Former Kowloon Walled City resident reacts to STRAY!

Since its release, video game Stray has been a huge hit. Players follow a cute ginger cat escaping an underground city, inspired by Hong Kong’s Kowloon Walled City, a high-rise squatter camp that once housed 50,000 people demolished in 1994. Did the game look at all like the former glories of historic enclaves? Let’s find out.
0:00 How to play Stray
3:11 Does it look right?
9:29 “It was my home”
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Producer: Yoyo Chow
Videographer: Cliff Man, Ryan Putranto
Editor: César del Giudice
Mastering: César del Giudice
#stray #videogame #kowloonwalledcity

[@Goldthread]

Hi all, I’m Yoyo, the reporter who’s in this video! Did you play the game Stray, and what do you think about it? On a side note, we noticed that there are many Asian, China or Hong Kong-related games out there, do you guys want us to review them🎮? Let us know!

[@Obscurai]

Have video game controls that limit play time extended to HK? Is personal data collected by game companies adequately protected?

[@videowatcher6246]

Oh yeah! I would love to watch a review on Paper Bride on Android. It's uniquely Chinese and revolves around marriage in the afterlife. Great job on this piece, btw.

[@alfthai]

This was fun! You should get a bunch of Hong Kongers to sit around and play Sleeping Dogs. I had a bunch of HK friends watch me play it a few years ago and they had fun identifying things. Ultimately it wasn't an exact replica of HK, but it had the right feel and some very HK details. p.s. I haven't met a Hong Konger who knows Sleeping Dogs even existed

[@iamnobody8]

I played Stray and I absolutely love it! Ofc walled city might not represent the real one, because some changes have to be made for a game to be playable and fun. Nice video, really interesting to see a former resident talk about Stray :)

[@yungwun619]

Sleeping Dogs is a game based in Hong Kong.

[@d.d.d.a.a.a.n.n.n]

A game based on the Kowloon Walled City that focused on cooperation between residents would be really interesting

[@Reed_Walters]

RIGHT? The interactions of syndicates on the population to which the locals would hide, etc. Not a survival game per say, but perhaps rising to the top? Like a pseudo governor.

[@ex0duzz]

Syndicates or rather, the triads were basically the law enforcement and the boss of the triads was like the governor/mayor of the city since no cops dared to go inside. So locals did not "hide" from them(nowhere to hide anyway), they actually kept the law and order and were respected by the locals otherwise neither could survive for long. Triads would keep the criminals in line and protect the locals, because the walled city was a gathering place for criminals, illegal immigrants, and every kind of outcast and illegal that could not live in the main city of hk itself. Triads would also resolve any problems between the locals, like a court would resolve any civil disputes normally. Same like Yakuza in Japan. If there was any diaster or threats, the triads would resolve it, because they themselves were locals living there and they had their own personal interest to keep the place civil and orderly rather than complete chaos and endless fighting. Iirc, they had law which banned fires, otherwise if there was a fire everyone would die since it was so tight and crowded and there was stuff that could burn everywhere, and it was all built on top of each other. A fire would be a disaster of the highest magnitude.

[@Lamrock93]

Would be a good location for a resident evil game as well

[@notimeforcreativenamesjust3034]

Have a platforming action game about delivering mail in the city as fast as possible.

[@mimsydreams]

​@ex0duzz Reminds me of how the mafia operates in the USA; They protect their neighborhoods. They try to keep whatever crimes being done outside and the regular residents get the protection from the mob. Some of the safest places to live, unless you were in an rival gang 😅 Not to say that every mobster or gang member is a good person, but they typically don't terrorize the places they call home.

[@knux5796]

i noticed that whenever ppl make videos or clips about the city they overemphasize how it was full of crime drug use and violence. but whenever former residence talk about it they do so with nostalgia and fond memories. its like yeah the conditions were pretty bad but they still look back and consider it home. and when you look at the footage of them walking thru the narrow streets they look normal, some of them even well dressed. no one looks like theyve been living a painful life

[@dekumarademosater2762]

Except he got pneumonia in highschool. Twice. And the 13 floor building he was in had no piped water. And walking around alleyways you got sewerage dripping on you. And nobody could afford aircon. And in the game, the rooms are too big, and the buildings too far apart. The piles of garbage are authentic. Grim. He was happy when it was demolished. He seems a decent, honest sort, and he has some good memories too. And he thinks it needs remembering.

