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How It Works • Games & Tech

Cuphead

Cuphead is a 2017 indie run-and-gun video game developed and published by Studio MDHR.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Cuphead is a 2017 run-and-gun video game developed by the Canadian studio Studio MDHR. It is known for its challenging boss battles and 1930s cartoon-inspired visuals.

What it is

Cuphead is a side-scrolling run-and-gun game where players control Cuphead and his brother Mugman. After making a deal with the Devil, they must battle through levels and boss fights to collect debts and save their souls. The game supports single-player and two-player co-op.

Key details

Developed and published independently by Studio MDHR, Cuphead was announced in 2013 and released on 29 September 2017 for Windows and Xbox One. It later came to macOS, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4. The game’s art style deliberately mimics 1930s rubber-hose animation, with hand-drawn visuals and a jazz soundtrack.

Why it matters

Cuphead was a commercial and critical success, selling 2 million copies within two weeks and 6 million in two years. It also spawned The Cuphead Show!, an animated series. As a creation of Canadian brothers Chad and Jared Moldenhauer, it stands as a notable Canadian indie game achievement.

In short

  • Run-and-gun game with heavy focus on boss fights.
  • Inspired by 1930s rubber-hose animation.
  • Developed by Canadian studio Studio MDHR.
  • Sold 6 million copies in two years.
Canadian angle

Cuphead was created by Studio MDHR, a Canadian independent game studio founded by the Canadian brothers Chad and Jared Moldenhauer, making it a notable Canadian video game success.[5][7]

Quick questions

What kind of game is Cuphead?
Cuphead is a run-and-gun action video game with side-scrolling stages and boss fights.
Who developed Cuphead?
Cuphead was developed and published by Studio MDHR, a Canadian independent studio.
What makes Cuphead visually distinctive?
Its art direction is inspired by 1930s cartoons and rubber-hose animation.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuphead
    Supports: Development, release, gameplay premise, sales figures, commercial success
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuphead
    Supports: Release dates, platform ports, 1930s animation inspiration, The Cuphead Show!
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuphead_(character)
    Supports: Cuphead character premise and deal with the Devil
  4. Steam — https://store.steampowered.com/app/268910/Cuphead/
    Supports: Run-and-gun description and 1930s animation-inspired visual and audio style
  5. French Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuphead
    Supports: Canadian founders, development and platform release information
  6. PCGamingWiki — https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Cuphead
    Supports: Release dates and genre/platform details