Catly Developers Clarify: No Generative AI or Blockchain in Their Adorable Cat Game
During last week’s Game Awards ceremony, developer SuperAuthenti unveiled a sneak peek for its popular open-world adventure feline game Catly, a video that was brief on gameplay details and abundant in exceptionally charming cats with large, vibrant eyes. Following the trailer’s release, viewers—mostly game developers—started to theorize that the game or the trailer might be utilizing generative AI technology.
As internet detectives examined the social media profiles of SuperAuthenti and its leaders, some began to ponder whether the game may also involve blockchain technology.
The company (like a cat) initially played coy, first informing Digital Trends it would potentially share additional details about the game in 2025. That narrative seems to have shifted. Today, a PR representative from SuperAuthenti stated to Game Developer that there is no generative AI involved in Catly or its teaser. Furthermore, they clarified that Catly is “not a blockchain game,” and there are no non-fungible tokens (NFTs) or any other blockchain currencies associated with the title.
“We did not utilize generative AI to create the video or the game,” the representative noted. “To be honest, we are quite taken aback by such conjecture. We do not believe any currently available AI tools could produce a video of that nature. Industry professionals seem to share this sentiment.”
SuperAuthenti shared a work-in-progress video of the Catly trailer with Game Developer, which showcased many before-and-after images displaying the pre-rendered felines frolicking in their play space. The cat models did not display characteristic signs of generated 3D models (no unusual symmetry, no fused limbs, and no baked-in textures), and the environment appeared to be crafted through traditional 3D animation. Some images depicted the cats with fully rendered fur, while others showed models completed before fur animations were applied.
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The cat models appeared to have been thoroughly mapped and rigged before these clips were recorded, yet it otherwise seemed quite similar to other behind-the-scenes clips of CG animation.
SuperAuthenti states there is no blockchain technology in Catly
As noted by Digital Trends, speculation about Catly‘s potential connection to blockchain technology arose from a potential association with blockchain game developer TenthPlanet. TenthPlanet was founded by William Wei Chen and his associate Kevin Yeung. Yeung is registered as the founder of SuperAuthenti. The animation and VFX news source 80 Level reported that it examined documents indicating that SuperAuthenti is the sole shareholder of Shanghai Binmao Technologies, which previously developed a blockchain-based “botanical and gardening experience.”
SuperAuthenti’s representative did not address these connection rumors but did refute the notion that Catly employs any blockchain technology. “Catly is not a blockchain game,” the spokesperson asserted. “There are no NFTs. Our company/projects have never released any blockchain currencies or NFTs. Our company does not and has never owned any blockchain currencies or NFTs.”
The spokesperson indicated that SuperAuthenti is “eager to unveil more about the game,” along with its own background in 2025.
About the Author
Senior Editor, GameDeveloper.com
Bryant Francis is a writer, journalist, and story designer based in Boston, MA. He currently contributes to Game Developer, a leading B2B publication for the online gaming industry. His credits include Proxy Studios’ upcoming 4X strategy game Zephon and Amplitude Studio’s 2017 title Endless Space 2.