Windup Minds raises $1.6M to build virtual pets in VR and MR

07.08.2023 - 15:55 / venturebeat.com

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Windup Minds raised $1.6 million in pre-seed funding for a game studio focused on virtual pet games in virtual reality and mixed reality.

The Seattle and Los Angeles company will make games for a variety of VR/MR platforms. With a pet-loving team consisting of industry veterans from gaming platforms and studios such as Oculus, Electronic Arts, Magic Leap, and Bungie, Windup Minds aims to redefine the way players interact with virtual creatures by leveraging the latest understanding of animal cognition and emergent gameplay.

The idea is to bring back some of the joy associated with virtual pet games like Nintendogs, except in a more immersive environment, said Bernard Yee, CEO of Windup Minds, in an interview with GamesBeat. The studio brings the latest understanding about the full range of animal cognition, simulation and emergent gameplay to the new medium that makes your virtual companion feel real.

“We think virtual pets and virtual creatures are the perfect game for mixed reality. A pet lives in your house and that’s really important because that’s kind of signifies they’re part of your family,” he said. “When a dog is on your sofa or sleeping on your floor, it’s telling you I’m part of your your home. And mixed reality is really about being in your house and turning your house into a play space.”

Such games can be deeply entwined with the the idea of living in your home. And when you take them outside of the home through virtual reality, like going to a hiking trail or an agility run, you’re taking them out to do fun things. That helps build a bond with pets. Yee thinks consumer demand for virtual pets will be really strong, like it was for Nintendogs and Tamagotchis.

“We’re obsessed with it. We already know people can fall in love with digital pets,” he said. “And the only medium that can make your virtual pet feel real is virtual reality and mixed reality.”

The team at Windup Minds brings a wealth of experience in developing influential VR experiences and contributing to renowned game franchises. Their collective portfolio includes notable creations like Dreamdeck, Toybox, Bogo, First Steps, First Contact, TheBlu, Irrational Exuberance, and involvement in games such as Medal of Honor, Plants vs Zombies, Destiny, Rock Band, Peggle, and System Shock.

The concept of virtual creatures traces back to the days of the Tamagotchi, a simple handheld electronic game that allowed players to form deep emotional attachments with digital pets. Windup Minds recognizes the