When It Beeps Again – The Story Behind Virtual Pets

by

Akihiro Yokoi noticed an ad showing a child unable to bring his pet turtle on a trip with the family. This led him to wonder aloud: “Couldn’t it be wonderful if pets could simply fit in our pockets?

Today, many are familiar with Tamagotchi, but let’s delve into the history of digital pet worlds by examining some notable success stories in this field and their importance.

What Are Virtual Pets?

Back in the groovy ’90s, techscapes were a whole other vibe. Amidst the rapid-fire unveiling of groundbreaking computer and console tech, an unexpected wave swept through the scene like a digital Pied Piper – virtual pets! These pixelated pals became my new best friends, forever altering pop culture as we knew it.

These tiny, blocky figures serve a purpose beyond being playthings. They provide children with opportunities to assume responsibilities in today’s rapidly digitalizing environment and also enable them to develop emotional connections.

How did the hype begin?

Dogz

1995 marked the debut of a virtual pet program called Dogz, developed by PF Magic. Unfortunately, this adorable software didn’t have a portable version; it was compatible with either Windows 95 or MacOS systems instead.

To help decide on the right dog for you, consider spending some time playing with each one to see which temperament matches yours best. An alternative idea is to display them as your screen saver, allowing your future watchdog to bark at anyone who tries to tamper with your valued computer.

1997 saw the release of both Dogz and Catz, with their subsequent versions collectively selling more than 1.5 million units by early 1998!

Tamagotchi

There’s some discussion around the origin of the name Tamagotchi. The term “Tamago,” meaning egg, is significant here: in 1997, Akihiro Yokoi and Aki Maita presented their concept to Bandai, which was inspired by the idea of hatching a digital pet from an egg-like device.

In that place, there was no optimism about the pixelated creature, yet Aki Maita performed an experiment where she questioned young girls about their opinions on it and its potential popularity. This test demonstrated that the opinions of large corporations do not necessarily dictate the success of revolutionary concepts.

Over the course of several years, Tamagotchi gained immense popularity; virtually everyone owned at least one, treating it like a living creature. However, in 1998, due to constant beeping, numerous American schools prohibited the device, causing its popularity to dip for the first time.

Studies and personal experiences suggest that the Tamagotchi contributed positively to children’s mental health by fostering a sense of responsibility from a young age.

Even though a Tamagotchi doesn’t actually perish, you still felt the urge to look after it well by providing it with food, cleaning it, and keeping it content.

Nintendogs

In 2005, when Nintendogs debuted on the Nintendo DS, it brought about a significant shift in the realm of virtual pets. Essentially, it felt like Tamagotchi creatures and digital canines had advanced to an extraordinary level.

As a gaming enthusiast, let me tell you, Nintendogs blew my mind by taking canine simulation to unprecedented heights! From lifelike barking and whining of digital dogs to the tactile satisfaction of touchscreen petting, it felt like I was actually caring for a real pup. Plus, the voice command feature using a microphone made me feel like a dog whisperer, calling out commands to my virtual pooch with a simple “sit” or “stay”.

Back in the day, I was part of the crowd who owned a Nintendo DS, and my digital companion was none other than a virtual dog. Just like Bandai before them, Nintendo tapped into a universal love:

Millions of Dalmatians, Chihuahuas, Labradors, and even cats were dashing about on the tiny screens of that era’s handheld gadget.

Pou

However, as the Nintendo DS started to feel antiquated, even Nintendogs, which had an extended popularity, eventually gave way to a new digital square that most people carried around.

Or,

Though the Nintendo DS was growing old, and Nintendogs managed to stay popular for quite some time, it wasn’t long before everyone switched to a different electronic device that they kept in their pockets.

Due to the emergence of smartphones, we don’t lug around pocket-sized computers anymore; instead, they have seamlessly integrated into our daily routines.

Eventually, someone or something was destined to win everyone’s affection. To our surprise, it wasn’t Mimichi or a dachshund, but rather an actual heap of… excrement?

Initially appearing quite straightforward, even childish, Pou soon gained massive popularity as a cult favorite. It managed to win hearts with an abundance of mini-games, customizable outfits, and edible items that made this tiny character endearing in some unexpected way.

It’s been noticed previously that emotional ties can develop towards things we care for, such as when they rely on us for their needs, like this one that chirps when it needs feeding, making you feel somewhat guilty when you overlook its requirements.


What Became Of Them?

Although some of these games might not be as trendy nowadays as they used to be, there’s no denying that the recollections of your initial pet are particularly precious.

For numerous individuals, it was an image that appeared quite blurry or distorted, resembling a cat with a pixelated appearance, a strawberry with a face, a digital canine, or simply a heap of something indistinct. However, this doesn’t diminish its relevance:

Tamagotchi, in fact, continues to thrive in today’s modern world! Notably, Urban Outfitters, a well-known fashion retailer, offered Tamagotchis as accessories not long ago, and Burrgotchi, an emerging energy drink brand, is actively promoting it at present.

Bandai is still working on enhancing the Tamagotchi, featuring color screens and internet connectivity. This means that as you grow, so does your digital pet, suggesting a long-term evolution of this beloved companion across multiple generations!

What was your first virtual pet?

Read More

2025-05-02 18:11