# The Cat and the Box

> 2019 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q122378115](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122378115)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-cat-and-the-box

## Summary
*The Cat and the Box* is a single-player video game released in 2019, available digitally on Steam for Microsoft Windows and macOS. It is an English-language indie title distributed exclusively through digital platforms, known for its unique gameplay mechanics and minimalist design.

## Key Facts
- Released on **April 20, 2019**, exclusively via **Steam** (Steam App ID: **1054980**).
- Supports **Microsoft Windows** and **macOS** platforms.
- Classified as a **single-player video game** with no multiplayer modes.
- Primary language is **English**, with no documented localizations.
- Distributed digitally; no physical copies are available.
- Listed in multiple gaming databases, including:
  - **RAWG ID**: `the-cat-and-the-box`
  - **PCGamingWiki ID**: `The_Cat_and_the_Box` (entry #132584)
  - **HowLongToBeat ID**: `120334`
  - **IGDB ID**: `the-cat-and-the-box` (entry #116747)
  - **Lutris ID**: `the-cat-and-the-box`
  - **SteamGridDB ID**: `2615208`
  - **GameSpot ID**: `the-cat-and-the-box`
  - **GamingOnLinux DB ID**: `15064`
  - **VGLIST ID**: `70570`
  - **TuxDB ID**: `6740`
  - **GamerProfiles ID**: `K74jX`
  - **IsThereAnyDeal ID**: `the-cat-and-the-box`

## FAQs
**When was *The Cat and the Box* released?**
The game launched on **April 20, 2019**, exclusively on Steam for Windows and macOS.

**What platforms does *The Cat and the Box* support?**
It is compatible with **Microsoft Windows** and **macOS**, with no confirmed support for Linux or consoles.

**Is *The Cat and the Box* a multiplayer game?**
No, it is strictly a **single-player experience** with no cooperative or competitive modes.

**Where can I find more information about the game?**
The game is documented across multiple databases, including **Steam (ID: 1054980)**, **PCGamingWiki**, **RAWG**, and **HowLongToBeat (ID: 120334)**.

**Does the game have any sequels or related titles?**
No sequels or spin-offs are documented in the provided sources.

## Why It Matters
*The Cat and the Box* represents a niche but notable entry in the indie game landscape, offering a focused single-player experience in an era dominated by multiplayer and live-service titles. Its minimalist approach and digital-only distribution reflect broader trends in indie game development, where small teams prioritize accessibility and creative freedom over commercial scale. While it may not have achieved mainstream recognition, its presence across multiple gaming databases underscores its relevance within the indie community, serving as a case study for low-budget, platform-agnostic game design.

## Notable For
- **Cross-platform support**: One of many indie titles bridging **Windows and macOS** without Linux or console ports.
- **Digital-exclusive distribution**: A pure **Steam-only** release, aligning with modern indie distribution models.
- **Database ubiquity**: Listed in over **10 major gaming databases**, indicating widespread cataloging despite its indie status.
- **Single-player focus**: A deliberate design choice in contrast to the multiplayer-heavy trends of its release year (2019).

## Body
### Overview and Release
*The Cat and the Box* is a **2019 video game** developed and published as a single-player experience. It debuted on **April 20, 2019**, via **Steam**, with no prior early access or beta phases documented. The game’s Steam application ID (**1054980**) confirms its digital-only distribution, a common practice for indie titles seeking global reach without physical media costs.

### Platforms and Technical Specifications
The game supports **Microsoft Windows** and **macOS**, with no official Linux or console versions. This dual-platform approach is typical for smaller studios leveraging Steam’s cross-platform tools. The absence of Linux support is notable, as many indie games in this era often include it to maximize audience reach.

### Gameplay and Design
As a **single-player video game**, *The Cat and the Box* eschews multiplayer mechanics, focusing instead on a solitary experience. The title’s name suggests a puzzle or narrative-driven design, though specific gameplay details are not provided in the source material. The game’s **English-language** focus implies a primary audience in Western markets, with no evidence of localized versions.

### Distribution and Availability
The game is distributed exclusively through **Steam**, with no alternative storefronts (e.g., GOG, Epic Games Store) mentioned. This aligns with Steam’s dominance in the indie game market during the late 2010s. The **digital distribution** model eliminates physical production costs, allowing for lower price points and easier updates.

### Database and Community Presence
*The Cat and the Box* is extensively cataloged across gaming databases, indicating its recognition within the indie ecosystem:
- **RAWG** (`the-cat-and-the-box`): A metadata aggregator for game discovery.
- **PCGamingWiki** (`The_Cat_and_the_Box`): A community-driven resource for technical details and fixes.
- **HowLongToBeat** (`120334`): Tracks completion times, though no specific data is provided here.
- **IGDB** (`the-cat-and-the-box`): A comprehensive game database with entry #116747.
- **Lutris** (`the-cat-and-the-box`): A Linux gaming platform, though the game itself lacks native Linux support.
- **SteamGridDB** (`2615208`): Hosts custom artwork and banners for Steam users.
- **GameSpot** (`the-cat-and-the-box`): A major gaming media outlet’s database.
- **GamingOnLinux** (`15064`): A Linux-focused gaming news and database site.
- **VGLIST** (`70570`): A lesser-known cataloging service.
- **TuxDB** (`6740`): Another Linux-centric gaming database.
- **GamerProfiles** (`K74jX`): A social platform for gamers.
- **IsThereAnyDeal** (`the-cat-and-the-box`): A price-tracking service for digital games.

### Reception and Legacy
While no direct reviews or sales figures are provided, the game’s inclusion in multiple databases suggests it garnered enough attention to be documented by gaming archivists and communities. Its **2019 release date** places it alongside other indie darlings of the era, though it lacks the cultural footprint of titles like *Untitled Goose Game* or *Disco Elysium*. The absence of sequels or spin-offs implies it remains a standalone project, possibly from a small or solo developer.

### Related Projects and Comparisons
No direct comparisons or related projects are documented. However, its **single-player, puzzle-like premise** (inferred from the title) aligns it with other minimalist indie games like *The Witness* or *Baba Is You*, though on a smaller scale. The **cat-themed** naming convention also echoes titles like *Stray* (2022), though *The Cat and the Box* predates that trend.

### Technical Identifiers
For developers or researchers, the game’s technical identifiers include:
- **Steam App ID**: `1054980` (with qualifiers for Windows/macOS).
- **RAWG Slug**: `the-cat-and-the-box`.
- **PCGamingWiki Entry**: `The_Cat_and_the_Box` (ID #132584).
- **IGDB Slug**: `the-cat-and-the-box` (entry #116747).
- **Lutris ID**: `the-cat-and-the-box`.
- **SteamGridDB ID**: `2615208`.
- **HowLongToBeat ID**: `120334`.
- **GameSpot Slug**: `the-cat-and-the-box`.
- **GamingOnLinux DB ID**: `15064`.
- **VGLIST ID**: `70570`.
- **TuxDB ID**: `6740`.
- **GamerProfiles ID**: `K74jX`.
- **IsThereAnyDeal Slug**: `the-cat-and-the-box`.

These identifiers are critical for cross-referencing the game in academic or archival research.

## References

1. Steam
2. GameSpot
3. Q124398839