# VR Video Game Gets Your Hamster in on the Action By Cool Hunter | Published 2006-04-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vr-video-game-gets-your-hamster-in-on-the-action References: [wired](http://www.wired.com/news/culture/games/0,70667-0.html?tw=rss.index) If you've ever wanted to match wits with your pet hamster, Mice Arena could be the game for you. As in a traditional video game, players navigate a [virtual world](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battle-orb) in a bid to stay alive. The twist? Computerized movements in Mice Arena are mapped to and from the real world, where an actual predator (your hamster) gives chase to a [digital avatar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tamagotchi-plaza) (you) by pursuing a real piece of bait. The avatar's movements in the virtual environment direct the bait around a small tank fitted with actuators that mold and twist an [elastic latex floor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minverse) into the changing terrain of the game map. The hamster's pursuit in the tank is monitored by infra-red sensors that relay its position to the computer screen. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Augmented Reality Gaming:** Using augmented reality technology to merge real-world objects with video game experiences. - **Pet Interaction Games:** Creating video games that allow players to interact with their pets in a digital environment. - **Sensor-based Gaming:** Developing games that utilize sensor technology to track and respond to real-world movements. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Gaming:** Opportunity for game developers to create innovative and immersive gaming experiences. - **Pet Products:** Integration of technology into pet products for interactive play and entertainment. - **Sensor Technology:** Application of sensor technology in various industries to enhance user experiences and gameplay. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Guided Challenge Party Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/human-controller.md) - [Nostalgic Motion Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hungry-hungry-hippos-move-n-munch.md) - [Virtual Pet Metaverses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-talking-hank-islands.md) - [First-Person Vintage-Inspired Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mouse.md) - [Virtual Pet Races](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/purina-arena-pet-racing.md) - [Digital Floating Pet Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bitzee.md) - [VR Track Racing Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-machines-mini-challenge-mayhem.md) - [Immersive Horror Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyes-never-wake.md) - [Fitness-Focused VR Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hemvr.md)