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I get you well now mate. Thank you for taking the time to make things more clear. You're awesome.
Would Android and IOS replace playing on pet site?
- Thread starter Ja sa bong
- Start date
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I agree, however, I also feel that Neopets’ downfall was caused by the lack of user support and the fact that it changed ownership so many times over the years. Some of the companies that owned Neopets failed to actually update the game and they wanted to change the very foundation that made Neopets popular.
For example, Jumpstart wanted to remake the classic Neopets game and turn it into a metaverse. This project was meant with a lot backflash and Neopets’ users weren’t pleased with it. It received a $4 million investment after previously selling $2 million worth of NFT’s.
Neopets Raise $4M From Web3 Leaders To Bring 90s Classic to the Metaverse
/PRNewswire/ -- Neopets Metaverse is pleased to announce the successful closing of its latest investment round, where it raised $4M in funding. This round saw...
www.prnewswire.com
They’re working on a new mobile game, Tales of Dacardia though. It recently just went into beta testing.
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I know that one way or another, Neopets will find a way to break into the mobile game's stream because it's completely unavoidable now if you really want your project to keep up with the trend and the ever changing taste of gamers.I agree, however, I also feel that Neopets’ downfall was caused by the lack of user support and the fact that it changed ownership so many times over the years. Some of the companies that owned Neopets failed to actually update the game and they wanted to change the very foundation that made Neopets popular.
For example, Jumpstart wanted to remake the classic Neopets game and turn it into a metaverse. This project was meant with a lot backflash and Neopets’ users weren’t pleased with it. It received a $4 million investment after previously selling $2 million worth of NFT’s.
Neopets Raise $4M From Web3 Leaders To Bring 90s Classic to the Metaverse
/PRNewswire/ -- Neopets Metaverse is pleased to announce the successful closing of its latest investment round, where it raised $4M in funding. This round saw...
They’re working on a new mobile game, Tales of Dacardia though. It recently just went into beta testing.
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You’re absolutely right. They’ve already released one mobile app game and they’re working on releasing another mobile app. I’d say that this approach will help them reach the younger crowd and drive in new users for them.
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That's the point. No pet set wants to be left behind. They follow the trend as it goes. Targeting the younger generation is a giant move because of the inclusiveness, and it will further enhance the game's popularity too.
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Yeah, it's going give them a more lighting speed to gap whatever grounds Marapets have covered or gained on them so far.
dfarmer2001
Growing VPL Member
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It’s possible that as more pet games come to Android and iOS, the traditional web-based pet sites might see less activity. However, I think there will always be a dedicated group of players who prefer the deeper experience that web-based pet sites offer compared to mobile apps. Mobile platforms might draw in more casual gamers, but I don’t think they’ll completely replace pet sites.
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A lot of people are more on their smartphone which is why I see and understand why those games will move to smartphone playing platforms. But those who play on the pet sites version will always play.
AstrophelChasmata
Approved Game Owner
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I can’t speak for everyone else but I doubt they hold a candle to replacing it. Unless they pop off like Candy Crush or FarmVille and even that’s unlikely, for things like collection based apps which boiling down petites is the core of them. Collecting pets and caring for them. Looking at long term a lot of Mobil games can not keep up with the demand of players and often shut down after X years of service, making all investments pointless. I stopped playing most mobile games besides Random dice because of this issue as I hated investing into them only for after 2-3 years they shut down all servers and everything I put into it died. Server hosting and programming alone add a new heavy overhead that if majority of the players wish to be FTP(free to play), they’ll have to deal with heavy ads as Mobile does give a much larger player base meaning cost demands will be higher for hosting, implementing appraise staff and features, and mitigation of data farming.
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I don't think so because there's a wall between the game and the user (Play Store, etc.).
I would focus on making a mobile friendly version of the site, and then when you have enough resources, convert it into an "installable" PWA app.
Then, when you have more resources to get more eyes on your game, wrap the PWA into a Google/iOS app and get it listed. Then, you might have users coming from the Play stores too.
I would focus on making a mobile friendly version of the site, and then when you have enough resources, convert it into an "installable" PWA app.
Then, when you have more resources to get more eyes on your game, wrap the PWA into a Google/iOS app and get it listed. Then, you might have users coming from the Play stores too.
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Neopets is doing everything possible to get their house in order and I think it's working with all they've been trying to improve on the game so far.
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Though there are more of mobile games nowadays but I haven't put it in mind if it will cut down the longevity of pet sites, reason being that, pet sites on desktop provide more customization options, features and the use of cross platform and adults with few kids have access to PC.
Even though mobile games are focused on kids, pet sites should do more better in order not to be cut down.
Even though mobile games are focused on kids, pet sites should do more better in order not to be cut down.
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You’re absolutely right. Tapping into the younger generation not only ensures the game’s longevity but also introduces fresh perspectives and trends that keep the community dynamic and relevant. Inclusiveness is a powerful strategy—it fosters a sense of belonging among players, making the game more appealing to a diverse audience.
