Talking queer joy with Kitty Powers from ‘Kitty Powers’ Matchmaker Makeover’
Everyone remembers their first dating sim — especially if it was Kitty Powers’ Matchmaker.
Originally releasing in 2014, the game saw players act as assistant to Kitty Powers herself, a dazzling drag queen intent on matching up even the most woeful of single clients. Made up of witty mechanics and engrossing minigames, the game quickly took the internet by storm; within weeks of its initial release there were countless YouTubers uploading videos of their playthroughs.
It was a heartening thing to see for the game developers, as beyond its gameplay, what really made the game’s success so impactful was its status as one of the first dating sims ever to feature LGBTQ+ relationships. A huge step for a genre that often ignores anything not straight or cisgender, this inclusion is a big part of why Kitty Powers’ Matchmaker is beloved by countless players — making it all the more exciting when it was announced that the game was getting remastered to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Gayming Mag had the chance of sitting down with the real Kitty Powers, who players may be surprised to learn is not only an actual drag queen but also a leading game developer.
She reflected back on not only her recent work with the game’s remaster but the time she poured into it a decade ago during the years leading up to its first release, saying “We wanted to create something that broke the mold… or, create a new mold [altogether]! To create a simulator like that incorporated same sex marriage and same sex relationships, and that treated everyone the same.”
Kitty described her many years as both a game developer and drag performer, with the Matchmaker series being one of many games under her (gorgeously bedazzled) belt. It’s that personal experience that helped her understand the way games like these truly affect players, helping them learn about things like romance and relationships in ways they might not have before. Through their gameplay, she hoped to offer an inclusive vision of romance not everyone gets to see, one that doesn’t only feature queer identities but teaches valuable lessons about respect along the way.
“We [started] to get emails from people with wonderful stories about how they had played the game with their family, and it [allowed] them to see their families reaction to queer stuff, and it helped them come out to their families because they knew it was safe,” said Powers, reminiscing on the many many heartwarming messages she’s received from fans over the years.
Many queer people don’t feel safe, even with their families — they know they’re not supported. And so to give some of those young people the bridge to safety from their own fear… it’s amazing.
“Many queer people don’t feel safe, even with their families — they know they’re not supported. And so to give some of those young people the bridge to safety from their own fear… it’s amazing. Every one of those letters made me cry a little bit. It’s [wild] to think that this little game I made ten years ago has changed so many lives.”
It’s evident by not only by Kitty’s words, but the many heartfelt comments still being left about the original game how much players of all identities adored that first iteration. And after seeing all of these messages and with a few more years of game development knowledge, Powers knew it was time for a remaster…though she did wish it was coming under better circumstances.
While gaming as an industry has had major issues with representation, the past few years especially have seen it suffer the same anti-LGBTQ+ attacks that all art has. Whether it be movies, books, or video games, groups focused on spreading hate have been intent on banning media that reflects queer communities — which is exactly why Kitty knew this was the perfect time for a remaster.
“When the [original] game came out, it was illegal in some states, and some places in Europe,” she explained. “You would think by 10 years later, we’d be a little more progressive. But unfortunately, we seem to have slipped even further back.”
In discussing the current attacks against LGBTQ+ content and the way her game has impacted so many players, Kitty opened up about her own experiences with homophobia, saying, “I didn’t come out until I was 21, because I was so afraid. I know what it feels like.”
Queer culture is under attack, especially in the States, and [also] in the UK and other places in Europe as well.
“Queer culture is under attack, especially in the States, and [also] in the UK and other places in Europe as well,” She continued. “Our games always keep it light as a sort of escape from the real world — but they can still be very impactful on the audience.”
Kitty emphasized how Matchmaker Makeover was made to not only reflect queer communities, but to help any player (no matter their identity) be better allies today. She described how the updated gameplay incorporated new mechanics like increased gender and sexuality options or body types that mirror the ways bodies change during transition.
The game overall carries on the same wry hilarity fans loved from its predecessor, but Powers stressed that it would also be threaded with a modern sense of inclusivity that anyone could find themselves in. And, best of all, it’s going to keep growing.
“We’re planning to continue to support this game better than we did the first one. We have built it architecturally to be able to scale, so there will be more Kitty Powers Matchmaker Makeover gameplay coming down the pipe. Keep your eyes peeled for updates!”
As the interview came to a close, Kitty Powers expressed immense love for the many fans and fellow game developers who made this remaster possible. She described the tenuous experience of building a game — especially when you’re doing so while performing in sickening drag shows on the weekends — but how it was all worth it to have helped so many fans feel seen with each playthrough. And when asked if she had final messages to these supporters, Kitty had one thing to say: “Buy it!”
She laughed, flexing the trademark humor fans of the game knew well, before genuinely expressing how she hopes this game is a reminder of the fun queerness that many people may be missing these days. “I want people to feel like whether they’re new, or they’ve been in my world before, that this a safe space. One where you can live in a world where no one gets judged for who they want to be with.”
It’s a heartwarming gift to give to her audience, and with the Kitty Powers’ Matchmaker Makeover remaster, it’s one that this coding queen will deliver to more new players than she ever has before.
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