How To Pet Your Cat
Game Developers Conference (GDC) Alt Control
IGF Finalist
Overview
How To Pet Your Cat is an alt-controller game featuring a giant cat-butt controller, where two players pet a giant plush cat butt to battle for the virtual cat’s affection.
Engage with a giant, responsive cat butt—smack it, pet it, and watch how the cat reacts in real time.
What did I do
As the Creative Director, I led the concept to implementation of this game.
This game was selected as exhibitor at GDC Alt.Ctrl, Day of the Devs, IGN Live, and CatCon, engaging thousands of players onsite. We sustained viral traction across TikTok, Instagram, and X (10+ posts averaging 300K+ views with high engagement), and featured by major outlets including The Game Awards, IGN, and CNET.
Game Development + Sensor-making
I built and integrated pressure-based soft-circuit sensors with Arduino R4 and Unity (C#), creating a durable, real-time hardware pipeline capable of withstanding high-force, repeated interactions.
Version 1.
Version 2 with conductive threads.
Business Development
I also handled the business development. That includes pitching the game to events, preparing submission materials, coordinating with partners, and building all assets needed for public showcases.
I managed communication with conventions like GDC Alt.Ctrl, IGN Live, and CatCon; arranged logistics for transporting and exhibiting the alt-controller; and gathered press interest and player analytics.
I also evaluated the potential for productization. I researched cost of goods, manufacturing pathways, and early branding. That work eventually informed the spin-off product direction.
