Four Bahrainis are aiming to make their mark on the global gaming scene with an innovative two-dimensional puzzle-platformer that emphasises wit over violence in problem-solving.
A platformer is a genre of action video game where the core gameplay involves running, jumping and climbing to navigate levels filled with platforms and obstacles to reach a goal.
Catatonic Game, developed by Faris Al Alawi, aged 26, Ahmed Al Alawi, 28, Mohamed Al Alawi, 28, and Mohamed Al Zekri, 29, all from Muharraq, is en route to become the first-ever Bahraini game to be taken up by major distributors.
The group behind Fred Da Dead Productions expressed its desire to make a game and tell a story that revolves around finding solutions to problems and mental health.
The demo for the game will be available near the end of the year on Steam, a platform for playing, discussing and creating games.
Starring Katrina the Cat, the game encourages the player to use their wits in solving puzzles, rather than brute-forcing their way through the adventure.
“We really wanted to create a game that focuses on the mental health aspect of conflict rather than the physical one,” Faris told GDN.
“There will be a lot of clues left around for you to pick up, and just like a detective, you need to solve the puzzle.
“It is made in a 1930s-style cartoon inspired by Felix the Cat and Looney Tunes, and follows Katrina as you help her find her way back home.
“The name Catatonic itself is a pun, because the main character is a cat in a catatonic state, and you get to see how she sees the world, as we look to send across the message of mental health and animal welfare.
“We believe that everyone has good in them, and you just got to understand them.”
The cousins started their own independent game development company during the Covid-19 pandemic, when they spent most of their time playing video games together.
They then suddenly got an idea to make their own video game, and their passion and dedication led them to start Fred Da Dead Productions in 2020.
Even with zero experience in coding and game development, the four gamers were not deterred and instead learned on the job.
In 2022, they started work on Catatonic Game, and after years of hard work, they are closer than ever to releasing the game on major consoles.
They reached out to Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, receiving positive feedback from all three major developers. It is also slated for PC release on Steam.
The rest of the development team expressed their excitement in being closer than ever to achieving their dreams and giving the world an opportunity to go on a journey with Katrina.
“Catatonic is our passion-turned-reality, a cult classic in the making! I’m beyond excited for gamers to experience what’s next, a wild ride that’s spooky, fun and still gets you thinking about mental health,” said Mr Al Zekri.
“This game is born in Bahrain through the hands of our talented team. Catatonic is just the beginning and your wishlist on Steam gives us the strength to keep pushing forward,” said Ahmed.
“Catatonic Game has the potential to put Bahrain on the global gaming map. It could spark a new wave of creativity and drive the country’s video game industry forward,” said Mohamed Al Alawi.
The game is slated for release between the fourth quarter of 2026 to the beginning of 2027, with the exact date expected to be announced once it is completed.
Ahead of its official launch, two early access phases are planned, one for Kickstarter backers, followed shortly by a public release a few days later.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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