During the decade-long development, the character of Cuphead underwent over 150 character redesigns including a kappa in a tophat and characters with a plate or fork for a head. Īfter having tried and failed to develop a game with similar visuals in the early 2000s, the brothers began work again after the success of Super Meat Boy in 2010. The Moldenhauers watched 1930s-era cartoons from the Golden age of American animation in their youth, which Chad Moldenhauer describes as happenstance, based on gifts and VHS compilations. He wears brown shoes, white gloves, and red shorts that match his nose.Ĭuphead was primarily developed by brothers Chad and Jared Moldenhauer. His upper body and arms are black, while his legs are the same shade of gray as his head.
Ĭuphead appears as a humanoid being with a large, light gray teacup for a head, from which a bent straw with red stripes extends upward. The strategy was ultimately successful as the game sold one million copies in two weeks. During the course of three years of game development, the studio heavily promoted the character to build audience interest. After the brothers lose to the Devil in a game of craps at his casino, they reluctantly agree to track down his other debtors and collect the contracts that signify his ownership of their souls.ĭeveloped over the course of several years by Chad and Jared Moldenhauer, the art style of Cuphead is designed as a homage to 1930s-era rubber hose animation from the Golden age of American animation, particularly the early works of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Fleischer Studios. Cuphead is a being with a teacup for a head who lives on Inkwell Isle with his brother Mugman and the Elder Kettle. Cuphead is the title character and main protagonist of the 2017 indie video game Cuphead.