[@aff77141]

A strong reminder that even people in what we see as the most destitute conditions aren't just props to make you feel sad, and that their world is not doom and gloom just because they're poor. They are still human. They want to enjoy life however they can, even if it's difficult.

[@aff77141]

​​​@@dekumarademosater2762I think you forgot that they literally said "yeah the conditions were pretty bad". The point is people play it up as if it was all ugly and terribleness, but the people who were there see it differently. They're glad they don't have to live there, but they appreciate how unique their experience was, particularly the way necessity brought people together in a way you don't often see elsewhere. That there were pros and cons alike. Not rose colored glasses, but not only seeing the bad either. There's a lot of importance to that philosophy.

[@tengahhidup]

The fond memories might be due to the fact that they were actually connecting with people and relying on each other. Finding joy in small activities, gifts or encounters, despite the general "badness" of the situation.

[@fixsationon7244]

People need to survive amd adapt. People needed to help each other. Neighbours were close.

[@TD1237]

I love how despite not having played games before, he appreciated the preservation of history that video games provide. They give you a look into worlds of the past in a very unique way, even if it isn't 100% accurate. :-)

[@iamnobody8]

Yeah. It feels nice when somebody makes a game about something big you were a part of :)

[@AMan-JCIL]

A Kowloon walled city game would be awesome. And it would be cool if you could play as a resident and get a job, basically a survival game but with an actual storyline to it.

[@wnaidamai]

I dont know about survival games for KWC but I do remember watching some of my favourite streamers playing a horror game that is based on KWC, its pretty scary and the concept is really cool...I think its called Welcome to Kowloon.

[@somekid7]

Shenmue II actually had you run around the city doing odd jobs and even had a forklift operating level. It was mostly set on the rooftops and had a lot of character interaction, although the dialogue is goofy in English

[@Donkam_haurder]

​@@somekid7oh it gives me goosebumps, I remember when I lost inside dragon building or something because it literally 3-4 building combined, I know it just fictional Kowloon walled city, but it quite similar to the original, I wish someone making more games about Kowloon city

[@aycaramba3553]

Dude thats the perfect GTA rpg type of game lol. First mission is grandma complaining and nagging at the main character about money being tight or something and you have to do some menial task for the cash you need. “Whaooo u good wokor, I have more work for you 😊”

[@deaflizard9721]

When I played Stray, I didn't see Walled City as a dirty place or a crime drug place, but as a history of memories. Because it holds a story, in every detail, in every crack, in every rubble, and in every drip. When there's a moss and crack on a statue, there's always a story about it.

[@peterlee9691]

Who remembers the old Hong Kong airport? It was crazy how dangerously close the buildings and rooftops would look from the plane coming into landing.

[@plutoniumlollie9574]

I do. I remember trying to take a look into one of the countless windows of the surrounding skyscrapers and passing an insanely weird and chaotic structure which turned out to be Kowloon walled city. But I didn't learn that until maybe 10 years ago, because as a kid I didn't thought too much about it. Since then I am absolutely fascinated by it.

[@20PINKluvr]

I watched a documentary on the construction of the new HK airport. They had to keep Kai Tak open as they were just about to open the new one as they just finished construction. The stress of closing the old one down to open the new one while planes were on their way to land 😂

[@IAmNotYourProblem]

He must’ve been a child when Kowloon Walled City still stood, he seems very young. I’d love a full interview with him, asking what happened when he left Kowloon walled city, and if he misses it.

[@YurinanAcquiline]

He siad he moved there in the mid 70s. And it demolished in 1994. He was no child.

