Slippy Cat

Project Context

Slippy Cat is a 2D top-down infinite runner developed for the Facebook Instant Games platform.

The project originally began as a game jam prototype before being expanded into a platform-ready social game. The Facebook version added asynchronous play between friends, a fallback option for players without active friends, Messenger capabilities, social sharing, analytics tracking and A/B-tested retention features.

I worked as a developer on the port from the original game-jam state to a Facebook-appropriate version. This involved implementing platform features such as the Facebook Instant Games SDK, meta-game systems, Facebook shareables and Messenger capabilities. The team consisted of two developers, an artist and a producer.

The game has since been removed from Facebook Instant Games after changes to Facebook's social policies and the company no longer supporting development.

Object-Oriented And ECS Architecture

The game used object-oriented programming alongside an entity-component-system style architecture. This helped separate gameplay logic, rendering and platform integration while allowing reusable systems to support the runner mechanics and meta features.

Facebook Instant Games SDK

The Facebook Instant Games SDK was used to integrate Slippy Cat with Facebook and Messenger, enabling players to challenge friends and return through platform-level social flows.

The SDK also supported access to useful platform metrics, including session and retention data, which informed ongoing iteration.

Analytics Tracking

Analytics tracking was used to understand player behaviour and improve the experience over time. Metrics such as session length, retention and engagement helped identify areas where the difficulty curve, controls or social flows could be improved.

A/B Testing

A/B testing was used throughout development to evaluate player-to-player interaction, controller methods, tutorial flow, power-ups, social sharing mechanics and difficulty.

This allowed the team to test changes against real player behaviour and make more informed decisions about retention and engagement.

Porting From Game Jam

Because Slippy Cat started as a game jam project, it needed substantial work to become suitable for Facebook Instant Games.

That included performance optimisation, redesigning mechanics to fit platform constraints, and adding systems such as social sharing, Messenger integration and meta-game features.

Messenger Integration

Messenger integration supported friend challenges, updates, notifications and reward prompts. This helped the game fit the Facebook Instant Games model, where social re-entry and friend-to-friend interaction were core parts of the experience.