Many of today’s parents have memories of growing up caring for virtual pets, from Tamagotchi and Neopets to Nintendogs and Webkinz. Now, Niantic — the company behind Pokémon Go! — is introducing a more high-tech virtual pet for kids and nostalgic adults alike.
Today, the company launched a new mobile game called Peridot. Inspired by those popular virtual pet games of the past, this game features creatures called Peridots (or more casually, “Dots”). As with many of its virtual pet predecessors, these colorful creatures hatch from eggs and grow from babies to adults with the help of the gamer. This time, however, the virtual pet is designed to interact with the world around you. Using a combination of augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), players can see their Dots move around and interact with real objects. They are able to recognize elements such as water, grass, and other animals, then react accordingly.
Players, referred to as Dot “Keepers,” are also prompted to engage with and care for their Dots. This includes playing fetch, teaching them tricks, and “petting” them. But the app is also designed to go beyond screen time and encourage players to be active. You can also earn XP points and items for your Dots by completing quests, which include tasks like going outside to find a tree. There are social elements in the app as well — two users’ Dots can actually team up to hatch an all-new Dot.
Parents can rest assured, though, that younger kids who are using the app can stay safe. You can sign into the app with a Niantic Kids account, which eliminates the game’s social elements and offers a parent portal where an adult can oversee and monitor kids’ game experience. (You can learn more about Niantic Kids here!)
Here at The Toy Insider, we got an early look at the Peridot app and what it has to offer. To start, we’ll say that the Dots are simply adorable and clearly designed to appeal to all ages. There are endless Dot design possibilities, too, so every Dot is unique. The app also offers very visual directions, which will be easy for kids to follow. While these creatures aren’t licensed characters that kids will recognize, this game experience is sure to make grown-up ’80s and ’90s kids feel nostalgic, while offering a next-gen virtual pet that Gen Alpha kids will actually be excited to engage with.
Anyone who is interested in joining the Peridot Keeper Society can download the app now for free on the App Store and through Google Play. Peridot is free to play, and more information is available at playperidot.com.
