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Tag: Ludo

  • Competitive casual games: a serious success story in India

    Competitive casual games: a serious success story in India

    MUMBAI: Investor interest in the Indian gaming market is undergoing a blip this year compared to the year before. At $23.4 million, it is significantly lower than the ₹110 million raised in 2023. Surprisingly, casual games seem to be immune to this temporary lack of interest. Investment in casual gaming more than tripled between January and September of 2023 and 2024, from $4.6 million to $15.9 million.

    The popularity of casual competitive games is increasing in India and is expected to remain so for some time. This explains why investments in casual games continue to rise even during an unusually lean period. On one hand, we have real money games like rummy, which in India has a large population with a strong interest in and knowledge of rummy game rules. Casual games, on the other hand, have a hypnotic charm with simple mechanics that you can enjoy in short bursts between your breaks.

    Keeping it Casual

    A little bit of competition has always been a key motivation for gamers. The intensity of competition may be greater in the case of hardcore gamers, but there is a silent majority who enjoy some amount of competition to go with the entertainment that games bring. This silent majority is driving the popularity of casual competitive games in India.

    The Lumikai X Google’s Interactive Media and Gaming Research 2024 has further reiterated this observation. The research estimates that casual and hyper-casual gaming will continue to grow at a CAGR of 23% in India for the next five years. It is also worth considering the percentage of female gamers is increasing rapidly in India to reach 44% this year. As a demographic, women are among the strongest patrons of casual games.

    The average hours spent every week on casual gaming has increased from 3 hours in the financial year 2023 to 3.6 hours in 2024. Casual games continue to be the most popular genre of gaming across India, followed by mid-core games and real money games. Also keeping the genre lucrative for investors is the fact that the in-app purchases in this genre have registered a 10% annual growth this year.

    Engaging in Friendly Fires

    While gunshots exchanged across international borders are sometimes diplomatically described as ‘friendly fires’, a competitive casual game is undoubtedly the better example of the term. The funds involved in poker and rummy games make the competition much more serious. There is a strong need to understand poker and rummy game rules too. The popularity of these card games accounts for the phenomenal popularity of platforms like RummyTime. However, competitive casual games are truly casual.

    Take the popular Coin Master game, for instance. The aim here is to build the strongest Viking village, win loot, earn rewards and trade your treasures with your fellow Viking friends. PUBG and its successor, BGMI, have been popular favourites among Indian gamers for years. These games have been offering a casual mode with around 10 players, some of whom can be practice bots as well. Once the gamers hone their skills, they can graduate to the multiplayer battle royale format in this player-versus-player shooter game.

    There is a competitive spirit in the casual games built around the popular board game Ludo as well. Popular ludo platforms organise mega prize money tournaments where gamers can test their ludo skills and sharpness. It is also a popular pastime among friends who can now play it on smartphones instead of looking around for the physical board game and the dice.

    Ludo’s Popularity: The Casual Competitive Case Study

    Ludo has been a popular pastime for adults and children in India for decades if not centuries. Online ludo offers an opportunity for friends to socialise. As against the board game format where two to four players can play, online ludo can accommodate six players.

    The gameplay is much quicker, with the quick-mode match running for roughly five minutes only. In the physical format, this can extend to anywhere between 30 to 90 minutes. The simple mechanics and sleek UI ensures that gamers can pick and play at any time between their breaks.

    Popular ludo platforms have not relied on ad incomes alone for profitability. They are offering in-app purchase options that include premium features like peer-to-peer chats, voice notes and audio modes.

    Over the years, ludo has spread across different gaming communities. Ludo King, for instance, has 20% downloads outside India. International favourite, Yalla Ludo leads the revenue race with more than $1 million in the first nine months of this calendar year.

    A Dominant Presence

    Competitive casual games are a dominant presence in the gaming landscape. In a regional research conducted in India, casual games topped the popularity across the country. The game is the top genre in the East India zone among paying gamers as well. Competitive and non-competitive casual games like Candy Crush, Ludo and Coin Master are unanimous national favourites. It is a pattern that seems set to continue.

  • 5 Best Games to Play on iOS and Android in 2024

    5 Best Games to Play on iOS and Android in 2024

    The gaming industry continues to evolve each year, and 2024 is shaping up to be exciting for mobile gaming. With thousands of games available on iOS and Android, finding the best ones to play can be difficult. Whether you’re looking for casual fun, strategic challenges, or competitive gameplay, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we’ll highlight games that are easy to understand and offer a great experience for all types of players.

    1. Block Blast

    For fans of puzzle games, Block Blast is one of the best options to play on iOS and Android in 2024. This simple yet addictive game challenges you to clear blocks from the screen by strategically placing them in rows and columns.

    Block Blast is the perfect game for those who enjoy casual puzzle games that require a mix of strategy and quick thinking. It’s easy to pick up and play anytime, making it ideal for short breaks or longer gaming sessions.

    Top Features of Block Blast

    ●    Easy to Play, Hard to Master: The game’s mechanics are simple – you drag and drop blocks onto the grid to clear lines. But as the game progresses, it becomes more challenging to find the right    
    placement.

    ●    Multiple Game Modes: Enjoy different modes, such as classic, timed, and adventure, which add variety and keep the gameplay fresh.   
    ●    Daily Challenges: Complete daily tasks for rewards and bonuses.

    2. Junglee Ludo

    Ludo has been a beloved board game for generations, and now, with Junglee Ludo, you can play it on your iOS and Android mobile devices. This game brings the classic Ludo experience to your fingertips with an exciting twist – you can win real money!

