Showdog.com Forum · General

If a new dog show simulation game inspired by ShowDog were created, would you be interested in playing it?

Future of Dog Show Simulation Games — Community Poll

Yes — if it keeps the realistic dog show focus.		28.57%
Yes — but I would probably play both games.		50.00%
Yes — I would definitely play a new version.		7.14%
Maybe — I’d try a beta version.		4.76%
Yes — especially if early players could help shape it.
Maybe — I’d want to see screenshots or details first.
No — I don’t think another version would feel the same.
No — I’m loyal to this site.		9.52%
No — I wouldn’t want to lose my current dogs/kennel.
Maybe — if enough other players joined

How many people use the obedience? Or better question, for how many people is obedience their primary way to play?

Over the last few days I’ve been quietly sketching out what a modern revival of the game could look like, and I wanted to share a few early hints about the direction I’m exploring. My goal is to stay very true to what people loved: breeding dogs, raising litters, and competing in conformation shows as the core gameplay.

One concept I’ve been thinking about is a structured show calendar, with consistent show clusters each year so players could actually plan their campaigns and strategy the way real exhibitors do, because I’ve also been playing with the idea of adding a geographic element to the game. Shows might run several times per day, but in different districts, which could introduce some strategic decisions about where your dogs are being shown.

I’ve also been looking at ways the sport itself could better reflect how AKC showing works today — things like the Grand Championship levels, Select Dog/Bitch, Puppy and Veterans classes, more Owner Handler options, and the many breeds that have been added.

There are also a few other mechanics I’ve been considering that would make the dogs feel a little more like living animals rather than static game pieces — things related to genetic health, aging, longevity, and the passage of time in the kennel. Those ideas are still very much in the “thinking through it” stage, and I’m curious how players would feel about changes like that.

Overall, the goal would be to preserve the spirit of the original game while modernizing the mechanics enough that it could grow again. I’d especially love to hear from longtime players about which parts of the experience are most important to keep.