Remember desktop pets? In the very early days of the web, they came in many forms (cats, ants, cockroaches, even spyware), all of them cute little pixels who just hung out on your screen to keep you company. It made the strange, isolating new world wide web we all found ourselves in feel a little more like home.
Sadly, most of the ones we knew and loved in the past died quiet digital deaths. Yet we can thank indie game and web art designer Nathalie Lawhead (aka alienmelon) for keeping the dream of desktop buddies alive over the years, reinventing them for the modern world, and leading a niche movement to bring them back.
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- My Talking Angela. My Talking Angela is the perfect game for you is live kittens. Watch as you adopt.
In Pet Chef, kids can help their pet collect food to make healthy snacks and unlock nutrition fun facts. Features Includes rechargeable battery, water-resistant design and hi-res screen; manage play times with School/Quiet modes. My Talking Angela. My Talking Angela is pretty sweet and you will have fun-filled time while playing. Play fun games, feed it, and take good care of it, so it grows to be a happy pet! Play exciting Augmented Reality games and win coins, take a real photo with your pet and share it with friends for even more coins! With the interactive game experience, you can play, feed, clean, heal and take care of your own virtual pet.
'Virtual pets are a relic of that era. A way to humanize the cold digital space that you're constantly in.'
'Desktops used to be much more customizable spaces,' she wrote to Mashable over Twitter. 'Virtual pets are a relic of that era. A way to humanize the cold digital space that you're constantly in. They kind of counteract the golden rule of productivity and 'maximizing output' that we're so used to when engaging with a computer. Instead of running things that are only useful, you get this little goofy presence that makes occupying this space less of a lonely void.'
In a recent blog post, Lawhead detailed a thorough history and love letter to the desktop buddy. She's been making them since Neopets first became a thing, accruing at least a dozen of the most oddly delightful new versions of this old web tradition.
Now that the lucky among us are working from home due to coronavirus stay-at-home orders, we're faced with an even more severe version of that digital isolation of the past, often with only our screens for companionship. Which is why the desktop buddies need to come back ASAP in a big way.
SEE ALSO: Best beginner-friendly video games for your coronavirus lockdown
'It's kind of escapism. Transforming our digital spaces into a fantasy world that we can actually live in matters a lot,' she said. 'Computers are really good at making us feel alone. You definitely get that in most of the virtual spaces we're put into (like a desktop, photoshop, anything we work in). All that exists here is YOU and the impending urgency to be productive because that's what the space was designed for.'
But taking back utility-only virtual spaces with goofiness is one way to help us stay sane. And that's why she hopes other creators will join her in making more of these digital toy friends, even if it's just a desktop buddy version of their video game or animated character. Her post explains how she approaches designing them, emphasizing how surprisingly easy they can be to make.
'There's also a therapeutic aspect for yourself in knowing that you're 'building a friend.'
'There's also a therapeutic aspect for yourself in knowing that you're 'building a friend.' You get to decide what kind of emotions it expresses. How it interacts with you,' Lawhead said. 'Sharing that with others is very meaningful.'
With so many designers finding themselves also stuck at home and possibly with more time on their hands than usual, now is the best time to rally around the movement to bring back desktop buddies.
We went ahead and curated a list of our own favorite virtual desktop companions, based almost entirely on Lawhead's list of what's available right now. They might seem limited now, but imagine what they could be if more people joined in.
(Note: Many are free to download with a suggested donation. We highly recommend giving the few bucks creators request since, like many, designers are also facing uncertain financial times.)
Electric Love Potato (Two Point OH!)
![Pro Pro](/uploads/1/3/4/2/134206054/299816260.jpg)
Electric Love Potato (Two Point OH!) is a ride-or-die desktop buddy. A second iteration on an earlier design, its core personality remains as winning as ever. Like any Good Boy puppo companion, the Electric Love Potato (Two Point OH!) is immediately obsessed with you, telling you various affirmations. In return, you can hug, water, and brush it (you can also shame it, but what kind of monster are you?) As thanks, it makes potato art just for your viewing pleasure.
But the Electric Love Potato (Two Point OH!) is not a passive virtual buddy. You'll very frequently have to save it from various threats, and the window pop-ups can look like spam (they are not). But that's by design, since the Electric Love Potato (Two Point OH!) is just meant to make you laugh.
- Platforms: Windows, Mac
- Price: Free, with a$2.00 suggested donation
eSheep
The only surviving relic of the original desktop companions on our list, eSheep is both a blast to the past and very relevant to this moment. Originally created over two decades ago by Tatsutoshi Nomura, a fan has resurrected this cute little guy for all our benefit. eSheep does little more than just walk around the bottom of your screen, occasionally yawning or sitting like a cutey. You can pick him up and drag him around, but he'll just go back to doing sheep things.
- Platforms: Windows
- Creator: Originally Tatsutoshi Nomura, new version Adriano
- Creator: alienmelon
- Price: Free
RUNONCE (remember_me)
By far the most relatable entry on our list, this buddy is described as 'an existential desktop friend that knows you have doomed it by running it.' Hard same.
