A surprising collaboration between Hollywood muscle and indie storytelling finesse is giving gamers something to purr about. Dave Bautista—actor, former WWE superstar, and known gaming enthusiast—is teaming up with the writer of the critically acclaimed Stray to develop a brand-new action-adventure game. The twist? You play as a feline assassin. Yes, really.
An Unlikely Duo: Dave Bautista and the Writer of Stray
This new title is the debut project of Gunzilla Games, which just announced a narrative partnership between Bautista and Annapurna Interactive veteran Gary Whitta, best known for his work on Stray and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The game blends stealth-action gameplay with cinematic storytelling—and centers around a genetically enhanced assassin… who just so happens to be a cat.
Though details are still limited, the concept alone has already set social media abuzz. Imagine a world where you sneak through shadowy corridors, dispatch enemies with feline agility, and perhaps, knock over the occasional glass off a table—all with a sharp narrative edge and top-tier visuals.
What We Know So Far
While official trailers and gameplay footage are still under wraps, the developers have released some tantalizing details:
- Protagonist: A sleek, silent, genetically modified cat designed for combat and infiltration.
- Genre: A blend of third-person action, stealth, and exploration.
- Narrative: Co-developed by Whitta, the story promises emotional depth, unexpected twists, and subtle commentary on power, freedom, and identity.
- Star Power: Bautista isn’t just producing—he’s contributing creatively, and it’s likely he’ll lend his voice and likeness to a character (or perhaps even an enemy) in the game.
This isn’t Bautista’s first dive into gaming. He’s voiced characters in Gears of War, Call of Duty, and has been vocal about his love for narrative-driven games. His involvement is more than a celebrity name drop—he’s hands-on with development and storytelling.
Why a Cat?
The choice of a cat as the main character might seem unusual, but it taps into a growing trend in indie and mid-size studios to break the mold of standard video game protagonists. Just like Stray surprised players with its compelling world and silent hero, the game aims to push the envelope further.
Felines are naturally stealthy, agile, and curious—perfect traits for an assassin. But it’s not just about cute whiskers and slick animations. From the hints given so far, future game is shaping up to be a darker, more mature tale, contrasting its adorable lead with a gritty, perhaps even dystopian, backdrop.
A New Contender in Narrative Gaming
Gunzilla Games is positioning the game as a flagship project that blends blockbuster action with thoughtful storytelling. This echoes recent trends in gaming where high-production-value titles like The Last of Us, Control, and Hellbladeexplore rich narratives without sacrificing gameplay.
With Whitta’s experience in crafting emotionally resonant stories, and Bautista’s passion for depth and authenticity, the game could hit the sweet spot between cinematic spectacle and engaging gameplay.
When Can We Play?
There’s no release date yet, but development is well underway. The game is expected to launch on next-gen platforms and PC, and more updates—including concept art, teasers, and possibly gameplay—are likely to be unveiled at upcoming events like Gamescom or The Game Awards.
In the meantime, fans of narrative-driven games, cats, or just fresh, weird, wonderful game concepts should keep a close eye on it. If you’ve ever wanted to sneak through neon-lit rooftops, eliminate corrupt elites, and land on your feet every time—even when diving from a 20-story building—this might be your moment.
