Where Are All the Heartwarming Dog Games We Deserve?
Where Are All the Good Dog Games?
Dogs are everywhere in games—but often as enemies or sidekicks, not the stars. Unlike cats, who seem to dominate the internet and gaming world with hits like Stray or Little Kitty, Big City, dog games are surprisingly rare. So where are the games that let us fully live the dog life?
- Why dogs rarely get the spotlight in games
- Ideas for what a dog-focused game could look like
- Upcoming dog games to watch out for
Dogs vs. Cats: The Gaming Gap
If you’ve played games recently, you’ve probably enjoyed some great cat-centered adventures. Stray in particular wowed players with its emotional storytelling and charming protagonist. But dogs? They mostly show up as enemies to defeat or companions that tag along. From military dogs in shooters to the scary beasts in Bloodborne, dogs don’t often get their own heartfelt stories.
What Could a Dog Game Be?
Imagine controlling a mischievous dog trying to find its way home—digging holes, rolling in mud, chasing squirrels, and causing chaos. Something simple but full of personality, inspired by games like Little Kitty, Big City. Or even better, a narrative-driven experience like Stray or Copycat that tackles themes like abandonment and loyalty. After all, dogs are “man’s best friend” for a reason, and a game that captures that bond could be truly special.
We want dog games with features like a “snuggle” button, zoomies after a wild run, and those classic “I’m sorry (but not really)” puppy eyes. There’s so much potential here—from RPGs like “Dog Quest” to emotional stories about finding forever homes. It’s a genre just waiting to explode.
Upcoming Titles to Get Excited About
Luckily, some games are starting to fill this gap. Farewell North is a beautiful emotional adventure where you play as a border collie restoring color to the world. Then there’s Ikuma, blending climbing mechanics with dog gameplay, slated for 2026. And Haunted Paws offers cozy horror with two players controlling pups. These titles hint at a promising future for dog-centric games.
Meanwhile, replaying Stray remains a great way to enjoy a pet-focused story—even if it’s about cats. But hopefully, soon we’ll have more games that let us truly experience life from a dog’s perspective.
