Developers claim that Catly does not use generative AI or include NFTs.
After causing controversy at the Video Game Awards, the developers of Catly have stated that the game's teaser trailer does not use artificial intelligence and that it is a project unrelated to blockchain.
SuperAuthenti Co., the developers of Catly, have clarified that their game does not utilize generative artificial intelligence or blockchain technology, despite the controversy generated after its presentation at The Game Awards. Catly is an open-world adventure video game that was introduced with a teaser trailer at the event. Since its unveiling, users on social media have begun to speculate whether the "photorealistic" trailer employed generative AI.
When initially asked about the use of AI in the trailer or the project, a public relations representative from SuperAuthenti stated that no further answers would be provided until 2025. However, amid the speculation, a spokesperson for the company has confirmed that no generative AI was used in the creation of the trailer and the game. Additionally, Digital Trends was able to view a progress video showing the making of the trailer, which highlighted underlying 3D models, information that aligns with what has been communicated to other media previously.
The spokesperson also assured that the project "is not a blockchain game" and does not utilize NFTs, something that raised concerns after Kevin Yeung, co-founder of SuperAuthenti, was associated with TenthPlanet, a web3 studio that was developing a blockchain game called Alien Meow in 2022, which shares a similar description with Catly.
Despite these clarifications, several unanswered questions about Catly remain. While the studio has stated that no AI was used in the reveal trailer, it has not clarified whether AI was used in other marketing assets, such as the Steam page, which some have speculated was generated with AI. It is also unclear what the supposed technological innovation of the game entails and how it will offer each player a unique cat. Another point of curiosity is how an open-world MMO will function on an Apple Watch. According to the spokesperson, more details will not be revealed until 2025.
Finally, there are questions about the studio itself, as the ownership of SuperAuthenti, beyond Yeung, remains a mystery. Despite inquiries regarding the involvement of William Wei Chen, co-founder of TenthPlanet, the studio has not provided information about its team or previous connections. Catly is scheduled for release in 2025 for PC, Apple Watch, and Nintendo Switch.