Cuphead

Cuphead is a 2017 indie run-and-gun video game developed and published by Studio MDHR.

Cuphead is a 2017 indie run-and-gun video game developed and published by Studio MDHR. It follows Cuphead and his brother Mugman as they battle through levels and boss fights after making a deal with the Devil. The game is known for its 1930s cartoon-inspired presentation and later expanded to other platforms beyond its original Windows and Xbox One release.

Gameplay

Cuphead is a side-scrolling run-and-gun game with heavy emphasis on boss fights. Players control Cuphead and, optionally, Mugman, across stages that combine platforming, shooting, and large-scale battles.

Development and release

The game was announced in 2013 and showcased at E3 2014 before launching in September 2017. It debuted on Windows and Xbox One, with later releases on macOS, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4. Cuphead was created by Studio MDHR, a Canadian independent game studio founded by the Canadian brothers Chad and Jared Moldenhauer, making it a notable Canadian video game success.

Visual style

Cuphead is widely noted for its presentation inspired by 1930s cartoons. Its visuals and audio were designed to evoke the look and feel of the rubber-hose animation era.

Reception and impact

The game achieved both critical and commercial success, with reports of 2 million copies sold within two weeks and 6 million in two years. It later received an adaptation into The Cuphead Show!, an animated series based on the game.