Catly was one of the stranger announcements at The Game Awards last week, and has since been put under the microscope with accusations of AI, blockchain, and NFTs being used. However, developer SuperAuthenti has now denied the use of this tech.

According to SuperAuthenti, no generative AI was used for either the announcement or the game. A PR rep told IGN that the team was “very surprised by such speculations.” Also stated: “We do not think there are any existing AI tools that can produce a video like that. Industry experts have echoed this opinion.” IGN was able to see a version of the trailer showing in-progress shots interspersed alongside the final version, which seemingly confirms no AI was used.

SuperAuthenti has also completely denied that Catly is a blockchain game, nor are there NFTs. The PR rep said: “Our company/project has never issued any blockchain currency and any NFTs. Our company does not and has never owned any blockchain currency and NFTs.”

We do have some other tidbits as well. Catly is built with Unreal Engine 5 and SuperAuthenti is using “various software” to produce hyperrealistic fur and hair.

Despite the company’s comments, it may not quickly escape AI allegations. As pointed out by IGN, the game’s art style is reminding people of the hyperrealistic style often produced by generative AI. Some promotional art also have peculiar details similar to AI artifacting like the odd paws and nose of this cat pictured above. In any case, as we learn more about the project going forward, perhaps the situation will become clearer.