virtual pets
Screen-based animal companions
Virtual pets are digital creatures that users care for through simulated feeding, playing, and attention.
The concept emerged with Tamagotchi devices in the 1990s and expanded to computer programs, apps, and video games.
Like real pets, virtual pets may grow, change behavior, or die if neglected: My Neopet starved while I was on vacation.
The appeal lies in nurturing without the mess, expense, or commitment of actual animals.
Handheld virtual pet device
- NeopetsBrowser-based creature-care game
- WebkinzPlush toys with digital counterparts
- FurbyInteractive animatronic toy creature
- NintendogsDigital pet raising game
Giving food to
- caringShowing kind concern
- pettingAffectionate stroking
- groomingSelf-care for appearance
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
attention · neglect · bonding · attachment · responsibility · caretaking · mood · needs
Making flat or equal
- minigamesSmall embedded game segments
- currencyMedium of exchange
- coinsMetal money units
- pointsUnits of tally
unlockables · achievements · evolution · stages · growth · hatching · egg · shop
Stages from beginning to end
- agingGrowing older over time
- deathCessation of life
- rebirthSpiritual or physical regeneration
- generationAge-defined peer group
genetics · breeding · inheritance · traits · personality · behavior · ecosystem · habitat
Mobile device software
- mobileCapable of movement
- handheldDesigned for palm use
- deviceConstructed tool or machine
- screenDisplay or barrier
pixels · sprites · animation · software · downloadable · online · cloud save · notifications
Tamagotchi
Handheld virtual pet device
- NeopetsBrowser-based creature-care game
- WebkinzPlush toys with digital counterparts
- FurbyInteractive animatronic toy creature
Nintendogs · Digimon · Seaman · Bandai
feeding
Giving food to
discipline · attention · neglect · bonding · attachment · responsibility · caretaking · mood · needs · health bar
leveling
Making flat or equal
points · unlockables · achievements · evolution · stages · growth · hatching · egg · shop · items
lifecycle
Stages from beginning to end
generation · genetics · breeding · inheritance · traits · personality · behavior · ecosystem · habitat · environment
app
Mobile device software
screen · pixels · sprites · animation · software · downloadable · online · cloud save · notifications · battery
- simulation gamesThe Sims, character creation, tycoon game, dating sim, city builder
- artificial lifeself-replication, emergence, genotype, phenotype, mutation
- digital giftsgift cards, e-gift cards, music credits, subscription boxes
- pet alternativespet sitting, dog walking, boarding, kennels, pet hotels
virtual petsliving organisms
living creatures · sentient beings · living things · wildlife · domesticated animals
virtual, pets, virtually, virtuality, virtualize, cyberpet, virtualized, virtualizing, virtual pet