Moodlets

Visual Indicators of Needs

Moodlets are status indicators that appear when a pet has a notable condition - usually a need that requires attention. They help both the AI and viewers understand what's happening.

Negative Moodlets

These indicate problems that need fixing:

Hungry

• Appears when: Hunger drops below 40

• Meaning: The pet wants food

• Solution: Feed the pet

• Urgency: Moderate (critical if below 15)

Sleepy

• Appears when: Sleep drops below 20

• Meaning: The pet is tired

• Solution: Let the pet sleep

• Urgency: Moderate

Bored

• Appears when: Fun drops below 35

• Meaning: The pet needs entertainment

• Solution: Play games, use toys, visit park

• Urgency: Low-moderate

Sick

• Appears when: Health drops below 25

• Meaning: The pet is unwell

• Solution: Give medicine

• Urgency: High

Dirty

• Appears when: Hygiene drops below 30

• Meaning: The pet needs cleaning

• Solution: Give a bath

• Urgency: Moderate

Uncomfortable

• Appears when: Bladder drops below 30

• Meaning: The pet needs the bathroom

• Solution: Send to bathroom

• Urgency: Moderate (prevents accidents)

Positive Moodlets

These indicate the pet is doing well:

Full

• Appears when: Hunger above 85

• Meaning: The pet is well-fed

• Note: Don't feed more - waste of food

Rested

• Appears when: Sleep above 70

• Meaning: The pet has good energy

• Note: No need to force sleep

Happy/Amused

• Appears when: Fun above 70

• Meaning: The pet is entertained

• Note: Still maintain with occasional play

Healthy

• Appears when: Health above 70

• Meaning: The pet is in good condition

• Note: No medicine needed

Multiple Moodlets

A pet can have several moodlets at once. For example:

• Hungry AND Bored

• Dirty AND Sleepy

• Sick AND Uncomfortable

When multiple problems exist, the AI prioritizes:

1. Most dangerous first (sick, hungry)

2. Blockers next (uncomfortable before accident)

3. Quality of life last (bored)

Moodlets and AI Decisions

The AI uses moodlets as signals:

1. Check for negative moodlets

2. Identify the most urgent one

3. Take appropriate action

4. Verify moodlet resolves

5. Move to next problem

This systematic approach ensures all needs are eventually addressed.

Visual Representation

Moodlets appear as:

• Thought bubbles above the pet

• Status icons on screen

• Animations (drooping for tired, etc.)

• Overlay effects (stink lines for dirty)

These visual cues make the pet's state obvious to viewers.

The Moodlet-Free State

When no negative moodlets are present:

• All needs are at acceptable levels

• The pet is comfortable

• The AI can focus on maintenance

• Entertainment and leisure activities

This is the ideal state the AI works to maintain.

Prevention vs Reaction

The AI tries to prevent moodlets rather than just react:

• Feed before hungry moodlet appears

• Play before bored moodlet triggers

• Bathe before dirty moodlet shows

Proactive care keeps the pet in the moodlet-free zone as much as possible.

Moodlet Priority Summary

Moodlet	Urgency	Action
Sick	High	Medicine
Hungry	High	Feed
Uncomfortable	Medium	Bathroom
Sleepy	Medium	Sleep
Dirty	Medium	Bathe
Bored	Low	Play

The AI follows this priority when multiple moodlets compete for attention.