The gaming world was abuzz after the Game Awards 2024, but not just because of the usual award fanfare. A new game titled “Catly” stole the show with its stunningly realistic trailer featuring a photorealistic feline protagonist exploring a vibrant world. However, this excitement quickly turned to suspicion as gamers began to question the technology behind the game’s visuals, speculating about the involvement of generative AI, blockchain technology, and NFTs.
SuperAuthenti Co., the developers behind Catly, immediately found themselves at the center of a controversy. Were they being upfront about the game’s development, or were they hiding something sinister beneath the surface of this seemingly innocent cat adventure?
Addressing the AI Allegations:
The primary concern among gamers was the use of generative AI in creating Catly’s visuals. The hyperrealistic cats in the trailer sparked a debate, with many believing that such lifelike graphics could only be achieved through AI tools. This skepticism stemmed from the growing prevalence of AI in the gaming industry and the difficulty in distinguishing between AI-generated content and handcrafted art.
SuperAuthenti Co. responded to these allegations, vehemently denying the use of generative AI in both the trailer and the game itself. They expressed surprise at the speculation and emphasized their commitment to traditional game development techniques. To further dispel doubts, they even provided in-progress shots of the trailer, showcasing the work of their artists and animators.
Unraveling the Blockchain and NFT Connection:
Adding fuel to the fire were speculations about Catly’s connection to blockchain technology and NFTs. These rumors arose due to the past affiliations of SuperAuthenti co-founder Kevin Yeung with TenthPlanet, a web3 studio involved in developing a blockchain game with a similar concept to Catly.
SuperAuthenti addressed these concerns head-on, stating categorically that Catly is not a blockchain game and does not involve NFTs or any cryptocurrency. They clarified that their company has never been involved in issuing or owning any blockchain currency or NFTs, distancing themselves from any web3 connections.
The Reality Behind Catly’s Development:
According to SuperAuthenti, Catly is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, with a combination of various software employed to create the hyperrealistic hair and fur. While they haven’t divulged specific details about their techniques, they maintain that the game is a product of traditional artistry and animation, not AI generation.
My Perspective:
As an avid gamer and someone who closely follows advancements in game development technology, I initially shared the same concerns as many others. The trailer’s visuals were undeniably impressive, and the possibility of AI involvement was certainly plausible. However, after reviewing SuperAuthenti’s statements and considering the evidence they provided, I’m inclined to believe their claims.
The gaming industry has a history of pushing technological boundaries, and it’s not uncommon for new techniques to be met with skepticism. In this case, it seems like SuperAuthenti might have simply achieved a new level of realism through their skillful use of existing tools and technologies.
Despite the controversy, Catly remains a highly anticipated game. The promise of an open-world adventure featuring adorable, lifelike cats is undeniably appealing. Whether SuperAuthenti’s claims hold true or not, the game’s release is sure to be a significant event in the gaming world. It will be interesting to see how the final product compares to the impressive trailer and whether it lives up to the hype.
Key Takeaways:
- Catly, an open-world cat adventure game, sparked controversy due to its realistic graphics, leading to speculation about the use of AI, blockchain, and NFTs.
- SuperAuthenti, the game’s developer, denied these allegations, stating that the game is developed using traditional techniques and does not involve any web3 elements.
- The controversy highlights the growing prevalence of AI in the gaming industry and the challenges in distinguishing between AI-generated content and handcrafted art.
- Despite the controversy, Catly remains a highly anticipated game, and its release is expected to be a significant event in the gaming world.
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