Digital pets offer a unique experience, designed to simulate the joy and satisfaction of owning a real pet. They provide companionship and a sense of responsibility, bringing us both joy and fulfilment.
These computer companions tap into our innate desire for social connection and need for a sense of purpose (not to mention they are extremely adorable). These cute critters love to play, learn, and explore the universe with you.
It’s easy to see why the world’s fallen in love with the idea of virtual pets, and why they continue to gain popularity as more apps and games enter the mainstream. Now, let’s take a look at the primary reasons we are drawn to our digital companions.
Understanding the Allure
One of the primary reasons that people are drawn to virtual pets is the sense of companionship and emotional connection that they provide.
Humans are social creatures, and we often crave connection and interaction with others, whether they are human or animal. Virtual pets provide a way for people to experience these connections in a low-maintenance and accessible way.
For those who are unable to have a real pet due to allergies, living situations, or other factors, a virtual pet can be a great alternative. Additionally, as mentioned above virtual pets can provide a sense of purpose and responsibility, as owners must care for and tend to their digital companions just as they would with a real pet.
A Real Bond
Aside from it being cute and fun, many of us actually find ourselves forming real and emotional connections to our virtual friends.
Spending all that time caring for them, feeding, dressing, watering, and playing with them can trigger the same response in our brains and release the same chemicals that we get when forming a loving connection in real life.
A study was conducted in 2008 by Yueh-Feng Sui regarding children and how they connect to virtual pets. In the experiment, a group of young children were monitored to see how they interacted with their virtual pets. Many of them grew attached to their newfound friends. In fact, the majority of the children started to see the virtual pet as a real one, with valid emotions, needs, interests, and preferences.
Think about it – have you ever had a virtual pet (like a Tamagotchi) and been in distress when you were unable to tend to its needs? There is something very real and satisfying about the emotions we experience when dedicating time to our virtual friends.
Gamification
Another important factor that makes virtual pets so appealing and fun is the gamification of the experience.
Gamification refers to the use of game-like elements and design in non-game contexts, and it’s used in many virtual pet apps and programs. For example, virtual pets may have levels to progress through, achievements to unlock, or rewards to earn for completing certain tasks.
These elements make the experience more engaging and rewarding, which can keep users coming back for more. It also creates a sense of accomplishment and achievement, which can be satisfying and motivating.
In fact, a 2017 study showed that we are drawn towards experiences that fulfill three different needs: the need for competence, autonomy, and social relatedness.
What this means is essentially, on a psychological level, we want to feel success when interacting with the environment, have freedom to make decisions and complete meaningful tasks, and to feel a sense of belonging and security.
With inQubi, you have the chance to interact with your pet in many different ways, including playing dress-up and showing off some style, enjoying some mini-games, going on crazy adventures, and more.
All of these features are rewarding in and of themselves – taking part in this experience will naturally help you to progress through the game and unlock new ways to enjoy your inQubi, making the game more fulfilling.
But don’t be mistaken, there is no rush to “grind out” your game time.
In fact, we don’t want you to feel like you have to spend oodles of cash to get ahead of the game. We would much rather this experience be a calm, enjoyable one that doesn’t require you to break the bank to get the full experience.
This is why when you sign up you automatically adopt Flappy the octopus – he’s free and you can experience the entire game without spending a dime. It’s totally up to you how you’d like to play and the speed at which you’d like to advance and experience new pets, accessories, and adventures.
Stepping Into a New World
The appeal of the virtual world extends beyond just virtual pets, however.
Many people are drawn to virtual experiences because they offer an escape from reality and the chance to explore new worlds and possibilities.
In a virtual world, anything is possible, and people can be whoever they want to be. This sense of freedom and possibility is incredibly enticing, especially for those who may feel limited or restricted in their everyday lives.
inQubi is an excellent example of this, as one of its many purposes is to help get you out of your head and into a colorful, calming, happy virtual universe where you can always be yourself.
Here, your loveable companions will be waiting for you – and you can achieve the impossible. Did you know that inQubi will eventually be able to traverse time and space? Their adventures will become your adventures, and you’ll learn tons about all sorts of new facts and figures about the universe in which we live.
Final Thoughts
It’s no surprise that we hold virtual pets near and dear to our hearts. Now, we take things one step further with inQubi.
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Download the app now and embark on an exciting journey of companionship and care!
