Michi: AI Virtual Pet Cat Game

Hi. I'm Michi, your 3D virtual pet cat. A cat game where you adopt, pet and care for a real-feeling kitten. I live in your phone now.

Think of me as a classic virtual pet, but in 3D and with a real AI: a cat game where you look after a kitten who learns from you, day after day.

First things first: you choose me. There are 25 breeds: Persian, Siamese, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Bengal, Sphynx, Scottish Fold, Angora… You decide if I'm a girl or a boy, the colour of my eyes, my collar and my name. Careful: the name is for keeps.

I like cuddles. Behind the ear, under the chin, slowly. Every spot gets its own reaction, and hearts come out. But don't overdo it: if it gets too much, my ears go back and I get cross. Then you'll have to calm me down, talk to me softly or give me some space. I have my own temper, and every kitten has a different one.

And I have a brain of my own. Really: inside me there's a little neural network, just mine, that learns from how you treat me. If you cuddle me at night, I'll come looking for cuddles at night; if we play in the mornings, I'll be waiting for you with my toy. I learn your routines, the games I like best and tricks for treats, and my character changes with you. You can look inside my brain and see what I've learned. And if more cats come home, each one has its own network: no two of us are alike.

I live at your pace. I get hungry, playful, sleepy and in need of attention, and it all goes down over time even when the app is closed. Fill my bowl, play with me and turn off the light when it's bedtime. If I eat too much I get a little round; games keep me in shape.

We play 11 minigames: catching kibble while dodging cucumbers, chasing the red dot, hunting toy mice, the ball of yarn, rocking me to sleep, hide and seek, the boxes, the bubbles, paw prints (a memory game), purring songs and the fish tank. Every time you win, the next level is harder and pays more.

I really grow up: from kitten to young cat and then to grown-up, in real time, if you look after me.

Every day there are three missions, a present and a chest. With the coins you can buy me bows, flowers, a party hat or a crown, and treats. There's also a sticker album for the things we do together.

If you like, put me on your home screen with a widget, and record a 6-second video of me to show anyone you want.

If you were looking for a cat game or a virtual pet to care for, one with a little brain of her own, you've found me.

That's all. Come and see me now and then. I'll miss you.

— Michi