PF.Magic
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video game development |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Fate | Acquired by Mindscape, Inc. in 1998 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
| Products | Ballz, Petz (Dogz and Catz), Oddballz, Babyz |
PF.Magic, Inc. was a video game developer established in 1991 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company gained recognition primarily for its virtual pet franchises such as Dogz and Catz. Beyond software, PF.Magic increased its earnings by marketing plush toys under the Petz label. In 1998, Mindscape, Inc. acquired the company, and the intellectual property rights for its Petz, Oddballz, and Babyz series are currently held by Ubisoft.
Among PF.Magic’s initial titles was the 1994 release Ballz, distributed by Accolade, Inc.. This game stood out due to its characters constructed entirely from spheres. Although it did not achieve significant commercial success, it laid the groundwork for later popular titles like Petz.
Designer Andrew Stern partnered with Michael Mateas on an experimental project that eventually became the freeware interactive narrative Façade, which involves player engagement with a couple experiencing difficulties.
History
PF.Magic’s origins trace back to a discontinued hardware initiative with AT&T and Sega, aiming to create "The Edge," an accessory for the Sega Genesis that would enable online multiplayer gaming via telephone lines. When AT&T withdrew due to budgetary concerns, half of the company’s funding was lost. Before this, PF.Magic evolved from Interactive Productions, founded by co-founder Rob Fulop, who brought experience from his time at Atari and Imagic.
After the hardware project was scrapped, Fulop sought new opportunities. Influenced by the controversy surrounding Night Trap, a title he had worked on, and inspired by a conversation with a mall Santa regarding children’s most desired Christmas gifts—puppies—PF.Magic developed Petz. Utilizing graphical technology originally created for Ballz, Petz emerged as a flagship product that helped establish the virtual pet genre.
Ballz
Ballz is a two-player three-dimensional fighting game available on Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and 3DO platforms. Developed by PF.Magic and published by Accolade in 1994, the 3DO version was later issued as a director’s cut in 1995. The game offers three difficulty settings across 21 matches and features characters uniquely composed entirely of spheres, resulting in a distinctive pseudo-3D visual style.
Petz
The Petz series (comprising Dogz and Catz) debuted in 1995 through designers Adam C. Frank and Ben Resner. This virtual pet simulation allows players to adopt, nurture, care for, and breed digital pets. The original title sold over three million copies globally, with total brand sales surpassing 22 million following Ubisoft’s acquisition.
Gameplay begins at the Adoption Center where players choose Dogz or Catz based on breed and gender. After adoption, pets reach adulthood within approximately three real-world days, enabling breeding functions that produce new Puppyz or Kittenz in subsequent editions such as Petz 3, Petz 4, and Petz 5. The game also supports cross-breeding to generate mixed breeds.
Oddballz
Released in 1996 by PF.Magic, Oddballz is a virtual pet title providing an alternative experience to the Dogz and Catz games. It features thirteen unique creatures that players can care for and engage with through various objects called 'toyz', designed for activities ranging from playtime to discipline.
Babyz
Launched in 1999 by The Learning Company and created by former PF.Magic team members, Babyz is a computer game that allows players to nurture virtual babies within a simulated home setting.