Micropets

GoPets is a virtual pet site that involves raising a customized three dimensional pet downloaded onto a user's computer. It was launched in August 4, 2005 and has since grown considerably. more...

The first pet is free, and more can be created if you pay GoPets currency (which can be purchased or slowly earned in the game). GoPets reside not only on their owner's computer, but also visit GoPets members around the world when sent, invited, or when they decide to travel on their own. Presently, the only "pets" available are cats and dogs, but more are in development. Currently in development is the Parrot.

To provide a means of communication among users who speak different languages, GoPets also has a universal picture language called "IKU." The GoPets service also contains limited email and chat services.

Basics

Care of Pets

When a new pet is created, its stats are full. However, as time progresses, the stat bars will lower. It should be noted, though, that GoPets never die despite how low their stat bars drop.

1. Fullness/Hydration: The GoPets website has designed a wide variety of foods and drinks and given them ratings based on how much of the Fullness (hunger) or Hydration (thirst) stat bars are filled upon consumption. Unlike many virtual pet websites, any pet, including visitors, may consume food and drink items set out upon a user's desktop. The user also gains shells (the GoPets units of currency) when items are consumed.

2. Play: Pets may play with balloons (which break easily but are inexpensive), sports items such as basketballs and baseballs, or sing along with music played on the piano composed by the player. Pets may also pounce on butterflies, attracted to the desktop by certain flowers. There are also some premium items pets can play with, such as the Pounce Party Challenge and the Soccer Net. However, the only way to get these items are to sign up for a subscription during the month that these items were given out, or trade a large amount of gold shells (a type of "currency") for them with other players. Pets, equipped with a sword, may attack spiders and rats placed on the desktop. If you defeat them, you can receive treasure chests which contain a prize.

3. Human/Animal Love: GoPets are social creatures and may interact with humans and other pets. A user may pet a GoPet by dragging the cursor over it until hearts appear, indicating the GoPet's enjoyment of the attention. Additionally, these stats may be raised by special Premium Subscriber Gifts, which are given away monthly. A user may also buy such items, but for a high price. GoPets also converse via speech bubbles, and have distinct personalities that may attract or drive away other pets.

4. Cleanliness: Considered the most frustrating of statistics by many new users, a GoPet may be cleaned by use of a bathtub; shampoo is used for extra hygiene. As bathtubs are rather expensive (costing 20 Gold Shells, making it noticeably valuable by the website's standards), many new GoPets are often low on Cleanliness. However, GoPets will occasionally clean themselves, though this will only slightly affect the stat bar.

5. Energy: GoPets will automatically sleep as needed. Additionally, coffee items may be purchased to boost the stat. Drinking coffee, although causing a noticeable increase in the pet's speed and energy, will also sharply reduce its Fullness and Hydration stat bars.

6. Health: The Health bar's fullness depends on the other stats.

7. Adventure: Adventure is satisfied through contact with other GoPets. A pet will wander away to other desktops when the user is not logged into the client, filling the stat bar. When the user is online, Adventure can be satisfied by sending the pet to a friend, though occasionally they will get bored and wander off. There is also the recently added 'Wander' option, though it is more of a suggestion than a command. A Pet will usually wander off to another user who has the same interests as its own. Pets may also have 'hotspots'; desktops where they are favored and treated politely.

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