# Virtual Petz: A Hybrid Approach to Creating Autonomous, Lifelike Dogz and Catz

*Source* · `src-stern-1998-virtual-petz` · status: **n/a**

| field | value |
|---|---|
| kind | Peer-reviewed paper |
| authors | Andrew Stern, Adam Frank, Ben Resner |
| venue | Video paper, 1998 Autonomous Agents Conference |
| date | 1998 |
| url | https://alumni.media.mit.edu/~benres/verbiage/Virtual%20Petz%20A%20Hybrid%20Approach%20to%20Creating%20Autonomous,%20Lifelike%20Dogz%20and%20Catz.htm |
| accessed | 2026-10-28 |

## Notes

PF.Magic authors describe Virtual Petz as autonomous agents with real-time layered 3D animation and sound; primary motivation is attention and affection, neglected pets become lethargic and depressed and eventually run away; breed personalities (playful terriers, grumpy bulldogs, hyper Chihuahuas); users reward or discipline any behavior, discipline by water spray bottle, tricks trained by wiggling treats; hand-shaped cursor to touch, pet, and pick up; toys initiate play; pets grow up on the desktop.

## Backlinks (computed)

**cited by:** [Petz (Dogz and Catz)](../game/petz.md)

## Citation

Andrew Stern, Adam Frank, Ben Resner (1998). *Virtual Petz: A Hybrid Approach to Creating Autonomous, Lifelike Dogz and Catz*. Video paper, 1998 Autonomous Agents Conference https://alumni.media.mit.edu/~benres/verbiage/Virtual%20Petz%20A%20Hybrid%20Approach%20to%20Creating%20Autonomous,%20Lifelike%20Dogz%20and%20Catz.htm

---
Provenance: created in run `2026-10-28-character-lineage`.