India has been one of the largest markets for Sony since the brand first launched in the country. Since then it has had one of the largest market share within the region in relation to electronics. In the domain of video games, the trend is quite similar with each of the PlayStation consoles being some of the most popular in the country. Last year in May Sony had the launch of the India Hero Project, an initiative to help budding independent game developers in India.
The India Hero Project provides developers with financial support and tools to help them bring their titles to market. In this article let’s take a look at the first 5 games announced in this initiative as well as other details on this project.
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PlayStation India Hero Project Includes 5 Very Exciting Projects
The India Hero Project provides developers with financial support (at least $100,000) and marketing resources to help them bring their games to the market, as well as access to development kits and technical support, as well as other promotional opportunities.
Developers in India can also benefit from the internal resources and expertise of PlayStation Studios. The India Hero Project has been open to developers producing games for the PlayStation 5, PSVR 2, and PC platforms. PlayStation has stated that mobile games will be considered 'on a case-by-case' basis. Radhika Thakur, corporate strategy and development at Sony Interactive Entertainment had this to say when asked about the PlayStation India Hero Project”
India has been an important development market for the global gaming and entertainment industry for decades now, its standing as a hub of innovation and talent for the global industry is not new. The explosive growth in domestic demand for compelling gaming experiences has been clear to see.
It has also been fascinating that as domestic gaming demand has grown, local game development talent has also evolved to address this opportunity, with clear ambitions to reach global gaming audiences. As such, we believe that Indian game development is also at an inflection point, and it is the right time for PlayStation to extend our continued commitment to the market with direct support to its game development community.
Below is a list of all the games that have been announced in the Playstation India Hero Project:
- Meteora: The Race Against Space Time
- Fishbowl
- Mukti
- Requital: Gates of Blood
- Suri: The Seventh Note
Meteora: The Race Against Space Time
Developer: Big Boot Games
Meteora is an arcade game that looks a lot like Thumper in space. It puts you in the boots of a meteorite allowing players to control a meteorite. The game has been tested by users with a demo, according to the Steam page. Below is a description of the game from the Sony Playstation Blog:
“Shoot yourself into the nebula and join a race for survival. In this arcade combat racer, you’re not just a meteor but a force of nature. Cascade your way through a volatile universe of awe and wonder as you outmaneuver, pursue, and obliterate rival meteors in a dazzling display of strategy and skill.Harness the power of the cosmos, level up your abilities, and climb the leaderboard in an experience that’s as thrilling as it is unforgiving.
Fish Bowl
Developer: imissmyfriends
The world of Fishbowl is filled with pixel art and Lofi's original soundtrack. It's a story of nostalgia and melancholia, of grief, of connection, and of self-discovery. Fishbowl is set in the vibrant city of Mumbai, India. It's a multi-generational story that follows Alo's journey as she starts her new job in her first city, even though she works from home. Below is a description of the game from the Sony Playstation Blog:
“Your decisions throughout the game will shape Alo’s journey, leading to moments of reliving the past and coming to terms with the present through a month of challenges and discoveries with Alo. Prepare for Fishbowl’s robust storytelling and immersive gameplay, coming soon to PlayStation 5 and PC.”
Mukti
Developer: Underdogs Studio
Mukti is an immersive first-person narrative exploration game set in an Indian museum that delves deep into the world of human trafficking. As you explore the maze-like halls of the museum, you’ll uncover the heartbreaking truths and untold stories behind the world’s most pressing social problem: human trafficking.
Mukti’s rich storytelling and engaging gameplay allow you to explore the real-life experiences of victims and survivors of this global scourge. Below is a description of the game from the Sony Playstation Blog:
“Drawing inspiration from authentic narratives and meticulously researched historical contexts, Mukti aims to raise awareness, provoke thought, and inspire action. Each interaction within the game is designed to provoke empathy, spark dialogue, and ignite change.
Launching on PlayStation 5 and PC, Mukti offers an impactful gaming experience that enlightens and empowers.”
Requital: Gates of Blood
Developer: Holy Cow Productions
Gates of Blood is an action-packed 2D platform game based on Egyptian mythology that takes place in the mysterious depths of the Duat underworld. You play as Zahrah, a character who must traverse the underworld to defeat the powerful guardians of the Duat Gates. Throughout the game, you will face a variety of demons, gods, and monsters in a series of boss-rush encounters. Below is a description of the game from the Sony Playstation Blog:
Embark on your journey of retribution from the celestial Nile, delving into the dark and twisted realms of the Duat. Engage in the immersive interactions with entirely hand-drawn characters and environments as you unravel the lore that permeates this enigmatic underworld.
Suri: The Seventh Note
Developer: Tathvamasi
SURI: THE 7TH NOTE is a two-dimensional action-adventure game that takes place in the magical land of India. The world is full of magical stories inspired by Indian mythology, colorful characters, and exotic places. From the floating temples of the Himalayas to the lost fortresses of Rajasthan, to the ancient jungles of the western ghats, there is something for everyone. The game combines platforming with a unique musical element as the game's world moves to a mysterious rhythm. Below is a description of the game from the Sony Playstation Blog:
"Uncover the connection between rhythm and the mystical realm of Ragamandala as you traverse its landscapes and unravel its secrets. This journey promises to transport players to a realm where every step is accompanied by the pulsating heartbeat of the game’s universe."