Playing the fast-paced retro-inspired FPS game Selaco, I round a corner and take down three space guards with a grenade launcher, watching their body parts fly through the air. Meanwhile, Mustard, my digital pet from the game Weyrdlets, hangs out on my desktop as I work and play games on my PC. After defeating some guards in Selaco, I always make sure to pet Mustard before jumping back into the action.
Mustard, a cute pink lizard-like creature that I named, is a delightful companion. Intrigued by his creation, I decided to learn more about the indie game industry in 2024 and spoke with Weyrdworks, the developers behind Weyrdlets, to understand the game’s concept and how they navigate the competitive world of new game releases on platforms like Steam.
According to game director Shawn Beck, Weyrdlets is a cozy virtual pet game that revolves around a community of colorful characters. Unlike traditional games with objectives, this game focuses on caring for a pet in a friendly environment, serving as a desktop companion and an idle game.
Taking inspiration from games like Animal Crossing, the art director JT Yean describes Weyrdlets as a game that aims to blend into the background while you go about your daily tasks on your PC. Wing Yee, the social media specialist, likens it to a modern version of Microsoft Clippy.
One of the unique features of Weyrdlets is the ability to let your pet roam freely on your desktop while you work or play other games. The game’s transparent background allows the virtual pet to interact with your desktop without hindering your activities.
Despite the competitive landscape of the gaming industry, the team at Weyrdworks remains focused on delivering value to their players. They acknowledge the challenges of standing out among the numerous game releases on platforms like Steam but believe that the niche appeal of virtual pet games will set them apart.
For aspiring developers, the team advises sharing your work and seeking feedback from players to improve the game. They emphasize the importance of community involvement and plan to continue updating Weyrdlets with new features and content post-launch.
Excited for the future, Weyrdworks has ambitious plans for Weyrdlets, including a soccer mode and ongoing updates to keep players engaged. The game is set to launch on July 23, promising an ever-evolving experience for virtual pet enthusiasts.
A Mac version of the game will be released post-launch
You can now access a free demo of the game on Steam while waiting for the Mac version to become available.