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<h1>The Surprise Inclusion of Autism in Mewgenics</h1>
<p>In 2024, the <em>Mewgenics</em> team revealed that autism would be added to the list of hereditary disorders for the game's cats, catching developer Edmund McMillen—co-creator of <em>Super Meat Boy</em>—off guard by the overwhelming positive reception.</p>
<p>McMillen remarked, “It was possibly the most favorable response I’ve received for anything I’ve shared.” Fans on platforms like <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/evilautism/comments/1j3y70r/holy_shit_autism_creature_representation_in/">Reddit</a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@edmundmcmillen/video/7403411133987573034">TikTok</a> expressed their appreciation and enthusiasm for this inclusion, with many stating it provided a meaningful portrayal of autism. “It felt like someone handed me a key and said, ‘Here, go for it,’” McMillen added.</p>
<h2>A Surprising Indie Success</h2>
<p>Launched for PC on February 10, <em>Mewgenics</em> quickly became one of the year’s biggest indie hits. Initially announced in 2013 as a Team Meat project with Tommy Refenes, the game faced a hiatus until McMillen decided to revive it. With a mixture of adorable characters and complex, tactical gameplay, <em>Mewgenics</em> aptly reflects its name, centering on genetics and breeding. Currently, it ranks as Steam's <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=1025X1701640&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.steampowered.com%2Fcharts%2F">top-selling game</a>. Co-creator Tyler Glaiel shared that the game recouped its development costs in under three hours, with expectations of exceeding 500,000 sales.</p>
<h2>Addressing Current Issues</h2>
<p>Despite <em>Mewgenics</em>'s thematic focus on humor and cats, its release aligns with a time when misinformation about autism and pro-eugenics sentiments are prevalent. McMillen insists that the game isn’t a direct commentary on societal issues, stating, “I dislike politics; it's just a game about cats breeding.”</p>
<h2>Understanding the In-Game Mechanics</h2>
<p>The game features various inherited disorders, ranging from minor issues to serious conditions, each affecting cat statistics. Autism, for instance, enhances intelligence while reducing charisma, enabling characters to excel in certain skills while struggling with others. McMillen, who has personal connections to autism through his family, expressed, “This has been a significant part of my life for the past decade.”</p>
<h2>Embracing Diversity and Challenges</h2>
<p>With over 100 disorders represented, the game encourages players to recognize and value the strengths of their cats rather than discard those with disabilities. “I want players to see the potential in a cat with autism, embracing its unique challenges,” McMillen remarked. He considers it essential for players to explore and understand the strengths and hurdles of differently-abled cats.</p>
<h2>A Personal Journey</h2>
<p>For McMillen, <em>Mewgenics</em> is a deeply personal venture, reflecting a creative journey spanning over a decade. Originally conceived alongside Refenes, McMillen recognized that the initial concept lacked depth as a game. After several developmental pauses, he took the initiative to reshape it entirely after leaving Team Meat in 2016.</p>
<h2>The Evolution of Themes</h2>
<p>The design of <em>Mewgenics</em> has led McMillen to reevaluate some of his earlier work, particularly regarding the impact of upbringing and genetics on life experiences. “My perspective shifted significantly based on my experiences as a parent. The game transformed into a reflection on the legacy we impart through genetics and the experiences of raising children,” he concluded.</p>
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