This is my PetSim Database, where I keep track of these wonderful online games and write about my experience playing them. I do my best, but these games take a while to play and I can not deticate years to get to know every one. Sorry if I do not give your favorite the praise it deserves. Did I miss one? Let me know!
What Are Petsims?
Pet simulators, often shortened to petsims, are exactly what they sound like. A virtual pet experience hosted on some sort of technology. The most popular petsims are things like Tamagotchi or My Meebas (which is missing a wikipedia article... I should write that..!). Although the layman is more familiar with the toy flavored petsims, they can be found in multiple forms! They can be apps, console games, forum games, desktop pets, roblox games, apart of some larger game... the possibilities are endless!
As time has gone on, these games have become pretty complex. Some petsims are focused on strategic breeding systems, trying to get the best genetics. Some are more akin to TTRPGs with heavy roleplay. Others are simple and fun! There are some that let your pets die, while others can live forever. There are economies, competitions, and unique communities. Every petsim is different, and that's what makes them so cool!
I focus on browser-based petsims. These games are played directly in a browser like Firefox or Google Chrome. Since browser-based petsims are by far the most accessible form of petsim, they have developed a very strong cult following. Most people who play petsims have a handful of dearly beloved websites that they keep close to their heart, many of which they may play for years at a time. I know that I have been playing some of my favorite petsims for 10+ years with no plans to stop.
Some of the most popular browser-based petsims are Neopets and Webkinz. These websites were household names until the mid 2010s and a large part of many peoples childhood. Despite the massive scale that these two games reached, the genre as a whole remains more niche. Some of the most popular pet sims these days are Flight Rising, Lioden, and Chicken Smoothie.
Why Should We Care?
The internet is doing something strange. It is getting a whole lot bigger but also a whole lot smaller at the same time. So many users, but very few websites. Reddit, X, Instagram, and Facebook are the extent of most peoples online experiences! We're all shoved into a few tiny spaces, and it's getting cramped!
Petsims are one of the few places online left that are not riddled with bots, ai, or ads. The thrive off of forums and close-knit communities. Most petsims are passion projects by a small handful of artists. Many pride themselves on being a safe place for both adults and children to exist online. It's less about the pets, and more about the communities and artists who make these spaces special.
With the death of Flash and the sharp increase in socmed, petsims have been struggling. I want to tell otherse about how special petsims can be, how they are a lovely break from the chaos of the big internet. And how you (yes, you!) should support them today!
PetSim History - WIP
1989: Desktop pet "Neko" was posted for Macintosh. "Neko" was originally written for the PC-98. Neko is often considered the first virtual pet or petsim.
1994: Horseland, one of earliest browser-based pet sim is launched. Horseland originated from a forum deticated to horse-lovers. The community had created forum games and roleplays deticated to horses, inspiring the formal creation of the game. This game was the inspiration behind the 2006 TV show of the same name.
1999: Neopets launched. Neopets would go on to become one of the most popular browser-based petsims.
2005: Neopets hits peak popularity. Webkinz is launched.
2006: With Neopets more popular than ever and Webkinz rising in popularity, dozens of smaller browser-based pet sims begin to emerge. While some websites had already been around, like MonZoo or Pure Felinity, 2006 is the start of an uptick in small websites.
2009: Webkinz hits peak popularity.
