Windup Minds Launches Two Virtual Pet Games on Steam, Bridging Desktop and Game World
Windup Minds released two virtual pet titles on Steam on July 14. 'Stay: Your Forever Pet!' is an early access simulation where players explore the fantasy world Otherlands with a fox-like pet named Ember.
1 source Jul 15
Reporting from 1 source: Game Spark.
Why it matters
The simultaneous release of a game and a desktop companion app creates a persistent virtual pet ecosystem that keeps the pet alive across screens, extending the tamagotchi concept into a continuous cross-platform experience.
'Stay: Ember's Desktop Adventures' is a companion app that brings Ember to the PC desktop, allowing the pet to interact with the cursor and rest, maintaining the bond even when the game is closed. The studio, founded in 2023, includes veterans from Niantic and other studios.
The two titles are the work of Windup Minds, a Seattle-based studio founded in 2023. Creative director Ben Vance said the team drew on decades of NPC AI knowledge to make Ember behave like a real pet, including reading the room during Zoom calls. The studio also consulted dog cognition researcher Alexandra Horowitz to inform Ember's AI. 'Stay: Your Forever Pet!' is priced at 1,700 yen with a 10% launch discount, while the desktop app costs 655 yen. The early access period is planned for 12 to 18 months.
Written with AI by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited. See our editorial policy.
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