[@hanchiman]

Most Asians look young even at age 50, then after we past 60 year old we get a menopause and all turn into Yoda like old

[@giuliettaschroder6867]

Mid 70s is almost 50 years ago though, so he might've been still a child when he moved there.@@YurinanAcquiline

[@xXNelkeXx]

@@giuliettaschroder6867 plus he also talked about studying at the airport for high school so at the very least he was a teen

[@VeilleuxClan]

I would love a game about the walled city designed by what former residents remember.

[@BabyBear046]

Mr. Ng was so sweet!! My heart 😭❤️ I appreciate him sharing with us!! His thought about using video games to preserve history is so brilliant ❤️ I know history is already being preserved in games through various degrees of world building and inspiration. It would be amazing if a truly historical genre of gaming emerged, where the whole point was for the player to experience something historic through gameplay (rpg, action/adventure, life sim, any kind) ❤️ I love video games, and would love to be immersed in history that way!

[@hmmm713]

A lot of the recent Assassin's creed games focus a lot on history, with dedicated "guided tour" modes exploring some recreations of well known locations. Though some those are based on very ancient time periods, such as ancient egypt or greece

[@GazzaBoo]

I think Kowloon walled city was an incredible place, probably close to the top of the list of most interesting and unique places on earth at the time. I'm sad it's gone and such a unique, haphazard place is lost forever, but I doubt anyone would want to go back to living in those conditions. It was a difficult life with cramped, dark and unsanitary conditions and few amenities that not many would volunteer for. I'm sure be had many fond memories of his time there, kids are like that, but as he said, thinking back to how hard his mother had it, he was glad to escape.

[@Shananigainz]

Such a fascinating perspective! I’ve read about the Walled City several times but it’s so cool to have the perspective of someone who grew up in the city. While the feeling of closeness and community made me feel happy, I also understand why Albert was happy to leave the city when it was torn down. What I wouldn’t give to been able to see the city for myself. Thank you for uploading this!

[@yoonaslovecraft]

So nice to hear the experience of a former resident. The camera footage of the city is incredible, I never thought these registers existed

[@aaaduccs6667]

hes so gentle when he speaks i could listen to him for hours. i love the way he explained his life and the comparisons of how the place was like, loved the way i can visually understand better. so fun loved it💗

[@fujitafunk]

Loved seeing and hearing from a first-hand source in comparison to a modern game. The camera footage was an awesome cutaway too! There's so little actual footage of the walled city.

[@darhopkins5433]

I am fascinated with the Kowloon Walled City and this is why I bought the game 'Stray'. THANK YOU for creating an EXCELLENT video and THANK YOU to the gentleman who shared his life story living in KWC!

[@johnnyc.31]

I love this mix of analysis, history, and entertainment. Getting commentary from an actual resident of the walled city makes this especially interesting. Excellent video! Thanks to your team and Albert!

[@kumbackquatsta]

albert should narrate, he sounds so soothing

[@eugenetse9705]

Turns out that Albert studied theology after his Engineering degree and is a pastor and part time teacher, no wonder he sounds so soothing!

[@HayTatsuko]

I most definitely got that vibe from my play of this game, even though I'd never even heard of this neighborhood before watching this video. I really liked how the robotic residents interacted with each other and with the protagonist kitty.

[@BernicePanders]

Now there's a popular indie horror game based on this settlement, though I'd love to see one that explores more of the walled city & doesn't make the residents out to be insane ghosts, like the new game does...

[@Pierrue]

It's called Welcome to Kowloon if anyone reading this comment is interested and doesn't want to google it

[@Pollicina_db]

Honestly the game was a bit of a let down

[@Joekool88]

It is so heartening to hear what it was like from a former resident!

[@ChineseCookingDemystified]

Fantastic idea for a video :)

[@Obscurai]

How about this for a video idea? Were there special cooking styles in the walled city?

[@agemadiev]

just watched your new video, nice to see that you guys enjoy the same content :)

[@Goldthread]

Thanks for the support! Love your videos too ❤

[@rei_cirith]

I think if he looked at the game as a whole, you'll see the idea of community a lot better. It's just really hard when it's after the city is supposedly abandoned so it's no longer bustling with people.

