Dog Games Make a Comeback in 2025

The gaming world has been obsessed with cats for years, with titles like Stray and Little Kitty, Big City stealing the spotlight. But dogs, often sidelined as enemies or sidekicks, are starting to claim their place as stars of their own games.

A recent article from Polygon by Austin Manchester highlights this shift, pointing out the lack of dedicated dog games and the potential for new titles to capture the chaotic, emotional essence of man’s best friend. With recent and upcoming releases, 2025 is shaping up to be a year where dog games finally get the attention they deserve.

Dogs in games have historically gotten a bad rap. From the snarling hounds in Bloodborne to military dogs in first-person shooters, they’re often cast as foes to be taken down. But the tide is turning. Developers are starting to see the potential in crafting games where dogs take center stage, not as threats but as protagonists with their own stories. The appeal is clear: dogs are loyal, mischievous, and packed with personality, making them perfect for games that blend humor, chaos, and heartfelt moments.

One inspiration for this shift comes from cat games like Stray, which nailed the balance of exploration and emotional storytelling. A dog game could follow a similar path, letting players control a pup on a quest to find its way home. Imagine a scrappy hound digging holes, splashing through mud, or marking every fire hydrant in sight. The chaos would be endless, with moments of pure dog energy like chasing squirrels or shredding a pair of socks, followed by that classic “who, me?” puppy face. This kind of gameplay could capture the joy and unpredictability of dogs in a way that feels fresh and engaging.

The emotional side of dogs also offers rich storytelling potential. Games like Stray and Copycat weave themes of loss and abandonment into their narratives, and dogs, known for their deep bonds with humans, could carry similar weight. A game about a shelter dog finding a forever home or a stray pup surviving a post-apocalyptic world could hit players right in the feels. This emotional depth is what sets games like these apart, and it’s why dog games have so much untapped potential.“Arooos somberly at the sky,” Austin Manchester wrote in Polygon, capturing the longing for more dog-centric games.

Recent releases are already showing promise. Farewell North, launched in 2024, puts players in the paws of a border collie on an emotional journey to restore color to a bleak world. The game leans into the loyalty and heart of dogs, offering a narrative-driven experience that stands out from the usual action-heavy titles. It’s a step toward the kind of dog game that fans have been craving—one that’s less about combat and more about connection. The game’s focus on exploration and atmosphere makes it a strong example of what dog games can achieve when developers prioritize story and character.

Looking ahead to 2026, Ikuma is generating buzz for its unique blend of climbing mechanics and dog-centric gameplay. Details are still sparse, but the idea of a dog scaling obstacles in a vibrant world sounds like a fresh take on the genre. Meanwhile, Haunted Paws is set to bring a cozy horror twist, letting two players control pups in a spooky adventure. This cooperative approach adds a new layer to dog games, combining the charm of canine antics with lighthearted scares. These titles show that developers are starting to experiment with dogs in creative ways, moving beyond the companion roles seen in games like Baldur’s Gate 3, where Scratch the dog is a beloved sidekick but not the main focus.

Image: Larian Studios via Polygon

Other games have dipped their toes into dog-centric gameplay, but few have fully committed. Okami, with its wolf protagonist, comes close but leans more mythical than a mundane dog. Dog Simulator 3D on Poki, released in 2019, lets players lead a dog through challenges and family-building tasks, but its simplistic mechanics don’t match the depth of something like Stray. On the indie scene, platforms like itch.io host titles like Pet the Pup at the Party and Goodboy Galaxy, which offer short, charming dog experiences but lack the polish of bigger releases. These games hint at the potential for dog-focused stories, but they often stop short of fully embracing the chaos and heart of a true dog game.

The demand for dog games is clear, and developers are starting to listen. A game with a dedicated “snuggle” button or mechanics for zoomies and sock-shredding could capture the essence of dog life in a way that resonates with players. Imagine a title like “Dog Quest The RPG,” where you level up your pup’s skills in fetching, digging, or tail-wagging, or a post-apocalyptic “Stray Pup” navigating a ruined world. These ideas, as Manchester suggests, practically write themselves. With Farewell North already out and Ikuma and Haunted Paws on the horizon, the gaming world is finally giving dogs their moment to shine.

The success of cat games like Stray provides a blueprint for what dog games could be. Stray’s mix of exploration, puzzles, and emotional storytelling shows how to craft a game around an animal’s perspective. Dog games could borrow this formula, adding their own flavor with canine-specific behaviors like barking at mail carriers or begging for treats. As more developers take note, 2025 and beyond could see a wave of dog games that rival their feline counterparts, delivering adventures that are equal parts chaotic, heartfelt, and unforgettable.