Interview: The Developer Behind Cat-Astrophy on Space Combat, Cats, and Roguelite Gameplay

We had the pleasure of chatting with the developer of Cat-Astrophy! Be sure to check out this game if you LOVE space and cast! “Cat-Astrophy is a space action roguelite: mix abilities, adapt your build and playstyle in every run to master frantic combat and precise jumps across procedurally generated planets; death is permanent. Can you survive the cat-astrophe?”

1. What inspired your game?

I was inspired by my love for challenging indie games and roguelikes, especially titles like The Binding of Isaac, Hollow Knight, and Dead Cells. I also wanted to dedicate a game to my cat called Polo, creating a playful and adventurous world that reflects the fun and personality of my feline companion. The idea of telling a story through gameplay has been with me since I was a child, experimenting with games and prototyping in Unity. Cat-Astrophy combines exploration, parkour, and deep gameplay mechanics with a story and characters players can connect with.

2. What are your goals for your game?

My main goal is to create a game that’s both challenging and accessible, offering players an engaging roguelike experience full of secrets, upgrades, and memorable characters. I also want to grow a community of players who enjoy exploring, experimenting, and discovering all the hidden synergies and surprises in the game. Additionally, I aim to gain experience in publishing a game on Steam, reaching the market, learning from selling and supporting it as an indie developer, and understanding how players interact with my work.

3. How would you pitch your game in 3-5 words?

Challenging, exploratory, rogue-like adventure.

4. What advice would you give to new devs?

Start small, stay passionate, and learn by doing. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, every project is a chance to grow. Focus on what excites you, because that excitement will carry your project forward. Also, value feedback from players and iterate constantly.

5. What has been your biggest success story relating to your game?

Developing Cat-Astrophy entirely on my own and seeing it featured in events like Steam Next Fest and the Future Games Show has been incredibly rewarding. Being able to show the game at some physical fairs and receiving community feedback has been a highlight. Experiencing the journey of publishing it on Steam and seeing players enjoy the game has been a milestone in my development career.