Cuphead is a run and gun video game developed and published by StudioMDHR, an independent developer based out of Canada. The game was designed and developed by brothers Chad and Jared Moldenhauer, who were inspired by the art style of 1930s cartoons. They sought to emulate the look and feel of early works by Walt Disney Animation Studios and Fleischer Studios with their surreal qualities.

The game allows players to select from single player mode or two player couch co-op where gamers take control of animated characters Cuphead and his brother Mugman to fight in an effort to repay their debt to the devil.

The brothers were playing craps and the Devil’s Casino against the wishes of the Elder Kettle. When they went on a winning streak, the Devil offered to raise the stakes. If they win one more roll, they receive all the money in the casino but if they lose the Devil will take their souls. Cuphead rolled snake eyes, losing the game. The brothers begged for mercy, pleading with the Devil to keep their souls. The Devil made a deal with them, collect the soul contracts that signify his ownership of the souls of his runaway debtors by midnight the next day, and he might let them keep their souls. They visited Elder Kettle for guidance, and he gives them a potion that allows them to fire blasts from their fingers to aid in their quest.

Development for the game began in 2010 after the Moldenhauer brothers saw the success of other indie games such as Super Meat Boy that released in 2010. They began the project using the Unity game engine and developed from their homes in Oakville, Ontario and Regina, Saskatchewan. The first few years were spent on flushing out the concept for the game and the main characters. Before settling on the main characters, the brothers had created around 150 different character designs.