[@BlueBoxMadMan]

As Yoda once said "FILTHY?! MUDHOLE?! MY HOME THIS IS!"

[@helping_others]

When did he say that and why please x

[@BlueBoxMadMan]

@@helping_others Yoda says it in The Empire Strikes back when Luke meets Yoda for the first time on Daegoba

[@necieau2700]

I'd love to see former residents come together and map out what they knew of the walled city, and how their places overlapped throughout the years. The organic growth of a community left to their own devices seems like a medley of stories we'd benefit from post 2023

[@karenchan9251]

They both sound so eloquent. Mr ng gave us a glimpse of what life is like in there. Would love to see a full interview with him with more images. Its inspiring to see people make something out of a really tough life.

[@DjBlacid]

i loved this and this video deserves to be way up, hope in a couple months it gets first or 2nd in searchs

[@BabyBear046]

This was a fantastic video! Wow! I wasn’t expecting to see footage from the actual city, but it was amazing. And to have the input of someone who was there?? Incredible! Thank you so much!

[@xuedi]

Love the game view & the comments from the resident, very nice combo !!

[@angelad.8944]

I have never heard of such a place so it was really interesting for me. I don't play the game but I really like learning about other cultures and their history, so it was really interesting to hear from someone that lived in such a place. I have so much respect for the people that lived there and their perseverance. I will be looking for more info about this place to learn more.

[@bfitzger2]

I want to see more videos like this. This was amazing.

[@mushedxbanana]

I loved the game and didn't make the connection between the game and Kowloon until I finished it. My unpopular opinion would be that although I never lived there I'm sad the city is gone. I'm drawn to it for some reason. I would definitely enjoy a game directly modeled after it. ❤️

[@starcastic2719]

brushing up on my KWC research for a project and clicked this, a minute said out loud "Pastor Albert!?" He once brought his school handbook to church and showed it in a sermon to prove he really did live in KWC!

[@BeddLstudios]

this is a more realistic documentary of Kowloon City then commercial television programs. If someone is interested in this wall city, I would definetly recommend this video. Also STRAY is a nice game to play

[@randommeasures4618]

Touched by how even this brief moment of gaming together reawakens memories and prompts sharing experiences and fading stories. And, delighted to see Kowloon humanized as both fascinating and unique, but also a product of fighting hardship and neglect.

[@theredeft5319]

There’s this old strange little game called Garage Dream that reminds me of the walled city more. I believe there is also a VR game that has an similar environment. There are plenty of games that seem to take inspiration from it such as Deus Ex human revolution. It was a pretty unique place so I see why it’s used. Interesting to hear from a former resident.

[@wcarn]

A Kowloon Walled City game would be AMAZING! HK GTA-styles!!

[@ephyah.mahmah]

Call of duty has Kowloon as a hidden level

[@Axqu7227]

I would love to play a game about this place developed by the people who lived there.

[@McBeelzebub]

That was a fun compare and contrast!

[@Catnipkitten]

This is so cool. I had no idea that the setting for Stray was based on a real place in the world. I still need to play it. :3

[@DarkKnightMare]

In Shenmue 2 you go to actual Kowloon. Even though the game is old could be cool to see a reaction too. That being said, that too is not a 100% recreation.

[@briargray2355]

I feel like a Disco Elysium type game set in the Kowloon Walled City would be truly top tier.

[@richiehoyt8487]

I may be wrong, but I'd bet a month's wages this game was developed in the US. It depicts what is, if we're calling a spade a spade, a slum. But it's an _air~conditioned_ slum, Godammit!

[@yungjoemighty879]

This is very beautiful and sad: a vision of how many people will live in the near future

[@keithcheng3162]

1:08 yoooo the people from Hong Kong is playing this game!? That cool!

[@kennyalwaysdies1]

Stray falling off that pipe was destiny choosing him to save walled city 99. The universe knew he was the right one.

