Playing Mixed Reality Games With Pets Around the House

Your dog does not know that the tank rolling across your floor is not real. Your cat definitely does not care that you are mid-level. If you want to play mixed reality games with pets in the house, the aim is simple: nobody gets stepped on, nobody gets startled, and no animal gets tangled up in your session. Here is how to arrange that.

The honest starting point

Tank Avenger: Mixed Reality's terms say you are responsible for your own safety and for people and pets around you. The game fills your room with moving virtual objects, and you will be looking at those, not at your feet. So pets are a real part of your safety plan, not an afterthought.

Option one: take the pet out of the room

The most reliable fix is a closed door. Before you play:

1. Settle the pet in another room with water, a toy or a chew.
2. Close the door fully, not "almost".
3. Tell anyone else at home you are playing.

Cats can be stubborn, but a closed door beats any trick. If you can't close the door, consider a pet gate across the entrance, as long as the animal cannot hop over it.

Option two: tire them first

A walk or play session before the headset goes on makes many dogs far more likely to sleep through your game. This is general pet-owner wisdom rather than anything about the game, but it works for plenty of households.

If the pet must stay in the room

Some animals can't be separated: a nervous dog, an animal that cries behind doors. In that case:

• Give them a designated spot at the edge of the room, such as a bed, away from your arena.
• Keep your play area small and your movements controlled.
• Pause the moment the animal moves into your space; lift the headset to check.
• Avoid the more physical moments in a session when an animal is within reach.

Understand the animal's perspective

Headsets and sudden shouting can unsettle pets. A game that involves explosions, helicopters and a NUKE you are asked to throw away can get you moving, reacting or exclaiming. Keep the volume reasonable if your animal is sensitive to sound, and watch for signs of stress such as hiding, pacing or barking.

Smaller animals

Rabbits, hamsters and birds should be out of the room entirely, with cages secured. Unlike larger pets they can't move away from you, and a fall or knock could hurt them.

After the session

Put the headset somewhere pets can't chew or knock it, and keep cables out of reach. Chewable wires are a real risk for puppies and cats.

If you'd like to see what you'll be playing, the Tank Avenger page shows the game's worlds and modes.

Room scanning tip

If your pet's bed, a cat tree or a crate lives in the play area, think about whether to include it in the room scan. These items move more than furniture does, so rescan when their position changes a lot and restart the game afterward.

Training and routine

Pets learn routines faster than we expect. If every headset session starts with the same sequence, such as the pet's favourite chew, a closed door and a calm voice, many animals begin to treat the headset as a cue to settle. Reward calm behaviour afterwards with a treat or attention.

Never use the headset as a toy and don't let animals play with straps or cables. Keep small parts and chargers stored where curious paws and teeth can't reach them. With a little consistency, most households find a rhythm that works for both the player and the pet.

FAQ

Can I play mixed reality games with a dog in the room?

You can, but a safer plan is to put the dog in another room. If it must stay, keep it at the room's edge and pause when it moves.

Does the passthrough show my pet?

Passthrough shows your real room, so animals appear as they do in the real world. Don't rely on that to avoid stepping on them.

Will the game scare my pet?

It may. Games with explosions, loud effects and big movements can startle animals, so watch for stress and keep volume sensible.

Who is responsible if I trip over my pet?

According to the game's terms, you are responsible for your safety and that of the people and pets around you.