Internet trends may shift like the tides, but two perennial favorites continue to capture the public’s imagination: cats and politics. In a clever twist, these two themes converge in Cat’s Vote, a resource management simulation game that invites players into the whimsical world of feline governance. Set to launch on Steam next month, the game’s demo is currently available, perfectly timed with several global elections, including the highly anticipated US presidential race.
Game Development and Concept
Developed by the talented Danar Kayfi, an independent game developer hailing from Kurdistan in northern Iraq, Cat’s Vote offers a unique blend of humor and strategy. Kayfi, known for his contributions to previous PG Connects events and the Game Zanga community, describes the game as “a whimsical yet strategic resource management game where players control a feline family and navigate the unpredictable world of feline politics through democratic voting.”
The ongoing Steam Next Fest, which runs until October 21st, showcases a variety of upcoming games, all featuring free demos. Players can explore trailers and add titles like Cat’s Vote to their wishlists on Steam.
Gameplay Mechanics
In Cat’s Vote, players are tasked with managing essential resources while ensuring the happiness and health of their feline family. The challenge lies in balancing the supply of electricity, water, food, and entertainment, all while navigating a fluctuating economy influenced by the decisions of the “gatto government.” Players participate in elections, casting votes for candidates who promise to lower costs and enhance living conditions. However, each vote carries weight; trusting the wrong candidate could lead to cat chaos and a spike in living expenses.
The game’s charming hand-drawn art style complements its engaging gameplay, while its replayability is enhanced by multiple outcomes based on players’ voting strategies. Each decision shapes the narrative, ensuring that no two playthroughs are alike.
A Journey from Concept to Release
Originally conceived during the 2017 Game Zanga game jam, Cat’s Vote was revisited this year for a formal release. Kayfi reflects on the game’s origins: “The jam theme was ‘you always have a choice.’ We aimed to create a game that mirrored the impact of elections and the promises candidates make, which resonate with everyone. This theme remains relevant today. We thought it would be amusing to use a metaphorical world filled with cats to illustrate how candidates influence the costs of their needs.”
He further elaborates, “We revisited the game in 2024 to develop the full version for Steam. It captures the chaos of election periods—using the US elections as a prime example—where candidates promote themselves with promises that may not hold true, ultimately affecting everyday families, including our adorable feline protagonists.”
Upcoming Events
Players eager to experience the game can download the demo on Steam as part of the ongoing Steam Next Fest, with the full release set for next month. Additionally, Danar Kayfi will be present at Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan on November 9th and 10th, an event that highlights the rapidly growing gaming market in the MENA region.