[@dcfavorite]

Very interesting to hear what Mr. Ng said here. I used to play at the park right outside of Kowloon Walled City when I was really young, and I followed other children into the Walled City several times. I remember my family used to tell me there are lots of bad people in there, and I should never set foot in there, but well....kids, right? Anyways, I remember it was really dark in there even it's like noon to early afternoon, the floor is always wet wherever I go, and I did bump into some shady people in there, but they left us alone, so I never truly felt that scary feeling that people try to describe to me about the Walled City. I remember some metal shops, some shops making noodles, and generally alleyways that's damp, hot, and has a smell of trash and chemical? (not sure what they're burning there). It's indeed very easy to get disoriented in there, with all the junk, garbage, wires, and pipes, everywhere soon look the same. I was lucky to be able to get out of there with my friends leading the way, and I quickly familiarized myself to the exit to Carpenter Road before I went too deep. A side note, I believe I'm much younger than Mr. Ng, and I eventually became a game designer myself. It's not that I haven't tried to propose or rebuild Kowloon Walled City in a game, but Hong Kong is not a city that is known to raising funds for game development, and it's especially difficult to get any investment if you tell the people you're trying to make a serious game and not just a quick cash grab that follows the latest tech hype. There are many stories to be told, memories to be shared for sure, but people who carry those are fading into history. How many decades remains till everyone who once lived in that walled city pass away? Time is indeed running out, and it's sad to see a Walled City game is never realized.

[@krisstopher8259]

I've been a KWC fan since 2006-07 or something. I used to collect images for years from google. Back then it was pretty hard to find good quality pics in big resolution but i found many after much work. The same thing with youtube vids. There are probably 100 times more now. There's a big book about the city with many great photos. The place was featured in bloodsport (van damme) a scene when they walk thru the city to a temple, and a jackie chan movie (police story i think). A few years ago i used to play a fantasy horror VR game called "here they lie". It's mostly in black and white and very creepy and becomes very abstract. The first level looks much more like KWC than in this game (a great game tho). It's a shame that KWC doesn't exist anymore. Now i feel the same thing about the nakagin capsule tower in tokyo and also the WTC twin towers

[@theforcewithin369]

The game where kowloon is best represented is shenmue 2 I'm sure, on that game you start in Hong Kong and then go to explore kowloon

[@torontocharlz]

lol his chinese name sounds funny. It almost sounds like his name is Not Willing to Help in cantonese.

[@DoodlesRCool-kf1ok]

I’m currently in Hong Kong, and I was really fascinated by this strange city. I can speak Cantonese. I’m just on vacation though.

[@striker_1120]

佢把聲好好聽😂

[@fireaza]

Oh fuck, this is EXACTLY the video I didn't know I wanted!

[@def_not_dan]

I remember when I was at school in the early 90s with some kids from Hong Kong who'd say that you could see the people waving as the plane landed.

[@SynnJynn]

Lol, I was just watching a video on the Walled City and thought this would make a cool video game and this pops up...

[@Paul20661]

awesome

[@kevinmorrice]

i never realised it was inspired by the walled city, i always assumed it was more like a version of the favellas in rio

[@nutherefurlong]

Even a VR or other 3D simulation of some of the spaces would be amazing. Would have to include the human element somehow, though, I think empty hallways wouldn't fit what so many seem to say about living there

[@Kentanimationnnnnnnnn]

i gotta say, stray for a first video game ever might be a pretty good pick for a total newbie

[@TrynePlague]

Play Shenmue II. It literally takes place in Kowloon in its second part.

[@X-Rounder]

Jackie Chun Dan van Damme are considered living eyewitness too

[@mescellaneous]

air conditioners might not even work because the heat gets trapped in

[@thegoodnessness]

Id be interested in an exploration game. A character that gets their own apartment in the city and has to look for a job. Make friends by doing fetch quests and things like that.

[@vinc8342]

SHENMUE2 IS SET IN 1988 KAWLOON

[@X-Rounder]

Bujingai PS2 and COD BLack Ops

[@ckmv2858]

How do you get Stray to actually look like this? I have a good GPU, and it looks like a blurry, screen tearing mess.

