From Tamagochi to Neopets to Pet Simulator 99, games centred around keeping and looking after digital companions have always been incredibly popular. But why? In an era of high-fidelity graphics, endless action and deep storytelling, why are so many players endlessly drawn back to this particular genre?
Let’s take a look.
The Enduring Appeal of Digital Companions
Looking after a pet is no easy feat. Not only do you have to tend to their physical needs—keeping them fed and clean—but you need to spend time with them in order to keep them feeling happy and fulfilled. That said, it’s not that tough either, given the amount of joy and satisfaction they give in return.
I think the fundamental appeal for the appeal of this genre comes from its real-world counterpart. After all, most of us enjoy keeping pets in the real world—so it makes total sense that we enjoy it in the digital world too. Not to mention that those digital pets come with way fewer strings attached—taking up less real-world time and money while amplifying the joys of being a pet parent. While simultaneously making pet ownership available for those who cannot do so in the real world—for any reason from lifestyle constraints to allergies.
What Keeps Players Engaged?
While Tamagochi and Neopets were relatively simple games, their modern descendants offer far beyond the simplified experience of feeding and patting your pet on their virtual hear. One of the most popular, and engaging, features of modern titles is multiplayer. Social features like trading, sharing pets and more make modern pet games much more multifaceted and engaging than their predecessors. Keeping players invested and engaged for months and years on end.
5 Virtual Pet Games Worth Trying
Pet Simulator 99 (Roblox)
Believe it or not, one of the most popular pet games out there today is found within Roblox. Pet Simulator 99 does exactly what its title would suggest—offer you the experience of owning pets. But it’s also much more than that. Allowing you to hatch, train and evolve your pets while exploring the game’s deeply multiplayer setting. If you’re jumping in for the first time, you may want to buy pet simulator 99 gems to give you a head start.
Adopt Me! (Roblox)
Another Roblox title, Adopt Me! Focuses more on a full lifestyle simulation, based around your pets. Seeing you look after multiple pets while customizing your home and participating in multiplayer events.
My Singing Monsters
This free mobile title sees you collect and breed pets in order to create unique music. Each animal you keep and breed sings their own melody, which, when combined with others, grows into a variety of glorious and totally customizable tunes.
Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector
Taking place in a charming Japanese aesthetic, Neko Atsume shows that simplicity can still reign supreme when it comes to virtual pets. This title sees you collect virtual cats, letting you lay out food and toys to keep them engages. It’s incredibly low maintenance, but very rewarding.
Dragon City
If you’re seeking more depth, Dragon City offers a deeply complex breeding mechanic and battle simulator; straddling the genres of pet simulator and Pokemon-like.
The Future of Virtual Pet Games
Despite the huge array of games on offer, millions of gamers still find themselves drawn to the simple charms of pet simulation games. From their simple joys to their long-term relationships, this genre is here to stay. And it’s only getting better.
