In recent years, pets have become a part of the family. This has led to a heightened awareness of the importance of animal welfare and the rights of pets, as well as drastic growth in pet-related industries. According to Global Market Insights, using statistics from the global pet industry, the value of the pet market is expected to increase by 6.1% when compared to 2021. By 2027, the industry is expected to increase by $350 billion.
According to Zippa’s 2022 Pet Animal Industry Report, Millennials (those born between 1981-1996) account for the largest percentage of total owners, at 32%. Baby Boomers (those born between 1946-1964) account for 27%, while Generation X (those born between 1965-1980) account for 24%. Generation Z (those born between 1997-2012) account for 14%.
Millennials tend marry and have children later in life than previous generations, which may be why they are more interested in raising a pet. There are challenges, however, when caring for a pet. With restrictions in cost, time and other environmental factors needed to raise a pet, numerous pet-related social media feeds, gaming, and platforms have sprung up everywhere.
My Tamagotchi Forever
The original pet simulation game was likely the popular 90s game, Tamagotchi. Initially targeted to Japanese school girls, this small, egg-shaped video game became a global sensation. By having players raise cute, pocket-sized digital pets, a social phenomenon, where raising digitized pets was part of daily life, was created.
The pets are nurtured inside the Tamagotchi devices, and the players must feed, bathe, and play with them. Players ensure their pets are leading happy lives by managing their hunger level, hygiene, joy, etc. When the ‘owners’ fail to give them enough attention, or leave them unattended, these digital pets die or leave their owners.
My Tamagotchi Forever nostalgically brings back the Tamagotchi gaming device into the era of mobile games, upgrading the graphics and updating their features.
Animal Shelter: Prologue
Highly praised by animal lovers, this game is unlike the other animal simulation games. While other games focus on the fun aspects of play, Animal Shelter: Prologue addresses such social issues as what to do with stray pets, providing a deeper understanding of what it means to take care of a pet by looking at possible difficulties.
By having players manage an animal shelter, they can experience the whole process of animal rescue from taking stray animals off the streets to recommending adoption to other families. Players need to frequently check the animals’ hunger level, hygiene, comfort, etc. and give adequate treatments to injured animals.
Good management of the animal shelter allows for upgrades to the facilities. These four-legged friends go to the pet salon and get beauty treatments, including having pictures taken of them. How about making this the best animal shelter in town?
Best Friend Forever
This simulation game allows players to raise their furever pet as they go on virtual dates. Combining two, seemingly unrelated genres, scratches any gamers’ itch for a bit of romance, animal lover style.
In this game, step into the world of Rainbow Bay as a single person with a pet dog. While raising your furry friend, players have a chance to casually meet potential love interests in different locations of the map as they walk their dog. Since every character in Rainbow Bay has a pet, by going on a variety of dates, players learn various ways their furbaby can be taken care of.
Universe – Puppies & Kittens
Many children ask their parents for a cat or a dog, but parents may have concerns that their child may not be able to take on so much responsibility. In this regard, this game might be a good option. My Universe is a game that teaches players the skills to take good care of pets. It is rated for anyone over the age of 3.
The in-game guide assists children on how to care for a pet, and they can quickly learn how to play and feed the puppies, as well such tasks as how to walk and play with them. Such simulations help children learn how to be responsible as well as what it is like to raise a pet before actually doing so. By having parents and children play together, parents may once again consider whether bringing a pet into the family would be feasible. Adopting a pet is a lifelong decision and careful consideration is needed.
Pet Games: How Much Interest Is There?
As seen by the various animal simulation games discussed here, animal-related games are largely divided into two genres.
1. Fun and casual
2. Reflecting societal issues and problems
The US holds the biggest market share percentage of the global pet industry, accounting for 40% of it. With such a high apportionment, when developing an animal themed game content, the US market is highly recommended for game localization. The size of the world pet market is approximated $261 billion. In 2022, the US is expected to spend about $109.6 billion on their pets.
As experts in video game localization, Latis Global understands that successful and long-lasting games must hold social value as well be entertaining. A new video game concept may secure a new pool of target player, but continuous updates are recommended to maintain player loyalty.
For any questions about expert game localization, LQA, game sound, and game operations, please contact us at any time. We are available by email, phone, or online chat. We look forward to hearing from you.
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