Futuristic Feline Frontier: Exclusive Interview with Catly Dev on AI-Free Open-World Cat Game

The Great AI Debate: Is Catly’s Trailer a Game-Changer or a Copycat?

The world of gaming has been left scratching its head after the release of Catly, an open-world cat game, and its hyper-realistic trailer. While the developer has denied using generative AI for the trailer, speculation has been rife, with many wondering if it’s a game-changer or a copycat.

A Trailer Like No Other

The trailer, showcased at The Game Awards 2024, features a series of stunningly realistic cats that have left gamers and developers alike in awe. The question on everyone’s mind is: how did they achieve this level of realism? Was it through human craftsmanship or did they rely on generative AI?

A Statement from the Developer

SuperAuthenti, the developer behind Catly, has issued a statement denying the use of generative AI for the trailer and the game itself. "In fact, we are very surprised by such speculations," the statement reads. "We do not think there are any existing AI tools that can produce a video like that. Industry experts have echoed this opinion."

In-Progress Shots Confirm No AI Use

Both IGN and Game Developer were shown in-progress shots of the trailer, which seemed to confirm that the trailer was not AI-generated. This has only added to the debate, with many still unsure of how the developer achieved the trailer’s level of realism.

Blockchain and NFT Connections

While SuperAuthenti has denied the use of blockchain technology and NFTs in Catly, Reddit users have pointed out various connections to blockchain gaming and NFTs. A co-founder of SuperAuthenti is Kevin Yeung, who also co-founded TenthPlanet, a studio working on two blockchain games.

Catly’s Features and Testimonials

Catly is set to release on Steam, Nintendo Switch, and Apple Watch, and its trailer features hyper-realistic cats. The game’s Steam page includes testimonials from industry heavyweights, including Thomas Vu, producer of League of Legends and Arcane, and Ben Brode, game director of Hearthstone.

AI in Game Development

What’s certain is that AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in game development, with its use spreading across animation, scriptwriting, voice acting, and more. Google’s recent reveal of its Genie 2 tool, which can create playable 3D worlds from a single image prompt, is a testament to the rapid progress being made in AI-powered game development.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding Catly’s trailer is just beginning, and it’s likely to continue for some time. While the developer has denied the use of generative AI, the question remains: how did they achieve such stunning realism? As AI continues to play a larger role in game development, it’s crucial for developers to be transparent about their use of AI to ensure the integrity of the gaming industry.