Pokemon Pokopia and Animal Crossing are Getting a Serious Competitor

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Mihoyo Enters Life Simulation with Poetic, Community-Driven Petit Planet Competing Against Pokemon Pokopia and Animal Crossing

Mihoyo, known for major titles like Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail, is expanding into the life simulation genre. Their new game, Petit Planet, was unveiled at the Tokyo Game Show 2025 and described as a comfortable, poetic, and community-driven experience. It is slated for PC and mobile, with development for other platforms underway. The game appears poised to compete with titles such as Pokemon Pokopia and Animal Crossing.

In Petit Planet, players begin on a small, customizable planet. They cultivate life, develop landscapes, and eventually connect their world to other planets across the galaxy. Luca, a vital energy source, gives form to these environments, making each planet unique and reflecting its creator’s style with distinct colors and details. This setup is reminiscent of titles like Animal Crossing or Pokemon Pokopia. Luca’s energy is sustained through daily activities such as planting, fishing, cooking, and resource gathering, all designed to offer a relaxing experience. Beyond relaxation, Petit Planet emphasizes creativity. Players can customize their characters, decorate interiors, and transform exteriors with furniture and themes. Even the sky and beaches can be altered to suit player preferences, contributing to a charming aesthetic comparable to Pokemon Pokopia.

Cozy Cosmos: Mihoyo’s Toy-Filled World in Petit Planet Shines Bright

Petit Planet features “Neighbors,” small companions that enrich the player’s experience. These living, toy-like characters each possess unique personalities, backstories, and wishes. Players can interact with them through conversations, gift-giving, and invitations to reside on their planet. Forming these bonds enhances the vitality and coziness of the player’s world. Mihoyo’s Petit Planet marks a stylistic departure from their typical large-scale RPGs, featuring a bright, cartoony aesthetic. It represents the studio’s first foray into a more relaxing, yet popular, genre, offering customization, exploration, and social play reminiscent of Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, and Pokemon Pokopia. While a monetization model has not been officially announced, Mihoyo’s history suggests a potential free-to-play approach.