People are being given the opportunity to adopt a monster.

Moshi Monsters is a new online game developed by Mind Candy.

People adopt characters that live in an online world called Monstro City. They then interact with them and keep them happy by tickling them, playing games, solving daily puzzles and dressing them up.

The Monsters are said to develop their own unique personalities depending on how well, or badly, they've been treated.

Players build up a currency called Rox by successfully solving playing puzzles and use this to buy food, furniture and home accessories, such as lamps and pictures.

They are encouraged to make a room look as nice as possible to attract visitors and increase their pet’s social rating.

The more attention a Monster gets from its owner and their friends, the higher its Monster status rises.

All Monsters start as Z-Listers and can rise through the ranks to become A-List Monsters.

Players can also connect and communicate with others on the site by visiting other Monster's rooms, and leaving customised pinboard messages.