On February 2nd, Pinata Puppy World developers Real Time Studio announced their first Kickstarter. This small fangame studio first began with Five Nights at Freddy’s in Real Time and the FNAF Movie Game. Now branching out on their standalone mascot game, studio founder and lead composer Taaryn shares details on the project.
Pinata Puppy World Concept
The Player stumbles upon a familiar family indoor entertainment center, or is it familiar? What attracted me to Pinata Puppy World is using nostalgia as a core theme. Taaryn explained in the ‘Meet the Crew’ video, “I’ve seen indie games do liminality and spooky things, and what you can do in a childhood place. But I don’t see any games that addressed what nostalgic horror is and what it feels like to have those feelings.”
He then asked, “Why does liminality make us feel emotional? […] Have you ever felt like you lived in a past but you felt like you never belonged there?” Through Pinata Puppy World’s trailer, The Player travels to the center’s lobby, crawl spaces, and VHS memories. As we explore, in a dark room, Pinata Puppy appears on-screen.
They are surprised to see The Player and speak in a kind heart-to-heart conversation. “Hey! Look at you! You’re grown up now. Y’know, sometimes, when you least expect you just have to…grow up. Some things, some people…but I will always remember you.” While their words warm my heart, I can’t help but accept those words. Yet, the music feels uneasy like something bad is happening.
The Growth of Real Time Studio
Pinata Puppy World shows the team’s growth as people and game developers. For someone who hasn’t experienced FNAF in Real Time, my eyes were convinced they were watching recorded footage. Then I saw Pinata Puppy’s model and the bottom captions that say “Game Engine Footage.”
Modeling team, Soul and Needy, made the in-game environments entirely out of 3D. Then, coders Scinacz and Casey explained the VHS effect is through post-processing, lighting, and motion logic. They wanted to make a believable setting for Pinata Puppy World’s story.
The art department has nailed that 2000s aesthetic through their designs. From the bright colorful center to Pinata Puppy themselves. It’s much more impressive that these young artists are experimenting and dedicated to mixing digital and traditional art. 2D animator Etchy Sketchy is responsible for the Kickstarter’s hand-drawn screen. Lead Designer Dinxie used a digital art program to animate Pinata Puppy’s video.
You could tell that the team grew up during FNAF’s prime and Steel Wool Studios era. So far, Taaryn and Hunter Allen’s soundtrack made a nice homage to FNAF Help Wanted and FNAF 3. Pinata Puppy World’s interior design feels like a slice of FNAF Security Breach. I give props to May, Tedd, and Jorji for capturing the friendly essence of the mascot’s model.
Support the Kickstarter!
Real Time Studios launched their Kickstarter with a goal of $35,000. Their project page stated certain milestones beyond it include the following actions:
- $45,000: Game Localization with multiple translations and language dubbing.
- $60,000: Console Support on Xbox One and PS5.
- $75,000: VR Support for any virtual reality headset.
- $90,000: Android Support for modern devices.
Reaching above the $90,000 goal will allow Pinata Puppy World to have a merch shop. The items planned are an art book, enamel pins, and VHS tapes. For the $10 Tier and above, you can gather puzzle piece pins. All physical Kickstarter rewards are planned to be released in March 2026. Pinata Puppy World funding campaign will be open until March 2nd, 2025.
