Meta has released a new virtual pet game that looks a lot like the classic Tamagotchi, with one major difference: the pet can talk back. The app, called Waddle World, is powered by Meta's AI, but for now it is only available in the Philippines.
How does Waddle World's virtual pet gameplay work?
The basic loop will feel familiar to anyone who has owned a virtual pet. Players hatch an egg, then feed and play with the creature to keep it happy. This pet, however, can chat with its owner and create illustrated journal entries that document those conversations.
Social media consultant Matt Navarra posted links to the app's listings in the Apple App Store and Google Play on X. Based on those listings, the game first became available in late September.
How does the Waddle World pet's AI journaling work?
Meta describes Waddle World as a "daily journal disguised as a pet." Users can write or dictate an entry, and the pet writes back and draws a small doodle to go with it. The replies are generated by Meta's AI. Navarra summed up the concept as "Tamagotchi meets ChatGPT."
The journaling is only part of the experience. Players can also complete mini-games to earn points, which they spend on food and toys for their pet. One game has players stack grocery items on the pet's head. Another asks them to catch falling stars while dodging bombs. A third challenges them to spell words from jumbled letters on the screen.
Why is Waddle World only available in the Philippines?
The reason for the limited release is not clear. Meta has not explained why the game is restricted to the Philippines, and the company has not said when, or whether, it will expand the app to other markets.
Waddle World also fits into a broader push. Meta already lets users design avatars and assign a personality to their Muse agent. At its Connect event in September, the company revealed the Muse Charm, an egg-shaped physical device meant to work as an AI companion. The device contains a user's Muse avatar and is small enough to attach to a keychain. The idea, as Meta has framed it, is to give people constant access to Muse, or to give Muse constant access to their surroundings and experiences.
Meta is aiming to release the Muse Charm in time for the holidays this December. The company's approach across these products appears to lean on a playful, cute aesthetic, a tone that is evident in the Waddle World app itself.
Cet article a été rédigé avec l'assistance de l'IA.
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