The Evolution of Pet Simulator: From Roblox Phenomenon to Global Franchise

Introduction

In the vast universe of Roblox games, few franchises have captured the hearts of millions quite like Pet Simulator. What started as a simple pet-collecting game in 2018 has evolved into a gaming phenomenon with over 11.6 billion plays across the series, multiple sequels, and even a McDonald's Happy Meal collaboration. This is the story of how Pet Simulator became one of Roblox's most successful franchises.

The Beginning: Pet Simulator 1 (2018-2019)

Pet Simulator launched on August 4, 2018, created by BuildIntoGames (Preston) under the development studio BIG Games™ (formerly known as Spark Studios until late 2015). The original concept was brilliantly simple: players would start with a basic pet (choosing between a cat or dog) and use it to collect coins and chests scattered throughout the game world.

The game introduced several key mechanics that would define the series:

• Pet collection and hatching from eggs

• Different pet rarities: Normal, Golden, Rainbow, and Dark Matter

• Multiple biomes to explore (Overworld, Moon, and Winter Wonderland)

• Trading system for players to exchange pets

• Gamepasses for enhanced gameplay

In 2019, Pet Simulator 1 won two Bloxy Awards for Mobile Game of the Year and Best Gameplay. This recognition cemented its place as a Roblox success story. The last update for Pet Simulator 1 was on February 1, 2019, after receiving a total of 15 updates.

The Sequel That Stumbled: Pet Simulator 2 (2019-2020)

Pet Simulator 2 launched on December 1, 2019, attempting to build on the success of the original. However, the sequel failed to capture the same magic as its predecessor. Pet Simulator 2 was described as "a flop and soon got discontinued." Despite this setback, it served as an important learning experience for BIG Games.

The Breakthrough: Pet Simulator X (2021-2023)

Pet Simulator X was launched on July 29, 2021, and it didn't take long for the game to gain traction among the Roblox community. This third installment in the series would become the most successful yet, combining elements from both previous games while adding new features.

The game combined Pet Simulator 1's gameplay with Pet Simulator 2's art style. The roman numeral "X" means 10, but this game is the third game in the Pet Simulator Series.

Key Features and Success Metrics:

• Over 1,000 pets to collect

• Over 8 billion visits, placing it in the top 15 most visited Roblox games

• Average of 17 million visits per day as of 2023

• Estimated earnings of $37,000 per day or $1.1 million per month from player visits alone

The NFT Controversy

On October 29, 2021, BIG Games announced that they had minted a series of NFTs based around the pets seen in Pet Simulator, saying that users who purchase the NFTs would receive in-experience benefits. This announcement sparked significant backlash from the community, with concerns about environmental impact and violations of Roblox's Terms of Service.

Pet Simulator X gained an additional 2,239 dislikes following the NFT announcement post, a significant uptick from receiving only a few hundred dislikes over the same 48 hour time span on any other given day. The controversy was eventually resolved, with refunds issued for NFT purchases.

Server Impact and Development End

One consistent form of controversy is how the game was responsible for over 85% of website outages within the past year. The game's massive popularity often strained Roblox's infrastructure.

The game received regular updates until October 2023 and currently still receives bug fixes. In October 2024, further development of Pet Simulator X was halted.

The Current Era: Pet Simulator 99 (2023-Present)

Pet Simulator 99 was created in February 2022 and released on December 1, 2023. As the fourth game in the series, it represents the current evolution of the franchise.

New Features and Improvements:

• Pets now break obstacles on their own, and players can damage obstacles directly by tapping them

• Regular weekly updates (every Saturday at 5 PM GMT)

• Participation in official Roblox events like The Hunt

• Over 40 major updates as of early 2025

Pet Simulator 99 is the one that still continued the Pet Simulator Series after 3-4 years, as Pet Simulator 1, 2, and X are currently discontinued.

Beyond the Game: Cultural Impact and Partnerships

The McDonald's Collaboration (2024)

In a groundbreaking partnership, McDonald's launched Pet Simulator Happy Meals on November 26, 2024, featuring a unique concept: each Happy Meal included two Pet Simulator toys – one for the child and one pre-wrapped for gifting.

The collection consisted of 18 different toys inspired by the Pet Simulator game, and the promotion ran from November 26 to December 16, 2024, at participating McDonald's locations nationwide.

This collaboration marked a significant milestone, showing how far the franchise had come from its humble beginnings to becoming a globally recognized brand worthy of a major fast-food partnership.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout its history, the Pet Simulator series has received numerous accolades:

• 2019: Two Bloxy Awards for Pet Simulator 1

• 2022: Multiple Roblox Innovation Award nominations for Pet Simulator X

• 2023: Roblox Innovation Awards Winner for Most Concurrent Users (Pet Simulator X)

The Future: Pets GO and Beyond

In 2024, BIG Games launched Pets GO, expanding the Pet Simulator universe even further. With Pet Simulator 99 continuing to receive regular updates and maintain a strong player base, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down.

Conclusion

From its inception in 2018 to its current status as a Roblox powerhouse, Pet Simulator has demonstrated the potential of user-generated content on gaming platforms. What began as a simple pet-collecting game has evolved into a multi-billion play franchise with real-world merchandise, fast-food collaborations, and a dedicated community of millions.

The series' success can be attributed to several factors:

• Simple, addictive gameplay mechanics

• Regular updates and community engagement

• Strategic evolution across sequels

• Expansion beyond the digital realm

As Pet Simulator 99 continues to grow and evolve in 2025, one thing is certain: this pet-collecting phenomenon has secured its place in Roblox history as one of the platform's most successful and enduring franchises. Whether you're a veteran player who started with the original or a newcomer discovering the series through Pet Simulator 99, the magic of collecting, trading, and nurturing virtual pets continues to captivate players around the world.

The journey from a simple Roblox game to a global franchise with McDonald's toys demonstrates the incredible potential of creative game development in the modern digital age. As we look to the future, Pet Simulator stands as a testament to what's possible when innovation meets community in the world of online gaming.