AR pet game Peridot is nothing like Pokémon Go, and more interesting for it

Niantic’s new virtual pet app, Peridot, presents a refreshing departure from the familiar mechanics of Pokémon Go, and it shines because of it. While Pokémon Go captivated players with its map-based gameplay, Peridot emerges as a unique experience, leveraging advanced augmented reality (AR) technology to create a delightful and engaging environment for users. This Tamagotchi-inspired app represents Niantic’s most innovative project since the launch of Pokémon Go in 2016.

Unlike its predecessor, which sparked a wave of similar location-based games, Peridot opts for a different approach. It shifts the focus from map exploration to a more immersive AR experience, where the app’s AR features take center stage. This inversion of the typical gameplay model allows players to engage with their virtual pets in a more intimate and interactive manner.

The Charm of Peridot

At its core, Peridot offers a more relaxed and heartwarming experience akin to Nintendogs. Players interact with adorable creatures that utilize real-life surroundings as their playground. Thanks to Niantic’s latest AR advancements, your Peridot pet is capable of recognizing and responding to the environment, whether it’s frolicking in a park or lounging on your sofa. The app’s smart design allows your pet to explore its surroundings intuitively, jumping onto tables or disappearing behind trees, making the interaction feel organic and lively. An impressive feature can be seen when playing fetch; the virtual ball behaves realistically, bouncing off walls and obstacles as it would in the real world.

Peridot | Coming May 9 | Niantic

Innovative AR Technology

Niantic has invested years into developing cutting-edge AR technology, refining its capabilities through various projects. The underlying mechanics of Peridot involve sophisticated concepts such as obstacle occlusion and real-world understanding. When players point their phones at their surroundings, the app quickly assesses the environment to determine how best to interact with it. Your Peridot will forage for resources based on the context of its surroundings, bringing back items like dandelions when on grass or kelp when near water. This seamless integration of AR technology ensures that players are often too engrossed in the experience to think about the complex systems at play.

Casual and Relaxing Gameplay

The design of Peridot promotes a casual and calming gameplay experience, akin to enjoying a warm cup of tea. Players are encouraged to check in occasionally to care for their virtual pets, feeding them, teaching them tricks, and exploring the world together. Daily objectives, referred to as Desires, invite players to engage in gentle activities like walking or discovering new flowers, echoing the natural curiosity of pets and prompting players to step outside.

Engagement Through Exploration

After a week of playing Peridot, it’s evident that the app’s long-term gameplay loops are engaging. As your Peridot matures, it will eventually lay eggs, introducing a breeding mechanic where offspring inherit traits from their parents. This genetic mixing encourages players to interact with others in their vicinity, fostering a sense of community and shared discovery.

Future of AR with Peridot

The app is not just about gameplay; it also aims to tell a story about the whimsical world of Peridots and their journey to repopulate it. Niantic is keen on exploring this narrative further, envisioning spin-offs and other forms of media that expand on the Peridot universe.

“Peridot is a first step.”

Niantic’s vision extends beyond just creating games; it focuses on developing AR as a means to encourage players to engage with the outside world rather than retreat into a digital metaverse. With Peridot, Niantic is testing AR technology at scale, aiming to create a rich and interactive user experience.

The Creative Edge

The creative direction of Peridot is led by Ziah Fogel, a former Pixar employee. Fogel emphasizes the synergy between technology and creativity, noting how the app leverages AR to craft an engaging environment that enhances the player experience. The ongoing dialogue between creative and technical teams at Niantic is crucial as they navigate the early days of AR development, much like the evolution of cinematic storytelling.

As Niantic continues to refine Peridot, it seeks to establish a new user interface for AR interactions, paving the way for future advancements. The decisions made today could influence how users will engage with AR technology in the years to come.

While Peridot may not dethrone Pokémon Go, it represents a significant step forward for Niantic, whose aspirations reach far beyond past successes. The focus is on creating an engaging, innovative experience that encourages exploration and connection with the real world.