SEATTLE – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2025 – In case you missed it, independent game development studio Windup Minds premiered a new gameplay trailer for its Mixed Reality virtual pet experience Stay: Forever Home late last week as part of the Ruff Talk VR Games Showcase. VR Games Showcase. In conjunction with the trailer drop, the team announced that it had moved the game’s launch date for Meta Quest headsets, originally slated for April 3, out a few weeks to Thursday, April 24th.
“We chose to delay Stay: Forever Home’s debut just a little bit so that we can add some extra polish and ensure the experience is everything we want it to be,” said Bernie Yee, CEO and founder of Windup Minds. “That said, we’re excited to introduce everyone to Ember and bring our virtual pet simulation to your headsets very soon.”
Designed to foster genuine connection, combat isolation, and promote emotional well-being, Stay: Forever Home brings this magical creature into players’ homes. Players learn to care for Ember, share activities, and explore her enchanting VR world together.
Stay: Forever Home has been crafted as a cozy space for emotional expression, where players can enhance their own home environments, adventure into Ember’s world to discover her origin and earn accessories and customization for their unique Ember. The whimsical environment and relaxing gameplay create a feeling of mindfulness and connection.
Stay: Forever Home will release for the Meta Quest 2, 3, and 3S headsets on Thursday, April 24 for $19.99 USD. For more information, visit the Meta store page, https://stay-foreverhome.com/ or www.windupminds.com.
Join the game’s community on Discord. Follow Stay: Forever home on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, Bluesky, Twitter, Or follow the Windup Minds dev team on Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, and LinkedIn.
About Windup Minds
Founded in June 2023, Windup Minds is an independent game studio dedicated to crafting innovative virtual pet experiences that foster genuine connection and combat isolation. The company comprises veteran game developers passionate about creating digital experiences with universal appeal, endless fun, and enduring meaning. Following last summer’s $1.7 million pre-seed funding raise, the studio is working on its first Mixed Reality title, Stay: Forever Home, slated for release in 2025 for Meta Quest headsets.
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Editors’ Note: Interviews with members of the Windup Minds team are available upon request. Qualified members of the press and/or creators may request a review code here (link).
Additional Resources:
Stay: Forever Home XR Coming Soon Launch Trailer: https://bit.ly/4lnafMB