Last Day of Work are the developers behind hits such as Fish Tycoons and Virtual Villagers and they have revealed their latest franchise for the PC and Mac. The new franchise is Virtual Families. Players have the chance to raise a family.

As with all of the games developed by Last Day at Work, the game runs in real time. This means the game is still “playing” even when you are not. This adds a different type of challenge to the game. If you are not able to play the game that day you will have to deal with the consequences.  Players can choose from a variety of different families to raise. Once the family is chosen, players can choose to customize the family and then experience the ups and downs of life with that family.

“Our past successes have allowed us to really cut loose and make the game we always wanted to make.” said Arthur Humphrey, founder of Last Day of Work. “This game is not a trivial game, and it is not about micromanaging. It is about life, in all of its drama and glory.”

Virtual Families sounds like an intense reality game. If you are looking for a robust simulation/reality game, you can try out Virtual Families on April 22nd for $19.95.

Press Release Follows:

Last Day of Work Announces Development of Virtual Families

Last Day of Work (LDW), the premiere independent casual game studio, today revealed their long-awaited new franchise for PC and Macintosh, called Virtual Families. Virtual Families simulates a small family, allowing the player to care for and nurture this family. As with all of LDW’s games this game runs in true real-time, both when the game is running as well as when it is not.

Built on the framework of the landmark casual game series Virtual Villagers, the game will feature a gorgeous hand-drawn scrolling map with a house and garden, sophisticated artificial-intelligence, and a charming and varied selection of families to customize and take care of.

“Our past successes have allowed us to really cut loose and make the game we always wanted to make.” said Arthur Humphrey, founder of Last Day of Work. “This game is not a trivial game, and it is not about micromanaging. It is about life, in all of its drama and glory.”

Virtual Families has been in development since mid 2008 and will be available for download in Q1 of 2009 with an estimated price of $19.95.

For more information, please visit www.VirtualFamilies.com