Videogame creators search for funding for Barcelona cat game

A team of creators is looking to fund the development of 'Catcelona', a video game allowing players to search for cats hiding in some of Barcelona's most iconic sights. 

The Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, Tibidabo, and Hospital de Sant Pau are among the places players can visit to look for the 300 cats hidden in the game. Once a certain percentage of cats are found, some of the iconic monuments will open and can also be explored on the inside. 

A very simple proposal, but it can be "most rewarding," as it is "respectful of the player" and is intended for "all audiences," Neus Vinyalloga explained to the Catalan News Agency (ACN). 

Jardinet dels gats 

One of the most important parts of the game is the social aspect as "part of the profits will go to Jardinet dels gats," a non-profit organization for cats in the city, Vinyallonga said.    

When players find a cat, they end up at the 'Garden of fame', a homage to Jardinet dels gats. There players can see each feline and their name, hobbies and main characteristics. 

One of the incentives offered by the team behind the game is to collect money. Among the options in return for donations players can convert the cat they want, even their own, into the game's main character. 

Crowdfunded game 

Soon the team behind 'Catcelona' will launch a first demo which allows players to search for eight cats near the Sagrada Família. 

The demo will also allow users to see the dynamics of the city reflected in the game. 

"We want it to be a pleasant and quiet space to spend time in Barcelona. We believe that the city hides a lot of interesting things," Vinyalloga said. 

The team is hoping to receive the money they need to launch the game during the summer in Catalan, Spanish and English, and are hoping to make the game available on different devices. 

The team currently has €8,000 guaranteed, but they need €16,000 to finish the project. Their crowdfunding, through Kickstarter, will end on May 2.