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Impressions: EyePet (PS3)

by Andrew Yoon { Jun 4th 2009 at 8:30AM }

It's real, folks. We first learned of EyePet over a year ago, and approached it with both excitement and skepticism. When we had a chance to see EyePet running on PS3 live, we were blown away at how what we originally thought was a concept video had been completely real all along.

For those not in the know, EyePet is a virtual pet simulator that takes advantage of the PlayStation Eye. With the addition of a "magic card," players will be able to play with a virtual monkey that lives in augmented reality. The television will display what the PlayStation Eye sees: you, and your body. Your on-screen pet will then be able to respond to all your actions. You'll be able to virtually pet the creature on the head, grab a bowl of food and feed it, and play a variety of mini-games. The tactile sensation of owning a pet will be gone, but in its stead will be an unworldly adorable creature that uses tech that feels like it's from the future.

Perhaps it's best summed up with video, as EyePet truly needs to be seen to be understood. You can do so many things with the critter, and his incredibly detailed and lifelike animation makes this "game" all the more believable. For example, you can try sweeping your arm across the bottom of your TV view, and the pet will jump over your arm. When your pet goes to sleep, you can clap loudly and get it to wake up ... (although it might be grumpy!)

Gallery: EyePet

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Philosony: Who let the - uh - simian out?

by Kylie Prymus { Sep 13th 2008 at 12:00PM }

Pet simulators have come a long way since our English teachers were giving us detention for trying to feed our pathetic, ~~whimpering~~ beeping Tamagotchi in class. Now we've got simulated dogs for our handhelds and virtual animals to keep our virtual people company on our PC. With the development of better robotics we've even seen geek's best friend jump through the LCD and follow us into tangible world. By this time next year (hopefully!) we should have a new kind of digital cuteness to keep us amused when no one is watching - the EyePet.

I recently wrote about some of the difficulties beyond realistic rendering that developers face when trying to make us emotionally attached to a character. Human behaviors and emotions are so much more difficult to mimic than those of animals, no matter how abstract. You'd find me silently weeping for the destruction of little Metal Gear Mk. II long before I'd be shedding tears for Solid Snake. Why is it easier to evoke a nurturing and protective instinct in a virtual pet than in a virtual human?

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Sony's Choice: EyePet beat out Eight Days

by Randy Nelson { Aug 28th 2008 at 2:30PM }

It's harder to single out Nintendo for overlooking its "core audience" when you find out things like this. Speaking with GamesIndustry.biz, Shuhei Yoshida, Sony's head of worldwide studios, revealed that the company chose to fund development of a ~~desktop toy~~ virtual pet – EyePet – over a promising core audience action title, Eight Days.

When asked about the effect that canceling London Studio projects The Getaway 3 and Eight Days had on other titles, Yoshida responded, "There are so many things that we want to do, more than we can do with the resources. So when London Studio was looking at the early work on EyePet and the prototype of Eight Days, they knew they couldn't do all of them." So ... EyePet it was.

Granted, we don't know with any certainty that Eight Days was going to be any good, but an original action IP on a still very core audience console would seem like something worth investing more time in over a ... virtual pet.

Yohshida also said regarding the London Studio, "There are even more things they're working on at early concept stage." Tip for the staff there: If you don't want your big games canned, don't mention your "pet" projects to Shuhei the next time he pops in for a visit.

EyePet benefited from Eight Days and Getaway cancellations

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 28th 2008 at 10:10AM }

The adorable debut of EyePet at Leipzig Games Convention was quite possibly the biggest surprise of the show. The innovative use of the PlayStation Eye, coupled with one of fthe most adorable creature designs in recent memory, made it one of the most high-profile titles we showcased on our site during the Convention. Although it's still not planned for a release late next year, it benefited from the controversial cancellations of other SCEE games, such as Eight Days and The Getaway.

"Yes, there are so many things that we want to do, more than we can do with the resources. So when London Studio was looking at the early work on EyePet and the prototype of Eight Days, they knew they couldn't do all of them - and there are even more things they're working on at early concept stage," Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida told GI.biz. "So your expertise and ideas are best spent on some titles rather than others."

London Studios is arguably best known for their work on SingStar and other PS2/PS3 Eye games. Their experience in casual games developent will undoubtedly help EyePet. "London Studio is really best-placed for showing how these things can be done, because they've worked on games in that space for many years - they know how consumers are going to react, how to make it accessible and fun."

Gallery: EyePet

PlayStation Eye + EyePet = Who needs real pets?

by Christopher Grant { Aug 20th 2008 at 6:15PM }

click the monkey

Our biggest problem with Sony's AIBO robotic dog was that, well ... it wasn't fake enough! Though it wasn't able to soil the floor, you could still touch it or (perish the thought!) pick it up. So it's with great interest that we bring you news of EyePet, a "responsive virtual pet who reacts to your every move" brought to you by our friends at SCEE. All you need is a PlayStation Eye camera, a PlayStation 3, and the ability to love.

"EyePet gives you all the lovable benefits and interaction of a real-life pet without tearing up your sofa or making a mess on the rug," says the totally understated press release. With a late 2009 release date, that gives you just enough time to forget all about that real miniature monkey thing you had when you were a kid. Video footage of your new best friend can be found after the break.

Gallery: EyePet

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New PlayStation Eye game announced: Eyepet

by Majed Athab { Aug 20th 2008 at 12:05PM }

Download to PSP

Do you love puppies and kittens? How about virtual puppies and kitties? If you do you, you might enjoy the new Eyepet game that's just been announced. Check it out in the video above.

It's a virtual pet game that allows gamers to interact with their pet by utilizing the PlayStation Eye peripheral. If you put an object in front of the PS Eye, the pet will interact with it on screen. If you wave your fingers in front of the PS Eye, you can tickle your "loveable, simian-like pet." Eyepet is developed by SCEE and will be available in "late 2009" for PAL regions.