Is the Game Director of "Stray" Actually a Cat? The Development Team Introduces the Feline Stars Involved in Game Production

Developed by the French independent game studio BlueTwelve Studio, the third-person open-world adventure game Stray quickly gained popularity among cat lovers worldwide after its release on July 19, 2022, for PlayStation and Steam. The game has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a near-perfect score, thanks to its engaging gameplay and immersive cat-like experience.

Behind the Scenes

Before the release of Stray, the French production team highlighted the unique contributors to this project—three real cats. The inspiration for the game's protagonist, an orange cat, comes from Murtaugh, a pet cat owned by BlueTwelve's co-founders, Viv and Koola. Although Murtaugh's appearance wasn't directly replicated in the game, the cat played a significant role in the development process. The team observed their cats daily to ensure that the in-game cat movements were as realistic as possible.

Another key feline contributor was Oscar, a hairless cat who served as a "motion capture actor" for the game. With the help of animator Miko, Oscar's movements were used to create realistic cat actions in the game, such as scratching furniture or knocking over objects. The team spent considerable time refining these movements to achieve a perfect balance between aesthetics and gameplay.

The Feline Supervisors

Interestingly, the team jokingly refers to a black cat named Jun as the "supervisor" of the project. Jun would often oversee the team's progress, ensuring that everyone was doing their best to create a game that cat lovers would adore. This lighthearted approach reflects the team's passion for cats and their commitment to crafting an authentic feline experience.

Gameplay and Reception

Stray allows players to explore a cyberpunk city from a cat's perspective, interacting with robots and solving puzzles to uncover the mysteries of the world. The game's unique blend of exploration, platforming, and stealth has captivated players worldwide. It has become one of the most popular games on Steam, with a high user review score and significant revenue.

The game's success extends beyond its engaging gameplay; it has also sparked interest among real cats. Videos of cats reacting to the game have gone viral on social media platforms, further highlighting its appeal.