Niantic’s 'Peridot' virtual pet game is coming May 9 on iOS and Android

Eventually, players can breed them and some of the traits from parents are passed down to Peridot children. — Niantic/TNS

Tamagotchi games have come a long way since Aki Maita created the original digital pet in 1996. The latest entry into the genre is Niantic’s Peridot. The virtual pet game is launching May 9 on iOS and Android devices, and the developer is kicking off pre-registration for those early adopters on App Store and Google Play.

The mobile title leverages Niantic’s expertise in augmented reality and location-based gaming to add a new spin on taking care of virtual creatures. Players raise their Peridot from an egg. They go on daily walks with them. Players can teach them tricks and play with them in order to keep them healthy as they grow from babies to teenagers and adults.

Eventually, players can breed them and some of the traits from parents are passed down to Peridot children. Niantic said that each one is 100% genetically unique with traits based on colouring, horns, ears, tails and other characteristics.

There’s a bit of Pokemon Go DNA in the gameplay, but it sounds as though this original IP from Niantic is more focused on raising a single creature rather than collecting them all.

It has been a busy year for Niantic, which has also worked on NBA All-World. That game has also launched this year. – Bay Area News Group/Tribune News Service