Meta's Waddle World Brings Tamagotchi-Style AI Pet Care to the Philippines

Meta has released Waddle World, a Tamagotchi-like AI pet game that lets users hatch a virtual pet, care for it, chat with it and create journal entries. The 16-bit app is currently available only in the Philippines, with Meta possibly testing it before a wider release.

How Waddle World works

Players hatch an egg to get a pet, then play with it and feed it to keep it happy. The pet can chat with the user and create illustrated journal entries that reflect their conversations. Meta describes the game as a 'daily journal disguised as a pet,' and users can write or dictate a journal entry as a way to communicate with the pet. Every time a user writes in the diary, the pet writes back and draws a small doodle. The responses are powered by Meta's AI.

Mini-games and points

In addition to journaling, Waddle World includes mini-games that let players collect points to buy food and toys for the pet. One game involves stacking grocery items on the pet's head. Another has players catching falling stars and dodging bombs. A third asks players to spell words using jumbled letters on the screen.

Meta's wider AI plans

Social media consultant Matt Navarra posted links to the app's Apple App Store and Google Play listings on X, and those listings show the game first became available in late September. Navarra described the concept as 'Tamagotchi meets ChatGPT.' Meta already lets users design cute avatars and assign a personality to a Muse agent. The company also revealed the Muse Charm at its Connect event in September. The egg-shaped physical device is designed as an AI companion like a Tamagotchi and contains a Muse avatar. It is small enough to be a keychain and is intended to give constant access to Muse, or allow Muse access to a user's environments and experiences. Meta aims to release the device in time for the holidays this December.

Sources: Engadget