fuelled by idyllic yet adventurous lifestyles, unique neighbours, and surprising wonders.” The quotation is HoYoverse wording as reproduced by Push Square.
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- Share Your Paradise - Show off your island utopia to family and friends - or pack your bags and visit theirs.
- Get Building - Experience a robust new crafting system - collect materials to construct everything from furniture to tools!
- Create Your Perfect Getaway - Craft everything from tools to creature comforts as you create and customize your island community.
- Explore Your Island - Collect bugs, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean.
- Play Together - Up to eight players can reside on an island; four residents of the same island can play together simultaneously on a single system.
Announcement coverage describes a life sim built around a customizable planet and its residents, with activities including planting, fishing, beachcombing, mining, cooking and crafting. Players can meet neighbors and develop their planet; coverage also describes social play at a Galactic Bazaar. GameSpot’s September 2025 report covered those activities and a “Coziness Test.” These are announcement-era descriptions, not a complete account of final gameplay.
How it compares with Animal Crossing
“Animal Crossing-like” is a useful shorthand for the cozy life-simulation premise, not proof that Petit Planet is a clone or a direct competitor. The reported setting and scope differ in emphasis: Petit Planet centers on a player-customized planet and a connected galaxy, while the Animal Crossing comparison is the familiar reference point used in coverage. Reported overlaps include gathering, crafting, fishing, cooking, decorating and socializing with neighbors.
Rank #2
![Animal Crossings New Horizons - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ErvUL40zL._SL160_.jpg)
- Build your community from scratch on a deserted island brimming with possibility; Create your personal getaway and customize your character, home, decorations, and even the landscape itself
- Collect materials to construct everything from furniture to tools. Then, use what you create to give your island a personal touch
- Watch as the time of day and seasons match real life—even your hemisphere. Each day holds potential for surprises and discoveries
- Get to know the island residents, garden, fish, decorate, hunt for fossils, and more.
- Show off your paradise – play on the same system with a total of 4 people, or play together online or over local wireless for fun with up to 8 players
The available coverage does not establish an apples-to-apples comparison of features, pricing, monetization or performance. Those details should remain open rather than inferred from the genre comparison.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Platforms, release timing and availability
September 2025 coverage listed PC and mobile. Push Square said additional platforms were unspecified and that PS5 had not been confirmed at the time. The reviewed reports did not establish a release date, release window or physical edition. Platform plans and launch details can change, so treat these as the information reported in September 2025 rather than a guarantee of current availability.
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Rank #3
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For now, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an established game to compare against if you want a released example of the cozy life-sim genre. It is not a Petit Planet product or an endorsed equivalent; no boxed edition or related physical products for Petit Planet are established in the cited coverage.
Quick Recap
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