The indie game scene is filled with a ton of incredibly passionate folks. From niche subjects to more elaborate ones, there’s something for everyone in every cranny of the industry. Just recently, we had the pleasure of being able to interview Naomi Lugo, the mastermind behind Gamer Cat Cafe! We’ve been great fans of her work for a while and just had to reach out to talk.
An unwavering pillar in the cat gaming niche, you won’t see a game about cats without Gamer Cat Cafe having known about it first. Without further ado, check out our conversation!
Interview with Naomi from Gamer Cat Cafe
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and who you are in the video game industry?
“My name is Naomi N. Lugo and I’m a games journalist. I’ve covered games from all genres but my specialty is cat games.
Currently, I run Gamer Cat Cafe where we focus on cats in video games. It’s a project with the goal of helping real-life cats and their humans. We’re also building up to hire writers to help cover this huge topic and give back to the games journo community.”
How did you get into writing about cats in games?
“I have been a journalist for over a decade. My coverage included a lot of topics but I started writing about games in 2015. Games are my true passion.
My partner and I have always struggled with mental health. We adopted two kittens in 2019. Those little cats helped us more than we could have predicted. When there’s someone dependent on you it makes it necessary to pick yourself up and be there for them.
Then when the pandemic happened shelters were desperate for fosters since on-site staff would be limited. We knew we had to step up and help.
After lots of hours at the shelter and five cats later I knew I wanted to channel my skills to help however I could. So Gamer Cat Cafe was born.”
Building a community around a specific theme can be challenging. How do you engage and build a community of players who share a passion for indie games featuring cats?
“Focusing on a niche can definitely be nerve-wracking.
I had doubts about starting Gamer Cat Cafe because it’s easy to talk myself into thinking it’s a dumb idea. “Who cares about cats in games?” But the answer to that is, actually, a lot of people.
The cat and games communities have a lot of very passionate people. I want to bring the two together to make a difference. So far the response has been really heartwarming.
People want to help, so my goal is to help them do that. We’re going to run a fundraiser later this year to help real-life cats. I’m excited to see the difference we can make.”
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What are some of your personal favorite games featuring cats?
“This is always a tough question because there are so many great games!
One of my favorite cat games of all time though has got to be Neko Atsume. It’s a simple concept, collect the kitties. But that simplicity I think is what makes it gold.
Some of my other favorite games are, Calico, a magical girl cat cafe management game, and Cattails, a wild cat survival sim.
My list is ever-expanding as I play new games and through my backlog!”
In your experience, have you noticed any emerging trends or innovative approaches within the indie game scene, particularly those that involve cats as key elements?
“I really love the trend of allowing players to customize cats in their games. I’ve heard stories of people who immortalize their cats and pay homage to them in the digital space.
There is something so sweet about letting people get more time with their cats who may have passed.”
Covering indie games can be both rewarding and challenging. Can you share some of the challenges you’ve faced and the most rewarding aspects of your role?
“It can be challenging to enter a crowded space and build an audience. It’s easy to fall prey to imposter syndrome. So the challenges can be pretty typical. Battling the algorithm, maintaining momentum and tackling self-doubt. Keeping up my motivation can be tough.
But on the flipside, that’s also part of what makes it rewarding.
Like I said in a previous response, mental health has been a struggle for me. Pushing through to make a difference for other people and cats is necessary and rewarding.”
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What advice do you have for indie game developers who want to create unique and engaging games with cats? How can they stand out in a crowded market?
“Don’t include cats just to get an audience. Put cats in your games because you like cats, or maybe they tell a story or help build your protagonist’s story. Make sure to have some reason.
Focus on being genuine instead of casting a wide net.
Other than that, I’m in awe of game devs and the world’s they can create. My other advice is keep going and you got this!”
Are there any exciting developments or upcoming titles that you’re particularly excited about?
“I’m excited about a cat game Renaissance in general!
I want to see a variety of games with cats. We’re already seeing it with titles as diverse as Gori: Cuddly Carnage a bloody hack and slash. To the cozy with a game like Pekoe where you run a tea cafe.
I don’t believe in a strict set of rules for what defines a cat game. Cats are just a jumping off point. I’m excited to see the stories that people tell surrounding these furry little monsters we love so much.”
Lastly, on a personal note, what is it about cats in video games that resonates with you, and how has your role influenced your own gaming preferences?
“So I’m definitely going to sound nerdy here. When I see a cat in a game (cat game or otherwise) it’s like seeing a little bit of happiness.
I know that there was someone behind the scenes that put in a lot of work and love to make that little pixelated cat act like a cat. It connects me to other people and our obsession with cats.
I want Gamer Cat Cafe to be the place where we can discuss those little moments in games.”
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Where Can I Get More Gamer Cat Cafe?
You can get anything you wouild ever need to know about Gamer Cat Cafe on their website. Here, you’ll be able to find links to their Twitter/X account, where they post the majority of their work. Other links include their TikTok page, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook profile!
If you know anything about upcoming or recently released games of any kind that involve cats, you know who to call.
What are your thoughts?