[@Biscotum]

I think I have a pretty good idea why Stray isn't very accurate to the Walled City, despite being inspired by it: they toned it down because an accurate depiction would be too tight, cluttered and unbelievable. Which actually happens a lot in media, where the source material would be considered ridiculous or nonsensical by a mainstream audience. There's also the simple realities of game design - they couldn't make it as tight as the real Walled City because sightlines and intuitive navigation are so important in video games, and having an overly claustrophobic environment makes it actively unpleasant to play.

[@Cabrito11]

"the pile of rubbish looks familiar"

[@PixelBard]

Bro has the most soothing cantonese voice I have ever heard. That is quite an achievement if you know how typical hong kongers speak. 😂

[@s.c.7776]

now do reactions to detention and devotion!

[@peterfabell154]

I feel like the walled city was just a really big siheyuan that became a commercial district in itself

[@20PINKluvr]

I love how the word "cat" in chinese is "mao"

[@FaithTheSlayer]

SPOLER: It made em Hoooongry!

[@ewawisniewska5095]

I never play game from animal eye perspective it should be intresting iff someday especially crows

[@ewawisniewska5095]

So maybe cats crows relationship

[@Nightspyz1]

this game with a VR mod is pure gold

[@monkeymode232]

How on gods earth would that work?

[@BKDDY]

Bring back Kowloon

[@keithcheng3162]

I also from Hong Kong

[@betabot.]

oh sh1t .. I have been to Kowloon Walled City before it was taken down .... I was around 5 years old the last time I went there... btw I didnt know that game is use that location

[@mikecapson1845]

One thing just stood me the most. YT auto translate is 1:1 to your made subtitles.. All we need now is smart glasses. The new era of Globalisation, anyone can understand anybody.

[@Flamme-Sanabi]

I wonder if that game is being made.

[@saltysugar3955]

Check the game Shadowrun: Hong Kong

[@zZiL341yRj736]

Now react to that level in Resident Evil 6 which is also similar to Kowloon. There's also COD, Shenmue.

[@X-Rounder]

Bujingai PS2

[@octoputt]

And react for Kowloon Gates(PSX)

[@piratatwongsawasdi170]

chapter 2 dead city could be more similar to the walled city

[@purrgat6ry]

yeah, Shenmue 2 maybe?

[@Del-Canada]

Surprised they didn't play the game on Xbox or PS5.

[@corvuscoraxxx]

Why the asians are always so inteligent also when they came from places like Kowloon they look really nice and inteligent people

[@theBallisticMystic]

Games are the future of education

[@alteredgenos]

Should have played Shenmue 2 as well

[@X-Rounder]

Bujingai and COD Black Ops

[@Indi]

So "former resident" is the exact same in Chinese? 😭 My shock when he said that lol

[@li_tsz_fung]

Hong Kong is a former British colony. Even today, English is the "official language". We send English email when it's business related. Most subjects are taught in English in universities. So even if there're Chinese words for most things, we think of the English word first a lot of the time. Even if we're not fluent in conversational English

[@vanad1umbro]

Kowloon Walled Kitty

[@davidfitcher2953]

Bro’s last name is Ng

[@jasonreviews]

we cantonese people have a game. Its sleeping dogs. yeah i know it's bad but at least it's represantation.

[@heyjeySigma]

Aaah yes, i remember playing sleeping dogs in 2013.. it was quite a fun game. Not too big but i liked the combat

[@defblo2000]

We need more oral history from the people who lived there. To counteract the fetishizing of this community.

[@viniciusbernardes8613]

best game of 2022

[@rairenshimozuma4980]

Was he a cat though?

[@juliankhor166]

think this development costs less than Zuckerberg's Metaverse right?

[@keithcheng3162]

0:41 MAN why this game was copy Hong Kong area?

[@helping_others]

Hmm do you want to grow in our group?

[@mathiaslist6705]

Aren't cats eaten in Southern China?