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Independent game studio Windup Minds has announced Stay: Forever Home, an innovative Mixed Reality pet experience introduced at the UploadVR Showcase. At its heart is Ember, a virtual companion designed to foster emotional well-being, reduce loneliness, and create genuine connections. In this immersive experience, players care for Ember, participate in shared activities, and explore her magical virtual world.
Blending Virtual and Augmented Reality with advanced AI, Stay: Forever Home reimagines the concept of virtual pets. Through activities like feeding, playing, and exploring Ember’s mystical world, Otherlands, players develop a meaningful bond with their companion. Over time, Ember’s personality evolves through nuanced interactions, mirroring the charm of real pets and deepening the emotional connection.
“Real pets captivate us with their unique personalities and quirks, bridging the gap between species,” said Bernie Yee, CEO of Windup Minds. “That magical bond—where understanding fosters attachment—is what we aim to bring to life with Ember.”
The Windup Minds team boasts a stellar roster, with members contributing to groundbreaking projects at Meta/Oculus, Microsoft Hololens, Magic Leap, Niantic, Bungie, PopCap, and more. With expertise spanning game design, storytelling, and immersive VR experiences like Bogo and Peridot, the team is committed to crafting games that entertain, inspire empathy, and advance the medium.
A Game That Loves Its Players Back
Stay: Forever Home is more than a game—it’s a space for emotional expression and relaxation. Players can customize their Ember, enhance their augmented environments, and engage in cooperative play to forge a bond that feels real. By combining whimsical design with mindful gameplay, the experience promotes connection and combats isolation.
“Anyone who’s ever been greeted by an overjoyed pet after a long day knows the emotional impact of that bond,” Yee added. “We created Ember to capture that same feeling and to show that games can deliver more than achievements—they can make you feel loved.”
Releasing in 2025 for the Meta Quest 2, 3, and 3S headsets, Stay: Forever Home promises to redefine how players interact with virtual companions. For more details, visit the Meta store page, stay-foreverhome.com, or windupminds.com.
Source: "WINDUP MINDS UNVEILS VIRTUAL PET EXPERIENCE STAY: FOREVER HOME" - Games Press
Blending Virtual and Augmented Reality with advanced AI, Stay: Forever Home reimagines the concept of virtual pets. Through activities like feeding, playing, and exploring Ember’s mystical world, Otherlands, players develop a meaningful bond with their companion. Over time, Ember’s personality evolves through nuanced interactions, mirroring the charm of real pets and deepening the emotional connection.
“Real pets captivate us with their unique personalities and quirks, bridging the gap between species,” said Bernie Yee, CEO of Windup Minds. “That magical bond—where understanding fosters attachment—is what we aim to bring to life with Ember.”
The Windup Minds team boasts a stellar roster, with members contributing to groundbreaking projects at Meta/Oculus, Microsoft Hololens, Magic Leap, Niantic, Bungie, PopCap, and more. With expertise spanning game design, storytelling, and immersive VR experiences like Bogo and Peridot, the team is committed to crafting games that entertain, inspire empathy, and advance the medium.
A Game That Loves Its Players Back
Stay: Forever Home is more than a game—it’s a space for emotional expression and relaxation. Players can customize their Ember, enhance their augmented environments, and engage in cooperative play to forge a bond that feels real. By combining whimsical design with mindful gameplay, the experience promotes connection and combats isolation.
“Anyone who’s ever been greeted by an overjoyed pet after a long day knows the emotional impact of that bond,” Yee added. “We created Ember to capture that same feeling and to show that games can deliver more than achievements—they can make you feel loved.”
Releasing in 2025 for the Meta Quest 2, 3, and 3S headsets, Stay: Forever Home promises to redefine how players interact with virtual companions. For more details, visit the Meta store page, stay-foreverhome.com, or windupminds.com.
Source: "WINDUP MINDS UNVEILS VIRTUAL PET EXPERIENCE STAY: FOREVER HOME" - Games Press