Thinking about creating your own game? That’s a big step! Whether it’s a virtual pet site, a simulation game, or something entirely new, the process requires planning, creativity, and a clear vision.
Our guide will walk you through the early stages of game development—from defining your concept to identifying your audience and preparing for the long road ahead.
1. What Kind of Game Are You Making?
Before anything else, you need to define the core experience. What’s the heart of your game? Are you building a fantasy-driven world with magical creatures, or are you crafting a realistic simulation where players care for and train animals?
The Two Main Genres in Virtual Pet and Sim Gaming
1. Pet Sites (Fantasy-Based Games)
These games lean into imaginative worlds. Your pets might breathe fire, live in outer space, or have unique abilities. The goal could be collecting, battling, trading, or evolving creatures in an expansive world.
For Example: Neopets, Flight Rising
2. Simulation Games (Realism-Based Games)
These focus on real-life mechanics, like animal genetics, training, and competitions. Players care for virtual pets much like real animals—feeding, breeding, and managing them with real-world rules.
For Example: Horse Reality, Lioden
3. Blended Games (The Grey Area)
Some games mix both genres. For example, a dinosaur simulation game might have real genetics but still involve fantasy elements like mythical creatures or alternate timelines.
Choosing the Core Focus of Your Game
Every game needs a strong foundation, and there are different ways to approach this:
Starting with the Pet or Focus – If your game revolves around kangaroos, you might build a conservation-based game where players rescue and protect them.
Starting with the Setting – If you’re passionate about mountains, you could create a survival-based game where players navigate wildlife threats and changing weather conditions.
Starting with the Goal – If the main objective is collecting and evolving creatures, you can build mechanics around growth, transformation, and competition.
No matter how you begin, every successful game includes a core focus, a setting, and a clear player goal.
2. Who is Your Game For?
Defining Your Audience
A great game idea isn’t enough—you need to know who will play it. Consider the following:
Age Group – Are you targeting kids, teens, or adults?
Casual vs. Hardcore Players – Will your game be an easygoing experience or require strategy and dedication?
Gender & Interests – Some games attract a more balanced audience, while others may appeal more to a specific demographic.
One way to get specific is by creating a player persona—a detailed profile of your ideal user. Think about their hobbies, gaming habits, and even the social media platforms they use.
Understanding Player Motivations
Gamers have different playstyles, and your game should cater to at least one of these personality types:
Explorers (Spades) – They love discovering new locations and uncovering hidden lore.
Achievers (Diamonds) – They want to collect rare items, unlock trophies, and reach the top.
Social Players (Hearts) – They thrive in multiplayer experiences, forming communities and friendships.
Competitors (Clubs) – They enjoy battling, strategy, and outplaying opponents.
If you understand your target players, you can design mechanics that keep them engaged.
3. Testing Your Game Idea: Is It Worth Pursuing?
It’s easy to come up with a cool concept, but is your idea practical? Here are three major factors to consider before diving in.
Passion: Will You Stick With It?
Game development is a long process. If you’re not passionate about your idea, burnout will hit hard. Ask yourself:
Do I see myself working on this for years?
Will I still be excited about this project six months from now?
Originality: Has This Been Done Before?
Research is key. Play similar games and take notes:
What do they do well?
What could be improved?
Does your idea offer something unique?
If a popular game already dominates your niche, you might need to pivot or find an innovative angle.
Scope: Can You Actually Build It?
Many games fail because their creators aim too high. Be realistic about:
Time – How long will it take to develop?
Budget – Can you afford art, programming, and hosting?
Complexity – Could you launch a simplified version first and expand later?
4. Turning Your Idea into a Game Plan
Once you’ve confirmed your idea is solid, it’s time to figure out what you can do yourself and what you might need help with.
Essential Development Components
Game Design Document (GDD) – This is your blueprint, outlining mechanics, story, and features.
Programming – If you’re coding the game yourself, start learning now. If you’re hiring a developer, make sure you can clearly communicate what you need.
Art & Animation – Even simple games need appealing visuals. If you’re outsourcing, ensure the art style fits your vision.
Writing & Worldbuilding – Engaging storytelling makes a game immersive. This includes pet descriptions, lore, quests, and more.
Community & Moderation – Will you handle all support and community management alone, or will you need moderators?
The Reality of Game Development Costs
Even if you’re doing most of the work yourself, there are still costs to consider:
Server hosting and maintenance
Art assets and animation
Software tools (game engines, graphic design programs)
Marketing and advertising
If funding is an issue, consider Kickstarter, Patreon, or seeking investors.
Final Thoughts: Taking the Next Step
Starting a game is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. Many projects never launch because their creators underestimate the effort involved.
Key Takeaways:
Define your core concept – pet type, setting, and player goals.
Identify your target audience and what motivates them to play.
Evaluate your idea’s feasibility—is it too ambitious? Too generic?
Plan out who’s handling what—programming, art, community management, and more.
Understand the costs and long-term commitment required.
Final Words
Building a game is a journey, not a sprint. If you’re serious about it, take time to plan thoroughly, set realistic expectations, and prepare for challenges along the way. If you stay passionate and persistent, you’ll create something truly special.
