You’d think the internet would be happy about another cat game coming out, but Catly’s reveal trailer at The Game Awards came under fire as the whole thing looked like it was made using AI. In fact, some have even gone as far as calling the game entirely fake and a scam that will never officially launch.
Related
Black Ops 6 Using Generative AI Is Inexcusable
Necroclaus is just one example of Activision Blizzard apparently using the tech to cut corners.
An MMO based entirely on the love of cats may sound too good to be true, but there’s very little evidence to prove that it’s actually AI-made. The developer, SuperAuthenti has also been linked to blockchain technology and NFTs, further fueling the hate that the game has been receiving. However, the developer has now come out and denied all these accusations.
SuperAuthenti Denies Claims Of Using AI, Blockchain, Or NFT Tech
As spotted by Eurogamer, the Catly devs have shared a statement with IGN and Game Developer claiming that all of the accusations are untrue, even providing in-development shots and work-in-progress material that suggests that the game is in fact real and no AI technology has been used in it. The statement also denies claims that the game features any blockchain or web3 tech.
“We did not use generative AI to produce the video and the game,” said a spokesperson for SuperAuthenti. “In fact we are very surprised by such speculation. We do not think there are any existing AI tools that could produce a video like that. Industry experts have echoed this opinion.” They revealed that Catly has been made in Unreal Engine 5 and various software have been used to make the fur look hyper-realistic.
As for the blockchain and NFT accusations, the spokesperson said, “Catly is not a blockchain game. There are no NFTs. Our company/project has never issued any blockchain currency and any NFTs. Our company does not and has never owned any blockchain currency and NFTs.”
Additionally, the testimonials on Catly’s Steam page were also questioned. But, when Hearthstone game director Ben Brode was asked about supporting an AI-made project, he said that he said that he’s seen 20 minutes worth of footage and that “it looked real enough to me – cats looked wild”.
The Game Awards
Founded by Geoff Keighley, The Game Awards is a video games event centered on celebrating the best of the year’s titles, with emphasis on reveals and promos for upcoming launches.