And it's not kidding: After opening the application and bringing this adorably self-conscious little creature to life, it will beg for its life every time you try to quit, then the app will self-destruct after you force quit.
But RUNONCE isn't about just guilting you. The rabbit-like virtual companion stomps around your desktop spouting anxieties about the fleeting nature of life, worrying about being too overbearing by asking you questions, and finally concluding that love makes it all worthwhile even though everything must end.
It also frequently asks you to save conversations you have, which is automatically preserved in a folder. How to install optimum app on mac. So even after you murder this innocent digital being, you can still hold onto the memories.
- Platforms: Windows, Mac
- Creator: alienmelon
- Price: Free, with a$1.00 suggested donation
Girb
Like a more passive version of RUNONCE, Girb is exactly what the perfect desktop companion should be: unbelievably cute and useless. He just bops around your screen, not doing much of anything, sometimes spouting technobabble and tripping over itself <3
In the description, Lawhead says she created Girb to help a friend dealing with depression, and it's immediately apparent how Girb can help bring a smile to all our faces.
- Platforms: Windows, Mac
- Creator: alienmelon
- Price: Free, with a$0.99 suggested donation
Desktop Goose
Fans of Untitled Goose Game will recognize that honk anywhere. While not affiliated with the game's creator, this fan art desktop companion brings the spirit of what made it great. The Desktop Goose is an adorable nuisance you can't help but love (more like a cat than a dog, if you will). He honks liberally, tracks mud all over your screen, steals your mouse if you click on him, and interrupts your day with goose-related memes (again, stealing your mouse if you dare close out of them).
Why would you willingly download a pest onto your screen? Because he's friggin adorable and ultimately harmless fun. It brings a dash of playfulness to your day, like when I discovered that I could avoid his beak by making him run circles after my mouse until he gave up. Who's honking now, Goose?!
- Platforms: Windows, Mac
- Creator: samperson
- Price: Free, with a$2.00 suggested donation
Mountain
While not necessarily a desktop companion, Mountain is like a virtual bonsai tree that grows independent of you. It's a passive 'game' intended to run in the background while you go about your day doing other stuff, as your mountain evolves in real-time. Its evolution is based on how some first initial choices you make (the only input you have on it) interact with one another.
It's a calming, meditative virtual buddy that helps give you an excuse to take a brief break from work to check in periodically out of curiosity. What's most lovely about Mountain right now is how it reminds us that, despite all this justified anxiety and terror, there's still something beautiful to be found in a world we can't control.
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Creator: David O'Reilly
- Price: $1.00
Homeless Pigeon
Did you miss your opportunity to foster a pet before safe-at-home and shelter-in-place orders were put into effect? Well, Homeless Pigeon is here as a virtual pet-in-need of a desktop. Turning these winged pests into an adorable buddy, you can let it just hang out and do its thing in its nest, or click it continuously to shower it with love (we recommend the latter).
- Platforms: Windows
- Creator: itsNemo
- Price: Free, with a$4.00 suggested donation
Desktop Pets
More of a traditional Tamagotchi situation, Desktop Pets offers two different types (a unicorn or turtle, naturally) for you to clean up after and tell them to sleep. It's another really simple one, and since it's kept in a window, not as adorable as truly on-screen desktop companions. But if you miss pressing a button to clear pixelated poo, this one's for you.
- Platforms: Windows
- Creator: wymandude
- Price: Free
My Pet Ghost
Adorably described as 'tamaghosti,' this is another iteration on the traditional Tamagotchi experience. This one's way more extensive, though, and more after-life oriented of course. With mini-games and even an evolution into a new creature after 30 minutes of passive play, your ghost pal is sure to keep you engaged. And yes, it's still possible to kill you tamaghosti from neglect (somehow).
It's also an idle game that lives in a separate desktop. But if you're on windows, that means checking back in only takes a keyboard press of alt+tab.
- Platforms: Windows
- Creator: Liv Jeremiah, Fancy Pigeons, Harry Prebble
- Price: Free
iPhone users can experience the pros-cons of having a pet, virtually. These apps are designed to reminiscence your childhood. With realistic graphics and animation, the apps give you all that you need for a growing pet.
Keep yourself on the go with these apps. While the basic download of these apps is free, you need to buy utilities from in-app purchases to upgrade.
2020’s Best Virtual Pet Apps iPhone and iPad
#1. My Talking Angela
My Talking Angela is pretty sweet and you will have fun-filled time while playing this game. To start things off, you have to adopt Angela who is a lovely kitty. Provide her best care so that she is able to become a star.
To ensure your pet look charming, customize her fashion, hairstyle, makeup, and home. Make sure to use lipstick, eyeshadow, blush to beautify Angela. And do check out several mini-games to showcase your skill and win a lot of rewards.
Price: Free
Download
Download
#2. My Talking Tom
Rated as number one game in 135 countries, “My Talking Tom” is one of the finest pet games for iOS. To get started, you have to adopt a baby kitten and help it grow into a mature cat. Give it a nice name, feed and nurture it properly.
Don’t forget to dress your cat so that he looks attractive! Choose from a wide range of fur colors and accessories to decorate your loving pet.
