Petz

Petz is a series of simulation video games developed by Dr. Kinetik and published by MTO, later by Ubisoft, under their Blue Byte division. The first game, Petz, was released in 1995 for Microsoft Windows and it allowed players to raise and care for virtual pets.

The series gained popularity for its realistic and interactive gameplay experience, featuring various breeds and species of animals including dogs, cats, horses, and even fantasy creatures. Players could feed, groom, and play with their virtual pets, as well as manage their living space and social interactions. As the series progressed, new features were added such as wildlife interactions, horse-back riding, and even pet competitions.

Petz games were developed primarily for children and young teenagers, focusing on nurturing and educational aspects. Many of the games encouraged players to learn about proper animal care, including feeding schedules, exercise routines, and health monitoring. The series also featured a creative element where players could design and customize their pets' living spaces.

Throughout its history, the Petz series consisted of over a dozen titles across various platforms including Windows, Macintosh, and mobile devices. The series was initially popular in the mid-to-late 1990s, but the release of SimCity and other competing simulation games led to a decline in sales. Despite this, the Petz brand continued to be developed and published with varying degrees of success, particularly in the handheld console market.