One of the biggest success stories for indie games in the past five years is Cuphead, the side-scrolling run-and-gun game that took the industry by storm upon its September 2017 launch. The game has been a runaway hit with gamers and critics alike, spawning a whole line of merchandise, an animated series adaptation coming to Netflix and a full expansion to the original game set for release this June. As The Cuphead Show! makes its premiere on Netflix, here's a look back at the history behind the popular indie game.

Cuphead is developed and published by Studio MDHR, founded by brothers Chad and Jared Moldenhauer. The brothers directed the game, with Chad serving as an artist alongside Marija Moldenhauer, while Jared served as a lead designer. Marija and Ryan Moldenhauer would also serve as producers on the game, making Cuphead something of a family business. The development team was rounded out by Jake Clark, providing additional animation, while the game's programming was led by Eric Billingsley.

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Influenced by the golden age of American animation the Moldenhauers grew up with, the brothers were particularly struck by a 1936 Japanese propaganda cartoon character with a teacup for a head as a source of inspiration for Cuphead and his brother Mugman. To reflect Cuphead's classic animation influences, Chad Moldenhauer hand-drew and painted much of the game's animation before it was digitized for the game.

Beppi the clown boss in Cuphead

Further emulating the style popularized by 1930s animation pioneers Fleischer Studios, the game's animation runs at 24 frames per second to match that of animated films of the classic era. Plus, composer Kristofer Maddigan provided an original big band and jazz score backed by a full musical ensemble. This dedicated development cycle led the Moldenhauers to remortgage their house to finance Cuphead's completion.

This detailed adherence to its classic influences, matched with engaging run-and-gun levels and memorable boss battles, led to tremendous success for Cuphead. The game was widely lauded by critics, praising its engaging gameplay and gorgeous presentation, and it won Best Independent Game at The Game Awards 2017. Cuphead sold over one million copies in its first week and eventually went on to sell over six million copies as it expanded from its initial Xbox One and PC launch to other platforms. Cuphead's original score would see its own chart-topping success, while Cuphead would make a guest appearance of sorts in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate through a downloadable Mii costume.

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Cuphead is an indie game that began as a passion project for one family that has gone to thrill millions of gamers worldwide, endearing an entire generation of fans through its love letter to classic animation. It's a prime example of an indie game that is both a masterclass in impressive presentation blended with timeless gameplay. On the surface, it's a run-and-gun game in the tradition of Gunstar Heroes or Contra but with a surprising amount of depth and accessibility, given its high difficulty. With a full expansion coming this June, Cuphead remains just as relevant as ever and a testament to what indie gaming is capable of.

Created by Chad and Jared Moldenhauer and developed for television by Dave Wasson, The Cuphead Show! premieres Feb. 18 on Netflix. Developed and published by Studio MDHR, Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course launches June 30 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

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