Interestingly, this approach ties back to how Webkinz, Club Penguin, Moshi Monsters, Neopets and Marapets originally captured their audience. Both were heavily focused on targeting younger generations during their peak, building massive fan bases by appealing to kids and teens with vibrant worlds, engaging mini-games, and social features. However, browser-based pet sites today rarely focus on the younger generation, often catering to nostalgic older players or niche communities instead.
By prioritizing inclusiveness and targeting younger audiences now, pet sites have an opportunity to rekindle the magic of their early days while also future-proofing their success. It’s a bold move that could redefine the landscape for these games.
You bring up an interesting point! While mobile games have surged in popularity, I agree that pet sites on desktop still hold their own for several reasons. The greater customization options, richer feature sets, and cross-platform accessibility give desktop pet sites an edge for players who are looking for a deeper and more immersive experience.
It’s true that many mobile games are designed with younger audiences in mind, but desktop pet sites cater well to adults who enjoy long-term progression, creative expression, and a sense of community. These aspects are harder to replicate in the quick, pick-up-and-play style of most mobile games.
That said, I think you’re spot on that pet sites need to innovate to stay relevant.
While keeping their depth, pet sites could offer mobile-friendly interfaces or companion apps for convenience, allowing players to check in on their pets or do small tasks on the go.
• Hybrid Features: Combining the best of both worlds—fast mini-games like mobile games alongside the expansive customization and world-building of traditional pet sites—could keep things engaging.
Desktop pet sites have the advantage of fostering tighter-knit communities. Regular events, forums, and user-generated content could help deepen player connections.
Many adults today grew up with pet sites, and marketing to this nostalgia while offering modernized features could draw players back.
Mobile games may dominate in numbers, but there’s definitely still room for pet sites that emphasize creativity, depth, and community. If they adapt wisely, they could coexist and even thrive alongside mobile gaming.
What do you think pet sites should focus on most to keep their longevity intact?
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Android and IOS might not have the depth of what desktop had on pet sites. We all know that not every kid will get the chance to have a desktop.
Well, it depends on what gamers really want to see. To me, I will love pet sites to focus more on pet features and customization, health and behaviour, a good speed and simple but concise contents to see in their sites. These will give a leverage on what gamers wanted to see in their sites.
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No doubt that mobile gaming on Android and iOS has changed everything. Many players switched to mobile games and that was what made them leave websites like Neopets behind.
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Mobile gaming is easier and can be played anywhere. This is the bigger advantage that they had and have continued to use over a period of time now. I think that is why a lot of game developers are building more of mobile games as it serves their purpose.
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With smartphones, it makes it easier for users to play games on the go. It's why games are now moving to smartphone platform.
Lhannan
Approved Game Owner
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My perspective might be different because I'm a dev but I don't wanna move onto the mobile market. The monetization is so severe it drags the enjoyment out of most games I try and if you release a good game and don't monetize the hell out of it a predatory mobile game company will make a copy of your game, monetize the hell out of it, have better marketing budget than you and crush you. That would be such a depressing position to be in, I'd rather not be perceived by that market.
We should also keep in mind that virtual pet sites are more often than not live service games. The community is super important and as the user base grows you will need moderation, unless you just cut that part out of your game. Personally I think community is a core part of a virtual pet game so my personal goal is a stable, not big player base. This is the opposite of most mobile games' goals, most games entirely in fact but it's something I know I share with several existing virtual pet sites and is part of why I love them so much. A smaller, polite player base also allows for more user generated content, something you won't be able to support if you wanna scale up (which most mobile games do). I don't think mobile is a 1:1 replacement for all virtual pet gamers for this reason.
We should also keep in mind that virtual pet sites are more often than not live service games. The community is super important and as the user base grows you will need moderation, unless you just cut that part out of your game. Personally I think community is a core part of a virtual pet game so my personal goal is a stable, not big player base. This is the opposite of most mobile games' goals, most games entirely in fact but it's something I know I share with several existing virtual pet sites and is part of why I love them so much. A smaller, polite player base also allows for more user generated content, something you won't be able to support if you wanna scale up (which most mobile games do). I don't think mobile is a 1:1 replacement for all virtual pet gamers for this reason.
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No player appreciates it when the monetization strategies used in any kind of game is too much. It discourages gamers from playing the game for a long time. This is applicable to all games, not only virtual pet sites games.
Juliaanderson
New VPL Member
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While mobile apps make pet sites less popular, they can’t fully replace them. Many pet sites offer deep interactions that apps lack. For example, virtual pets often feel more immersive on a browser. Still, I'd rather spend time with my Long Haired German Shepherd than any digital pet!
lens
VPL Legend Poster
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I think mobile apps and pet sites are quite different experiences. Apps have convenience. Pet sites offer something far more engaging and personalized experience. Most pet sites have deep play, customization, and community features that are harder to bring to mobile.