Game Development: Cat Games
Software: Unity Hub Design, Visual Studio C#, Adobe Illustrator
Synopsis
The niche of mobile games for cats remains underexplored despite the growing pet care industry. While most mobile apps focus on pet health, behavior tracking, or human-focused entertainment, interactive games for pets - particularly cats are rare. The absence of such products inspired the development of this prototype, catering to cat owners seeking unique ways to engage and entertain their pets. By addressing a gap in the pet-tech market, this project opens new possibilities for pet entertainment.
Studying Cat Behavior and Psychology
An integral part of this project was understanding feline tendencies, behaviors, and gestures. Cats are naturally curious and tend to be driven by predatory instincts, which include chasing and hunting. The challenge lies in keeping a cat's attention, as their focus can easily shift. Through in-depth study of cat psychology, I observed how cats respond to movement, sound, and unpredictable patterns. These insights informed the design of each game.
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For example, cats are particularly drawn to fast-moving objects like mice or fish, and unpredictable movements, like a laser pointer, keep them engaged longer.
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Additionally, I incorporated high-pitched sounds and erratic movements to simulate prey behavior, which naturally holds a cat's attention.
Cat Game Prototype (Turn Volume On)
Game link: https://priyamjoshi.itch.io/cat-games-final
Game Design and Mechanics
● Mouse Catching: Fast, erratic mouse movements.
● Fish Swimming: Smooth animations mimicking underwater movement.
● Beam Chasing: A darting light that replicates laser pointers.
● Roach Catching: Quick and jittery bug motions.
"These mechanics were informed by studying feline behaviors like hunting and chasing"
Visual Design: Quirky & Eye-Catching Game Objects
● Selected high-contrast color schemes to cater to a cat’s limited color perception.
●. Kept object sizes and movements visually stimulating and at random to maintain cat's attention and engagement.
● Researching stimuli that cats find engaging and translating these into digital interactions.
User Testing of Cat
Objective: The primary goal of this user testing was to assess the effectiveness of the mobile game prototype in capturing and maintaining a cat's attention, while also ensuring that the gameplay mechanics are intuitive and engaging for the feline player.
Test Subject: The game was tested on a live cat, providing valuable insights into how the gameplay mechanics and design resonate with actual feline behavior.
01. Mouse Catching Game Test
Success Rate:
02. Fishes Swimming Game Test
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03. Laser Beam Game Test
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04. Roach Chasing Game Test
Success Rate:
Key Observations and Results
● Engagement Duration: The cat stayed engaged, especially during Mouse Catching and Beam Chasing, where erratic movements triggered hunting instincts. Attention shifted when the game slowed or the cat lost interest briefly.
● Response to Sound Effects: High-pitched chirps and squeaks in Mouse Catching and Roach Catching successfully drew the cat’s attention.
● Behavioral Response: Typical feline behaviors like tail flicks, eye movements, and paw swipes indicated engagement and cat’s interest
● Testing Conclusion: The test confirmed the game successfully held the cat’s attention using erratic movements, high-pitched sounds, and touch interactivity, validating the concept of mobile games for cats.
Conclusion
This mobile game prototype demonstrates the potential of Unity in creating niche digital experiences. It not only highlights technical expertise in game development but also serves as a pioneer project in the emerging domain of pet entertainment. By blending creativity with technical precision, this app paves the way for a new segment in the gaming industry.