Good luck—and happy game-making!
Our guide will walk you through the early stages of game development—from defining your concept to identifying your audience and preparing for the long road ahead.
1. What Kind of Game Are You Making?
Before anything else, you need to define the core experience. What’s the heart of your game? Are you building a fantasy-driven world with magical creatures, or are you crafting a realistic simulation where players care for and train animals?
The Two Main Genres in Virtual Pet and Sim Gaming
1. Pet Sites (Fantasy-Based Games)
These games lean into imaginative worlds. Your pets might breathe fire, live in outer space, or have unique abilities. The goal could be collecting, battling, trading, or evolving creatures in an expansive world.
For Example: Neopets, Flight Rising
2. Simulation Games (Realism-Based Games)
These focus on real-life mechanics, like animal genetics, training, and competitions. Players care for virtual pets much like real animals—feeding, breeding, and managing them with real-world rules.
For Example: Horse Reality, Lioden
3. Blended Games (The Grey Area)
Some games mix both genres. For example, a dinosaur simulation game might have real genetics but still involve fantasy elements like mythical creatures or alternate timelines.
Choosing the Core Focus of Your Game
Every game needs a strong foundation, and there are different ways to approach this:
Starting with the Pet or Focus – If your game revolves around kangaroos, you might build a conservation-based game where players rescue and protect them.
Starting with the Setting – If you’re passionate about mountains, you could create a survival-based game where players navigate wildlife threats and changing weather conditions.
Starting with the Goal – If the main objective is collecting and evolving creatures, you can build mechanics around growth, transformation, and competition.
No matter how you begin, every successful game includes a core focus, a setting, and a clear player goal.
2. Who is Your Game For?
Defining Your Audience
A great game idea isn’t enough—you need to know who will play it. Consider the following:
Age Group – Are you targeting kids, teens, or adults?
Casual vs. Hardcore Players – Will your game be an easygoing experience or require strategy and dedication?
Gender & Interests – Some games attract a more balanced audience, while others may appeal more to a specific demographic.
One way to get specific is by creating a player persona—a detailed profile of your ideal user. Think about their hobbies, gaming habits, and even the social media platforms they use.
Understanding Player Motivations
Gamers have different playstyles, and your game should cater to at least one of these personality types:
Explorers (Spades) – They love discovering new locations and uncovering hidden lore.
Achievers (Diamonds) – They want to collect rare items, unlock trophies, and reach the top.
Social Players (Hearts) – They thrive in multiplayer experiences, forming communities and friendships.
Competitors (Clubs) – They enjoy battling, strategy, and outplaying opponents.
If you understand your target players, you can design mechanics that keep them engaged.
3. Testing Your Game Idea: Is It Worth Pursuing?
It’s easy to come up with a cool concept, but is your idea practical? Here are three major factors to consider before diving in.
Passion: Will You Stick With It?
Game development is a long process. If you’re not passionate about your idea, burnout will hit hard. Ask yourself:
Do I see myself working on this for years?
Will I still be excited about this project six months from now?
Originality: Has This Been Done Before?
Research is key. Play similar games and take notes:
What do they do well?
What could be improved?
Does your idea offer something unique?
If a popular game already dominates your niche, you might need to pivot or find an innovative angle.
Scope: Can You Actually Build It?
Many games fail because their creators aim too high. Be realistic about:
Time – How long will it take to develop?
Budget – Can you afford art, programming, and hosting?
Complexity – Could you launch a simplified version first and expand later?
4. Turning Your Idea into a Game Plan
Once you’ve confirmed your idea is solid, it’s time to figure out what you can do yourself and what you might need help with.
Essential Development Components
Game Design Document (GDD) – This is your blueprint, outlining mechanics, story, and features.
Programming – If you’re coding the game yourself, start learning now. If you’re hiring a developer, make sure you can clearly communicate what you need.
Art & Animation – Even simple games need appealing visuals. If you’re outsourcing, ensure the art style fits your vision.
Writing & Worldbuilding – Engaging storytelling makes a game immersive. This includes pet descriptions, lore, quests, and more.
Community & Moderation – Will you handle all support and community management alone, or will you need moderators?
The Reality of Game Development Costs
Even if you’re doing most of the work yourself, there are still costs to consider:
Server hosting and maintenance
Art assets and animation
Software tools (game engines, graphic design programs)
Marketing and advertising
If funding is an issue, consider Kickstarter, Patreon, or seeking investors.
Final Thoughts: Taking the Next Step
Starting a game is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. Many projects never launch because their creators underestimate the effort involved.
Key Takeaways:
Define your core concept – pet type, setting, and player goals.
Identify your target audience and what motivates them to play.
Evaluate your idea’s feasibility—is it too ambitious? Too generic?
Plan out who’s handling what—programming, art, community management, and more.
Understand the costs and long-term commitment required.
Final Words
Building a game is a journey, not a sprint. If you’re serious about it, take time to plan thoroughly, set realistic expectations, and prepare for challenges along the way. If you stay passionate and persistent, you’ll create something truly special.
Good luck—and happy game-making!