The developers of Catly faced an unexpected turn of events following the debut of their first trailer. While the initial release sparked widespread discussion, some fans and critics expressed concerns, leading to a wave of online commentary. Questions arose about the video's authenticity, with some speculating it was AI-generated, while others misunderstood the game’s intentions. The developers swiftly addressed these concerns, firmly denying any negative claims and emphasizing their commitment to quality.
In a positive move, they released a second trailer that resonated more strongly with audiences and received significantly improved feedback. This demonstrated their dedication to engaging with their community and refining their approach. With that in mind, let’s explore everything we know about Catly so far.
What is Catly?
SuperAuthenti developers created this AAA open-world MMO featuring a captivating feline world. The game combines technological innovation and feline charm with the freedom to create anything you could think of. Whether you’re a cat lover or enjoy the art of expanding your imagination, this game promises adventure and hours of endless fun. You navigate this unique world, collecting stories and creating memories from both a human and cat perspective.
With a cat friend by their side, players engage in playful adventures, building beautiful residences while coursing through the rich landscape,s fulfilling their hearts’ desires. You get to dress and groom your cat in the game or cuddle it. Additionally, you can decorate your space, plant vegetation, laugh, mingle, engage in races, and even steer robots. All in all, this game offers you an experience you’ve yet to encounter.
Story
Players will embark on an adventure-driven, open-world experience featuring a furry world of cats. You start by rescuing and adopting an adorable feline you take home. Together, you create a cozy little haven. Further, you get to care for, feed, and play with them while strengthening your relationship each step of the way. Doing this lets you unlock new abilities that make your narrative more immersive. Each cat comes with its strengths, offering unique advantages during different challenges.
Away from your cozy space, you get to expand your territory and build an island, designing it as you see fit. Here, you get to meet and interact with various other cats and characters and create beautiful friendships. After, you can invite them to visit, live, and enjoy fun parties on your personalized island. Players can also solve challenges together, unlocking new areas on the island where they gain access to rare tools and templates. The tools and templates help players design personalized outfits, furniture, houses, and gardens. Gardens offer you space to grow beautiful flowers, trees, and fruit to decorate your home or gift to friends. You can also pick ingredients to cook delicious meals for other island residents, friends, and your cats.
Gameplay
In this pet simulation game, players get to experience what it's like to live with a cat, not in the typical sense, per se, but in a fun, imaginative way. It fosters a world of creativity and connection, allowing you to channel your inner artist. There are simply no bounds to what you can create in the company of your feline friend. Players get to accessorize their cats with creative outfits, multiple flashy accessories, and custom-made environments that align with their personalities. You will have access to tools and templates that will help you craft these personalized outfits, furniture, houses, and gardens.
Also, it features both solo and multiplayer modes with farming sim elements. So, you can build your island and explore while interacting with your fellow cats in the game. It features an online mode where you get to connect with other players worldwide. Further, this mode lets you collaborate with other island residents to complete the challenges presented in the game.
Development
The title is still in development by SuperAuthenti Co., with little known details on when it’ll be released into the market. Its trailer, however, was released, causing an uproar in the gaming community. Viewers claimed to notice similarities between the video and AI-generated material. The fact that the studio’s co-founder, Kevin Yeung, worked on two blockchain games before didn’t help their case.
Additionally, the game’s Steam page features a testimonial from Thomas Wu, a League of Legends producer who is a known Web3 enthusiast. All this seemed to support the video AI claims, and the game suffered as a result of this controversy. However, the developers later uploaded a gameplay trailer to its Steam page, proving that the game is real and uses Unreal Engine 5. The move helped calm down the speculations, and gamers are waiting to see what the title unveils in 2025.
Trailer
Catly’s Game Awards trailer was a bust, forcing developers to come up with a different one that’s currently on Steam. Generally, the trailer features a distinct art style in both the cats and environmental design. In it, we see a captivating, imaginative world dominated by cats. The game depicts cat mannerisms and quirks, from their cozy napping habits to their incurable thirst for exploration. Further, the trailer shows off a customizable island to suit the player's style. Other than that, cats can adorn cute outfits and accessories.
Release Date and Platforms
Catly was officially introduced to the gaming community during The Game Awards held this year. Unlike most games, the game received a huge backlash, forcing it to make a few adjustments to appease an angry bunch of players and critics. The game is set to debut in 2025. However, an exact release date is yet to be issued. It will feature on Steam and Nintendo Switch.
Even more exciting, the developers made a bold move to feature the game on the Apple Watch. Hence, you can check in on your virtual feline companions anywhere at any time. Interested players can wishlist this title on Steam or pre-order it on Apple Watch. You can also register on the Catly website or follow their page on X to receive any updates or announcements concerning the game.