Catly Developer Declares Departure from Generative AI, Blockchain, and NFTs in Sports Innovations
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Update #2[
Here is exactly what IGN was informed:
“A PR spokesperson authorized to speak on behalf of SuperAuthenti asserted that generative AI was not employed in the creation of the trailer or the game. Additionally, the spokesperson expressed that the developer was ‘incredibly surprised by such speculations,’ stating, ‘We do not believe there are any existing AI tools that could genuinely produce a video like that. Industry experts have echoed this belief.’
The same outlet was shown a version of the trailer from The Game Awards that included additional footage:
“The PR representative also presented IGN with a version of the trailer from The Game Awards that featured in-progress shots interspersed with the final version, which did seem to confirm the absence of AI involvement in the actual trailer creation.”
SuperAuthenti’s PR representative has also dismissed the notion of using blockchain technology and NFTs:
“Our company/project has never issued any blockchain currency or NFTs. Our company does not, and has never owned, any blockchain currency or NFTs.”
Digital Trends and Game Developer received the same information regarding Catly. Should we receive any updates, we will inform you promptly.
Update #1[
Following the showcasing of Catly at The Game Awards the previous day, the game has become a controversial subject on Steam and social media (for what seems to be entirely negative reasons)—with allegations that this title and its creators have “direct ties” to AI, cryptocurrency, NFTs, and blockchain gaming. Some even question its legitimacy as a true game, according to The Gamer.
Digital Trends reached out to Catly’s developer ‘SuperAuthenti’ to confirm if generative AI was being used to enhance this game, but a PR representative declined to comment:
“Digital Trends followed up with the Catly team to verify whether generative AI is employed to power the game or if it was used in the making of its initial trailer. A PR spokesperson stated that the team would not provide further details until 2025 and similarly refrained from sharing which game engine Catly is currently being developed on. While this does not confirm or deny any aspects of the project, it raises questions about why Catly is marketed as technologically advanced, how it can deliver completely unique cats to all players, and how exactly an open-world game operates on an Apple Watch.”
The same outlet shared a follow-up update concerning the studio’s co-founder and their previous experience which includes establishing another Hong Kong-based studio in 2022 that ended up working on “two blockchain titles.” Here is a bit about one of those titles and how they reportedly showcase “the same talking points promoted in Catly”:
“One of these was titled Alien Meow, which GamesBeat referred to as a ‘digital cat Metaverse.’ The description o