We’re waking you up to our newsletter - just as September ends!
This month, we’ve been fine-tuning levels, adding fresh music, and shaping the groovy world of Scratch The Cat. At its core, the game celebrates the classic ’90s platformers we grew up with - but with a twist: everything in this world, from buildings to enemies and platforms, is infused with music.
So how does this musical world shape game development?
Let’s hear from our sound designer, level designer, and art director.
For our sound designer Casper Taro, everything starts with a question:
"If this object was an instrument, which one would it be?"
Even everyday sounds are reimagined with a musical twist:
A rock slam might sound like a kick drum.
A springy contraption could mimic a jaw harp.
Explosions and impacts: Casper sneaks in drum hits to give them extra snap.
"Once I’ve got an idea for what type of instrument a given object could be ‘fused’ with, I try to layer in some sounds of that instrument, just to infuse it with musicality. It makes the world feel more coherent."
As Level Designer Alice Persson sees it, the world of Scratch is choreographed to the beat:
"Anything that moves – platforms, appearing and disappearing blocks, etc. – is tied to the beat of the music. Not many things are adjusted by seconds - it’s mostly beats – and the speed of those beats changes from level to level so it syncs up with the soundtrack."
She also points out that while music shapes the theme, the game remains accessible to everyone:
"Scratch is first and foremost a 3D platformer and doesn’t require any musical knowledge to play and have fun. Music is more of a theme, not a central gameplay aspect."
That means levels like Stereo Street, Arpeggio, and Bluegrass each have their own musical influence – from wave-like layouts to environments inspired by specific genres. But as Alice puts it, the level design is otherwise pretty “normal”.
For Art Director Christian Weatherley, the theme of a ‘musical world’ often emerges during early level blockouts:
"When we design spaces in the game, we take into consideration what thematic and mechanical aspects are present. Once we know what a space consists of, we consider how to organically integrate musical elements."
Christian explains how early layout decisions shape much of the art direction:
Rotating cylindrical platforms become giant spinning music boxes.
Bounce pads are reimagined as giant drums.
Pipes on buildings take the shape of brass instruments.
"On the texture side we also try to sneak in various musical elements, such as music notes adorning the facades of structures. On the character side as well, we try to tie equipment or outfits to something musical, such as enemies wielding various blowing instruments like trumpets and saxophones.”
Curious for more behind-the-scenes - and maybe even a chance to play Scratch The Cat? Follow us on socials for updates, and come find us at Culture Night on October 10th at Prosa, Vester Farimagsgade 37A, 1606 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Thanks for listening - and remember:
✨ Stay groovy. Stay scratchy. ✨
With excitement and puuurfect hair,
FlatPonies
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