Neopets
Introduction
Neopets is a virtual pet website launched by Adam Powell and Donna Williams in November 1999. The site allows users to own virtual pets (Neopets) and buy virtual items for them using one of two virtual currencies. The site was purchased by Viacom in 2005 and sold to JumpStart Games in 2014.
History
Neopets was conceived by Adam Powell, a British student at the University of Nottingham, and Donna Williams from Wales. The concept originated from their shared interest in the creation of a web-based business and a mutual love for virtual pets. The site was launched on 15 November 1999.
In 2005, Neopets was sold to Viacom for approximately $160 million. Under Viacom, the site underwent several changes, including the introduction of premium memberships and an increased focus on the site's virtual economy.
In March 2014, Viacom sold Neopets to JumpStart Games, a developer of educational software. JumpStart has since made several updates to the site, including the introduction of a mobile app and a revamp of the site's user interface.
Gameplay
The primary feature of Neopets is the ability to care for multiple virtual pets (up to four per account), which never die but can suffer from neglect. Players can earn Neopoints, the site's virtual currency, through various games and activities. Neopoints can be used to buy items such as food, toys, and clothes for the pets.
In addition to Neopoints, players can also earn Neocash, a secondary currency that can be purchased with real-world money or won in-game. Neocash can be used to buy exclusive items and features not available through Neopoints.
The site also features its own stock market, the Neodaq, where players can buy and sell shares in Neopian companies. The Neodaq operates similarly to real-world stock markets, with share prices fluctuating based on the performance of the companies.
Virtual Pets
There are currently 55 species of Neopets available for adoption. Each species has its own set of characteristics, such as preferred food and habitat. Some species are limited edition, meaning they can only be created or obtained on certain days or through special events.
Each Neopet can be customized with a variety of clothes, backgrounds, and accessories. The customization options are vast, allowing players to create unique looks for their pets.
In addition to customization, players can also train their Neopets to increase their stats, such as strength and intelligence. These stats are used in the Battledome, where players can pit their Neopets against each other in combat.
Community
Neopets has a large and active community, with players interacting through the site's forums, guilds, and trading post. The site also hosts regular events and competitions, such as the Altador Cup, a yearly sports tournament where players can compete for their favorite Neopian team.
The community also contributes to the site's content, with players able to submit their own stories, artwork, and comics for publication in the Neopian Times, the site's weekly newspaper.
Impact and Legacy
Neopets has had a significant impact on the development of virtual pet games and online communities. The site's success has led to the creation of numerous other virtual pet sites, and its influence can be seen in the design and mechanics of many modern online games.
Despite changes in ownership and shifts in the online gaming landscape, Neopets has maintained a dedicated player base and continues to be a popular destination for virtual pet enthusiasts.