Questions about Zoo Star
Short answers for anyone who wants to test. Every question is a heading, so a screen reader can jump straight through them.
What does it cost?
Nothing. Zoo Star is in closed testing right now, and taking part is free. The public release in the App Store and on Google Play is still being prepared.
Which phones can I play on?
On iPhone you install the test through TestFlight, Apple's testing app. On Android you join the beta; it is still an early version, and it is being worked on hard. The steps for Android are on the home page.
Do I need headphones?
Yes, headphones or earbuds. An animal's sound sits where the animal really is: if it sounds behind you on the left, you turn round and walk over to it. Without headphones you cannot hear that direction, so they are not a nice extra but a requirement.
Does it work with a screen reader?
Yes, with VoiceOver on iPhone. Direction, distance and species are all carried in the sound, so the whole game can be played by ear, and the in-app explanation is broken into separate paragraphs. Everything that happens can be heard as well as seen.
Can I take part from a wheelchair, or if I cannot walk far?
The game counts your distance just as well from a wheelchair; that part is being built out right now. An expedition is teamwork: every metre anyone covers counts for the whole team, so nobody has to cover the full distance on their own. You can also practise indoors without going out, and breeding gets you animals without having to leave the house.
What happens to my game when the test ends?
At the official App Store release, every player starts again from scratch. Everyone who took part in the test gets a permanent badge in the game.
How do I give feedback?
If the app gets stuck or something is not right, you can send a report from inside the app. Ideas, questions and experiences are welcome at support@partyvaibz.com. What testers report helps decide what gets built next.
What happens to my data?
That is set out in the privacy statement. How to have your account and data deleted is explained on the page delete your account and data. The terms of use and code of conduct apply during the test as well.
Find out more
Roughly how the game works is on About the game; the rules from the app are in the game help. Is your question not here? Email support@partyvaibz.com.