Once in a while, a video game captures the hearts of players by offering an experience that resonates with something simple yet universal. This year, a surprise hit with gamers has been the charming adventure known as "Little Kitty, Big City" created by Double Dagger Studio. The game stands out by centering around a character that has amassed immense online popularity: the house cat.
Matt Wood, the game director and former Valve employee, explained his new project during an interview – one that lets players step into the paws of a feline and embark on a journey filled with activities cats are notorious for, like knocking items off shelves or indulgently cleaning themselves.
Wood, a self-professed cat lover, mentioned the long-standing appeal of cats online and their ability to resonate with people who are accustomed to spending ample time on the internet. However, appealing to the digital crowd isn't the game's sole purpose. Little Kitty, Big City aims to deliver an authentic cat-like experience through detailed animations capturing the animals' essence. The developer credits this feat to the game's animator, Micah Breitweiser, who is both a skilled professional and a passionate cat enthusiast. Together, they focused on conveying a genuine representation of the joy and silliness seen in cat behaviors and decided against using motion capture, instead crafting animations by hand based on close observations and countless cat videos.
Wood noted that there is an array of subtle cat-related details throughout the game, which cat owners especially might notice and appreciate. But the game isn't just targeted at people who are fond of cats; it's also for those seeking a cozy game to unwind with. With a rise in games promoting cozy atmospheres, Wood isn't worried about blending into the crowd. He believes there's a growing audience for relaxing and inviting experiences – a niche his game fits perfectly.
Crucially, "Little Kitty, Big City" is not just about cuteness and taking a nap; it demands your curiosity and willingness to explore. Its design philosophy is driven by distraction – with numerous interesting things to see and do that keep the player engaged beyond the main storyline. Here, Wood touches on his own recent diagnosis of ADHD, suggesting that it may influence how he appreciates and creates game experiences, favoring the exploration and novelty of open-world games.
When asked about the inspirations behind Little Kitty, Big City, Wood acknowledged games like "Untitled Goose Game" and "A Short Hike," expressing admiration for their playground-style setting and tight, open-world exploration. However, he also draws from top-notch level design, citing "Dark Souls" and "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" as influences.
Little Kitty, Big City promises a rich exploratory experience where solving problems can be tackled in multiple ways, giving players freedom rather than funneling them towards specific actions. While Little Kitty does communicate with other characters through dialogue, Wood wanted to make sure it fit naturally into the game's world, where the cat's interactions and distinct personality are as integral as its movements and actions.
The development journey for Little Kitty, Big City wasn't without challenges, with the greatest being the creation of a four-legged playable character. It took extensive work to refine movements and interactions to meet Wood's vision of a game that felt comfortable, natural, and enjoyable. He reassured players that the game has gone through rigorous testing to iron out bugs and glitches, aiming to provide a polished experience upon release.
As for customization, the game features a delightful array of hats for the little kitty, chosen from a much larger collection, with favorites like the ladybug hat and a space helmet highlighted by Wood, hinting at hopes for additional content post-launch.
In a developing team primarily composed of cat lovers, the presence of a dog person brought a welcomed dynamic, and perhaps more cat videos into the mix. This blend of collaboration, creativity, and love for cozy gaming experiences is what Wood hopes will make Little Kitty, Big City a game that will capture the hearts of players of all ages when it launches on the Switch platform.
While waiting for the release, enjoy a glimpse of Little Kitty, Big City and its captivating gameplay in this YouTube video:
