Tag: Hitwicket

  • Hitwicket paves way for Indian gaming studios with its first-ever community gathering

    Hitwicket paves way for Indian gaming studios with its first-ever community gathering

    Mumbai: Hitwicket has announced a first-of-its-kind community event on 6 October 2024, in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. Over 100 passionate Hitwicket players will gather for a day packed with thrilling activities. The entire event will be broadcast live on YouTube, allowing Hitwicket fans worldwide to participate virtually. Additionally, a finalist from the previous edition of the YC Tournament will also be present, engaging with attendees from the Hyderabad Hitwicket community.

    On par with the annual gatherings of global gaming studios like Krafton and Epic Games, the event will feature award presentations, recognition ceremonies, interactive fun activities, exclusive goodie giveaways, and a mocktail dinner party.

    This event comes in alignment with prime minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks about the immense scope of India’s online gaming sector, acknowledging its potential to drive innovation and create new career opportunities for the nation’s youth. Hitwicket, as a leading Indian gaming platform, embraces this vision by actively encouraging young talent to participate in both playing and developing games that are proudly made in India.

    The event is expected to create ripples in the Indian gaming ecosystem, illustrating how developers can engage with their user base in meaningful and memorable ways.

    Hitwicket’s co-founders, Kashyap Reddy and Keerti Singh expressed their excitement for the event stating, “We’re beyond excited to host this event and bring our community together in person. Our game has grown rapidly, and events like these give us the chance to celebrate that success. We’re already planning more offline meetups to encourage gaming that helps players not only have fun but develop strategic skills for real-world application.” 

  • Hitwicket appoints Anand Ramachandran as creative director

    Hitwicket appoints Anand Ramachandran as creative director

    Mumbai: Gaming startup Hitwicket has announced the appointment of Anand Ramachandran as its new creative director. Anand, ex-creative director at Disney Byju’s Early Learn app, brings with him over two decades of experience in game development, interactive entertainment and storytelling. His strategic vision and expertise are set to drive Hitwicket’s global engagement and expand its user base.

    Over the past year, Hitwicket has experienced significant growth, exceeding 10 million downloads and targeting a 5X increase within the next two years. With Anand onboard, the company aims to strengthen its position as a global leader in the gaming industry. Anand will play a key role in enhancing the user journey for both current and new players, shaping game design, product roadmap, and ensuring ongoing evolution. He will work closely with the team to improve the overall user experience.

    Anand Ramachandran expressed his enthusiasm about joining Hitwicket, stating, “I am thrilled to become a part of India’s leading cricket gaming franchise. As a kid, I was always creating cricket games—with dice, playing cards, and pen and paper—but my rough designs and prototypes rarely saw the light of day. Now, with Hitwicket, I get the chance to bring those childhood actions to life. My goal is to push the boundaries of what’s possible in cricket gaming, infuse new creative ideas to gameplay, and ensure that every player, whether a seasoned pro or a newcomer, finds something exciting and engaging. I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Hitwicket along with the founders Keerti Singh and Kashyap Reddy, to explore new avenues of creativity, innovation, and user experience, and to make this game a global phenomenon.”

    A gaming industry veteran, Anand Ramachandran has been a driving force behind some of the most popular games on the market that has shaped the landscape of interactive entertainment. With a remarkable career that includes pivotal roles such as creative director for the Disney Byju’s Early Learn app, director of design at Hike Messenger, and lead designer for Zynga’s first India-launched game, Hidden Shadows, Anand has consistently pushed the boundaries of game design. His impressive portfolio boasts contributions to iconic titles like Mafia Wars, Hidden Chronicles, and Yoville, showcasing his knack for creating engaging experiences that resonate with millions of gamers

    Co-founders Kashyap Reddy and Keerti Singh shared their thoughts on Anand’s appointment saying, “We are delighted to welcome Anand to the Hitwicket team. His wealth of experience and creative vision will undoubtedly open new horizons for us in game creativity and design. Having an industry veteran like Anand, who has been instrumental in shaping some of the most engaging and popular games, choose Hitwicket as his next venture gives us the confidence to further solidify our brand’s position in the gaming industry and continue our journey to becoming a global leader in cricket games. We believe Anand’s addition to our team will propel Hitwicket to new heights, enabling us to innovate not just gameplay but also player engagement and community building. Together we are set to explore new creative possibilities and push the boundaries of what a cricket game can achieve.”

    Joining Hitwicket, Anand is set to leverage his extensive experience and creative vision to elevate the gaming experience to new heights. As Hitwicket progresses on its journey, the company remains focused on shaping the future of mobile gaming, aiming to be a leading brand from India with global appeal, competing with top gaming brands. With Anand’s arrival, players can expect exciting developments in the game that will engage current fans and attract new gamers to cricket. His appointment is a significant milestone for Hitwicket, bringing innovations and a promising future in the gaming industry. Anand’s expertise will be vital in enhancing the gaming experience for millions worldwide, ensuring that Hitwicket remains distinctive in a market dominated by international titles. 

