The game was added to Steam in March 2013 but later removed when Hofmeier released the full source code for free.

[1] In Cart Life the player controls one of three street vendors, and attempts to run their shop while looking after their health, interests, and families.

[7] Of the game's pixel art design, Hofmeier said that he did not choose it to be nostalgic but rather because he wanted players to fill in the extra details with their own thoughts and experiences, saying that it took more time and effort than other possible styles.

[7][9] During development Hofmeier spoke to a number of street vendors to research their work who were enthusiastic about the creation of the game.

[6] During development Richard Hofmeier experimented with many elements which were eventually removed, including a fourth character and a number of extra stores and locations.

[11] Hofmeier's webpage later went offline due to the increased traffic but the game and source code was mirrored on GitHub.

Carolyn Petit of GameSpot described the characters as "wonderfully expressive", particularly because of the attention to small details like eyebrow movements, and having to make tough decisions.

[4] In PC Gamer UK's review Alex Wiltshire said the game portrayed "a convincing, empathetic set of portraits.