The virtual cat hero from the hit computer game “Stray” does more than merely navigate corroded pipes, jump over mysterious muck, and solve puzzles in a deserted metropolis. The courageous orange tabby also supports kitties in the real world.
Players are playing “Stray” while streaming live for viewers to support animal shelters and other cat-related causes, thanks to online fundraising sites. The publisher of the game, Annapurna Interactive, also advertised “Stray” by renting out a New York cat café and donating copies of the game to two cat adoption and rescue organizations.
Although live streaming video games for charitable causes is nothing new, it is unique that “Stray” immediately gained popularity among cat lovers. On the day it debuted on Twitch, the streaming service said that it was the fourth most viewed and aired game. In order to solve puzzles and avoid attackers, players control the intrepid feline across an ancient industrial scene by walking on keyboards, balancing on railings, and knocking objects off shelves.
A real-life orange stray and their own cats served as inspiration for the game, according to one creator, who estimates that about 80% of the game’s production team are “cat owners and cat enthusiasts.” According to producer Swann Martin-Rate of Montpellier, southern France’s BlueTwelve gaming studio, “I absolutely hope that maybe some people may be moved to help actual strays in real life.”
Before the game’s release on July 19, Annapurna Interactive contacted the Nebraska Humane Society about partnering, and they seized the opportunity, according to marketing expert Brendan Gipson. According to Gipson, “the entire game and the entire culture surrounding the game, it’s all about a love of cats.” It complemented the shelter and our goal really nicely.
The shelter obtained four copies of the game to distribute, and it asked for $5 in donations to be entered into a raffle for a chance to win one. According to Gipson, they raised $7,000 in a week, with the vast majority of the 550 donors being first-time contributors, including those from Malta and Germany. The business also gave the shelter $1,035 in donations. Gipson remarked that it was “very mutually beneficial.” They received some excellent P.R. as a result, and we expanded our donation base as a result.
In the midst of having his character jump across a precarious distance, Trey stated, “If I found out my cat was outside doing this, I’d be upset.” A rusted pipe snapped a little while later, sending the tabby hurtling into the night.
Trey somberly remarked, “That is a poor baby, but we’re all right.”
After the fall, a further $25 donation brought the total Trey had raised for the Nebraska shelter to almost $100 in just a little over 30 minutes. Donations reached $1,500 after four and a half hours of play. His objective was to raise $200.
This has made it clear to me that this platform can be used for much more than just playing video games, said Trey.
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