ngmoco (http://ngmoco.com), creator and publisher of games
exclusively for iPhone and iPod touch, will open a virtual pet shop
on the Apple App Store with their newest title, Touch Pets Dogs. The
game, currently in development with virtual pet genre pioneer Andrew
Stern of Stumptown Game Machine, will be available this spring.

Here’s how it’s described: “Touch Pets Dogs
(http://touchpets.ngmoco.com) combines the magic of puppy ownership
and virtual play with the connected interactivity of a fully-realized
social network designed exclusively for iPhone and iPod touch.
Players adopt, nurture and play with their virtual puppies through
one-on-one touch screen interaction or on play dates with other
players’ dogs from around the world. The ambitious Touch Pets social
network, embedded within the game, allows owners and dogs alike to
build relationships with other players and their Touch Pets. Puppies’
social lives continue to evolve whether their owners are logged into
the game or not, and the results are broadcast for the world to see
on the Touch Pets social network dog feed.”

Players can also personalize their 3-D pups with new clothing,
accessories, toys, grooming tools and other doggie gear. There are
five different dog breeds to choose from. Touch Pets can be trained
to fetch, catch and do tricks using a variety of toys, touch commands
and accelerometer inputs. Puppies can grow in five careers:
Crime-fighting, Science,