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Puny Astronaut

Games & Interactive
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Founded
2016
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About Puny Astronaut

Puny Astronaut was an independent video game developer based in Dundee, Scotland, focused on accessible, welcoming experiences. Its work combined gentle exploration, puzzle solving and non-violent play, with an emphasis on player wellbeing and inclusive design. The studio developed games intended to accommodate players with different abilities and levels of familiarity with games.

The company originated at Abertay University, where a student team created Skye, a whimsical prototype featuring a flying dragon. After winning the university’s Dare to be Digital competition in 2016, the team established Puny Astronaut and developed the concept into a commercial release. Its capabilities included game design, programming, 3D art and animation, alongside Unity development and accessibility work across gameplay and user interfaces.

From prototype to commercial release

The studio’s debut game, Skye Tales, launched on Nintendo Switch in May 2023, followed by releases on PC through Steam and on PlayStation consoles. Its gentle puzzle-adventure format reflected the studio’s interest in family-friendly entertainment and exploration without pressure. Accessibility was central to the project, including collaboration with the charity AbleGamers during development.

Puny Astronaut received a six-figure equity investment in March 2018 from 4J Studios co-founders Chris van der Kuyl and Paddy Burns. The relationship supported the young studio’s development, while 4J Studios became the original publisher of Skye Tales. The game was the first published release from 4J Studios. In October 2024, Curve Games took over its global publishing and distribution rights.

Following director departures during 2024 and the subsequent business wind-down, Puny Astronaut Limited applied for voluntary strike-off in February 2025. The company was dissolved on 6 May 2025, ending the studio’s operations.

More about Puny Astronaut

Historical founders and leadership

  • Co-founder Cian Declan Roche served as Managing Director and was appointed a director on 19 October 2016.
  • Co-founders Samuel Raymond Donaghey and Harry Ritchie Haston-Dougan became directors in March 2018. They resigned in August and February 2024, respectively.
  • Chris van der Kuyl joined as Chairman in March 2018, alongside director Paddy Burns. These are historical roles, rather than claims of current leadership.

Accessibility in practice

The studio’s work with AbleGamers informed concrete design choices: gameplay removed timers, fail states and dexterity barriers to reduce pressure on players.

Industry recognition

Skye Tales won Best Small-Budget Game and Best Accessibility at the 2023 Scottish Games Awards. These awards recognised the game.

Notable credits

1 credit
  • Skye Tales

Offices

Current and former locations of Puny Astronaut

1 location

  • Dundee office

    Former office
    Water’s Edge, Camperdown Street, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 3HY, United KingdomDundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
    About this office

    Former physical studio at Water’s Edge. The report confirms the historical association and classifies the premises as closed for Puny Astronaut following its business wind-down.

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