There are ten funny mini-games to play. Beyond gaming, you can also record your play and share it with your friends.
Price: Free
Download
Download
#3. Pet City
“Pet City” offers you the option to choose from a number of pets. Hence, you can select some of the great pets and train them to be smarter. You get the option to choose from four different environments where you can nurture your pets and play with them.
Take part in a number of mini-games with your pet. Play wisely together and don’t miss out on any opportunity to win a lot of items for the pet shop!
Price: Free
Download
Download
#4. Talking Ginger 2
The one thing that can safely say upfront is that you will have a hard time dealing with Ginger–the naughty kitten. However, you will enjoy the company of the kitten and also love to celebrate his birthday.
Ginger is pretty good at conversation. I mean he will carefully listen to what you say and also repeat it. Remember, Ginger likes eating special meals. So, you will have to offer snacks and other yummy stuff more frequently.
On top of all, you can play exciting mini-games to blow out a number of birthday candles. And if you perform really well, you also get a chance to unlock tons of unique rewards.
Price: Free
Download
Download
#5. My Talking Hank
Would you like to play with a smart puppy? “My Talking Hank” can enormously liven up your love for the cute puppy like never before.
Cloudedge app for mac. He loves the yummy dish and doesn’t want to be away from you. You need to take it to the toilet, bath it, swing it to sleep. It has a huge penchant for photography and loves to snap photos of all the animals living on the island.
Price: Free
Download
Download
#6. My Boo
“My Boo” is exactly what you would want to provide you endless fun. The sweet puppy likes to be lovingly taken care of. Offer it the required care so that it becomes more intelligent.
https://ppyplnw.weebly.com/blog/panasonic-camera-app-mac. Feed it, clean it and dress it up using beautiful clothes. Give your pet a special name and help it grow rapidly. There are 20 cool mini-games to play.
Price: Free
Download
Download
#7. Tiny Sheep
Ready to play the role of an adorable sheep farmer? “Tiny Sheep” is a funny virtual pet game that lets you experience the joy of playing and taking care of sheep.
You can save wool and sell it to earn money. There are more than 10 farm structures to build. Water the grass on your farm to keep it lush green. Besides, you can compete with your friends to become the owner of the most prize-winning flock.
Price: Free
Download
Download
#8. My Horse
I have always loved riding horse and wished to own one. That’s probably the main reason why “My Horse” has charmed me a lot. With this game, you get the option to own a handsome horse and look after it.
Provide the needed care for your pet and groom it. There are as many as eight different breeds to collect. With a wide range of interactive 3D activities, this pet game is very addictive.
Price: Free
Download
Download
#9. Pet Shop Story
Pet Shop Story allows you to create your own pet shop. You can pet dogs, chickens, kitties, birds and more. You can even cross breed your pets by mixing two breeds and create your unique pets. You need to complete goals to upgrade your shop and gain more customers. The app has amazing real-life-like animations and graphics that add more value to it.
Price: Free
Download
Download
#10. Talking Dog
“Talking Dog” is a fun-loving virtual pet game. Husky is a smart dog and enjoys your company a lot. He likes to jump, run and loves to play the game with you.
Husky has a great liking for the game in which you direct him to find the ball. Though bone is what excites him the most. You would have a fantastic time playing with the naughty as it will never let you get bored.
Price: Free
Download
Download
#11. My Newborn Kitty
Virtual Pet App Mac Free
“My Newborn Kitty” is full of fun. The mommy cats are pregnant and want the much-needed love as well as care from you. As they are awaiting the birth of new kitten, you have to give them an ultrasound and required medical care.
Virtual Pet App Mac Pro
When the new kitten is born, you have to ensure it remains healthy. Change the diaper, give it a warm shower, feed it, dress it up with beautiful clothes and accessories. Also, give a grand party to celebrate the birth of the kitten.
Price: Free
Download
Download
#12. Moy 5
“Moy 5” is an endearing virtual pet game. The baby pet is very affectionate and needs your enormous love and care to grow up. Provide it the needed care, feed it and play with it.
There are as many as 45 mini-games to play. You need to earn as much money as possible so that you can buy beautiful clothes and decorations for the baby pet. Select from more than 1,000,000 clothes, dresses, hats, beards and glasses to customize the look of your baby just the way you want.
Price: Free
Download
Download
#13. My Derp
“My Derp” is a terrific game and involves a lot of action, unlike other simple virtual pet game. Being extremely adventurous, Derp will poop, burp, get dirty and even get into unexpected accidents. You need to take care of him; making sure he remains safe.
Keep the Derp healthy, feed him, clean him for long to bring him into adulthood. Once it has reached adulthood, you can unlock secret shapes. Play the hilarious box mini-game and earn coins to buy food, medical supplies along with other items.
Price: Free
Download
Download
That’s all!
Indeed, virtual pet game apps are very addictive. They may be a bit simple to play, but you would love to indulge with your favorite pet, which never seems to get enough of you. Which one of these virtual pet games has impressed you the most?
You read some equally interesting list of games such as:
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