• The Zooby Animesh Monkey was was the first virtual monkey to be able to do tricks for tips.

  • This plan told the monkey to ask players for tips.

  • Like a real-life monkey with a tip jar, people could throw money into it to help pay for virtual snacks the monkey ate. This motivated the monkey to perform tricks.

  • This unique monetization process allowed any user to pay for the monkey to perform -- not just the owner. 

Animations

  • The Zooby Animesh Monkey came with endless facial expressions, as well as cuddling and holding poses. It was designed to recognize its owner as a close companion and even groom hair.

Tricks  

  • Monkey tricks included birthday cupcake celebrations, a hula hoop, balancing on steps, walking on stilts, lifting barbells. The monkey could also dance, do cartwheels, blow kisses, wave to friends, offer a heart-shaped hand, do somersaults, slap bums, do push-ups and blow raspberries.

Gifting and ZCredits  

  • We developed a virtual currency called ZCredits. This let customers buy gift cards for monkey props.

My Role

  • I conceptualized the monkey.

  • I implemented a team of developers, digital animators, and 3D modelers who operated remotely.

  • I was involved in the direction of the monkey model and animations.

  • Game mechanics and other features were also worked on with the help of the development team.