  • Hitwicket joins hands with ISB

    Hitwicket joins hands with ISB

    Mumbai – Cricket gaming startup Hitwicket, joins forces with the Indian School of Business (ISB) one of India’s premier business institutes, as a strategic partner for the ISB GameX Accelerator program. This program is designed to nurture talent, fuel innovation and equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge required to thrive in the competitive gaming landscape. Through a tailored curriculum and hands-on mentorship, participants have an opportunity to gain invaluable insights and support to turn their gaming ideas into reality.

    The Market Opportunity

    Traditionally, business schools have mostly focused on established sectors such as consultancy and finance. However, this initiative aims to capitalise on the booming esports industry and reshape the landscape of career options in India. The online gaming industry plays a crucial role in the Digital India vision and initiative. The Prime Minister’s aim to position India as a leading global gaming hub has gained renewed focus following his recent interaction with the country’s top gamers. The online gaming industry in India has seen a rapid expansion of 28% CAGR between FY20 and FY23. Projections indicate further growth to Rs 33,243 crore by FY28, with a sustained 15% CAGR. The gaming and esports sector not only draws considerable foreign and domestic investments but also creates substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities.

    Earlier this year, veteran cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle backed Hitwicket as a strategic investor, further validating the potential of esports in the country. Harsha Bhogle, a familiar voice in cricket for over 40 years, is not just a commentator but also a management guru and an MBA graduate. His decision to join Hitwicket as a strategic investor underscores the significant opportunities within the esports and gaming industry. This partnership between Hitwicket and ISB marks a significant step forward, fostering a thriving esports ecosystem in India.

    Hitwicket co-founders Keerti Singh and Kashyap Reddy expressed their excitement about strategic partnership “The landscape of the Indian gaming industry has undergone a dramatic shift since we started Hitwicket. Back then, resources and support for aspiring game developers were scarce. ISB is pioneering support for the gaming sector, recognising its immense potential and fostering innovation and growth in this dynamic field through this program which will be a game changer. This collaboration with ISB allows us to support the next generation of gaming leaders. We are excited to be part of this journey and look forward to empowering the next generation of gaming leaders and propelling India to the global esports ecosystem.”

    “We’re thrilled to have Hitwicket as our strategic partner for the GameX Accelerator Program. Their deep understanding of the Indian gaming market makes them a valuable partner in nurturing the next generation of esports entrepreneurs. This collaboration will equip up-and-coming gaming leaders and the future of India’s gaming industry with the skills and resources needed to drive innovation, shape industry trends, and contribute to India’s thriving gaming ecosystem,” commented ISB director at I-Venture Saumya Kumar.

    GameX Accelerator is a three-month program designed to be a launchpad for aspiring gaming and esports entrepreneurs, providing participants with specialised business and technological resources, mentorship from seasoned professionals, fundraising guidance, and access to a vibrant gaming community.

  • Gaming’s leading ladies: Trailblazing women at the helm

    Gaming’s leading ladies: Trailblazing women at the helm

    Mumbai: In an industry that is conventionally dominated by male figures, these remarkable women have emerged as trailblazers, shaping the gaming landscape and inspiring countless others. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we turn the spotlight on these visionary leaders who have defied conventions and spearheaded projects that engage audiences worldwide. From breaking barriers to setting benchmarks, these women have not only made their mark in the gaming industry but have also paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse future.

    . Hitwicket co-founder Keerti Singh

    Keerti Singh, as the co-founder of Hitwicket, has played a pivotal role in steering the gaming company to new heights. Her strategic vision and leadership have contributed to the success of Hitwicket, making it the best-rated mobile cricket game in the country.

    . 99Games VP Shilpa Bhat

    Shilpa Bhat, as the VP of 99Games, has been a driving force in the Indian gaming sector. Her leadership has propelled Evo Games to prominence, showcasing India’s capabilities in the global gaming industry.

    . Apar Games co-founder Laxmi Khanolkar

    Laxmi Khanolkar, in her role as the co-founder of Apar Games, has been instrumental in the company’s growth. Under her wise and steady leadership, Apar Games has not only achieved success but has also showcased India’s prowess in game development, handling projects for various companies.

    . SuperGaming co-founder Christelle D’Cruz

    Christelle D’Cruz has played a crucial role in shaping the gaming landscape. Through her hard work, she built a game development company that has successfully created over a hundred games, positioning SuperGaming as one of the best gaming studios in the country.

    . Teenage game developer Anushka Naiknaware

    Anushka Naiknaware, a teenage prodigy, has made waves in the Indian gaming landscape. Recognized as the youngest developer at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, her achievements highlight the emerging talent in India’s gaming industry.