    In Junglee Ludo, players compete by rolling dice and moving their tokens around the board. The objective is to move all your tokens to the center of the board before your opponents do. The game combines strategy, luck, and competitive gameplay, making it suitable for players of all ages.

    Why Play Junglee Ludo

    ●    Real-money games: Compete in cash Ludo games and win real money.   
    ●    Multiplayer fun: Play with friends and family or join online matches with other players.   
    ●    Different variants: Enjoy the traditional Ludo rules with a modern interface and a few of the newest versions.

    3. 2048 – Number Puzzle Game

    2048 is a number puzzle game that’s simple but surprisingly addictive. Available on iOS and Android, it challenges you to combine tiles with the same number to create a tile worth 2048 points.

    The appeal of 2048 lies in its simplicity, yet it requires logical thinking and strategic planning to achieve the elusive 2048 tile. It’s perfect for casual gamers who want a quick, fun challenge without committing much time.

    Key Features of 2048

    ●    Simple Gameplay: Swipe tiles across the board to combine numbers. When two tiles with the same number touch, they merge into one.   
    ●    Challenging but Rewarding: As the board fills up, it becomes harder to make moves, creating an intense yet rewarding challenge.   
    ●    Minimalist Design: The clean interface and smooth animations create a distraction-free gaming experience.

    4. Howzat Fantasy App

    Fantasy sports have taken India and the world by storm. Howzat is one of the leading platforms for fantasy cricket and other sports. If you love cricket and want to showcase your knowledge and skills, Howzat is easy to navigate, even for beginners and is a must-have game on your iOS or Android device.

    In Howzat, you can create your fantasy cricket team, select players from real-world matches, and compete against other users. The goal is to earn points based on the real-life performance of the players you choose. The better your chosen players perform, the more points you earn, and the higher you climb the leaderboard and win real prizes.

    Features of Howzat

    ●    Real-time competitions: Participate in real-time fantasy cricket matches.   
    ●    Multiple sports: Apart from cricket, you can also play fantasy football, kabaddi, and more.   
    ●    Win real cash prizes: Howzat allows you to compete for cash prizes, making the game even more thrilling.

    5. Garena Free Fire – Action Game

    Garena Free Fire remains a top choice for battle royale fans in 2024, offering fast-paced gameplay and quick matches that are perfect for mobile gamers on the go. It’s available for iOS and Android, and its 10-minute matches make it ideal for quick gaming sessions.

    This game’s quick matches and dynamic gameplay have made it a hit among mobile gamers. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned veteran, Garena Free Fire offers endless action and fun.

    Why You Should Garena Free Fire

    ●    Fast-Paced Matches: Unlike longer battle royale games, Free Fire offers shorter, more intense matches.   
    ●    Character Customization: Players can choose from a wide variety of characters, each with unique abilities that offer a competitive edge.   
    ●    Multiple Game Modes: Whether you’re playing solo, duo, or in a squad, Garena Free Fire provides exciting gameplay with constant updates.

    Conclusion

    The mobile gaming landscape in 2024 is diverse, with games catering to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re into strategy games, fantasy sports, action-packed shooters, or casual fun, there’s something for everyone on iOS and Android. No matter what type of game you enjoy, these five games will provide endless hours of entertainment in 2024. Download them today and start playing!  

    Disclaimer: This article does not have journalistic/ editorial involvement of indiantelevision.com. indiantelevision.com group or its websites does not endorse/ subscribe to the contents of the article/advertisement and/or views expressed herein.

    The reader is further advised that Online Casino, Betting, Online Gaming , Crypto products, Financial Investments/Engagement , NFTs, Products associated with health, wellness, and food are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions or risk associated with health conditions.

    Indiantelevision.com group shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the views, opinions, announcements, declarations, affirmations etc., stated/featured in the same. The decision to read hereinafter is purely a matter of choice and shall be construed as an express undertaking/guarantee in favour of indiantelevision.com (indiantelevision.com group) of being absolved from any/ all potential legal action, or enforceable claims. The content may be for information and awareness purposes and does not constitute financial advice.  
     

  • GUEST COLUMN: Online gaming is India’s fastest growing digital entertainment

    GUEST COLUMN: Online gaming is India’s fastest growing digital entertainment

    Mumbai: Entertainment has become democratised and accessible as a necessity for all walks of life in India. In today’s ‘Digital India,’ the average Indian has found solace in some form of online gaming at some point in time during the day. There are various types of gamers, ranging from hyper-casual to strategic games to real-money gaming. The surge in the online gaming ecosystem in India has validated that Indians have definitely selected online gaming as a medium of entertainment. The common motivation to entertain across OTT and gaming remains constant across all media, old and new: it is a temporary escape from reality.

    The pandemic saw an unprecedented increase in gaming activity, especially on old favourites like ludo, carrom or any other classic board game on their mobile to enjoy playing with friends and family. The soon-to-be multi-billion dollar online gaming industry has a lot to offer in terms of the diversity of products, services, technological developments, job opportunities, and more.

    Although it still faces perspective biases in India from key sections of society on issues ranging from addiction to taboo, the behavioural shift of the consumer is here to stay. There are valid concerns surrounding the stigma of gaming being harmful or dangerous owing to investments of time or money, depending on the segment of the users, and the ecosystem will need to work with key government stakeholders to address that.

    Needless to say, anything in excess has adverse effects, be it binge eating, shopping or gaming. This brings in the need for higher levels of self-control from a user, which can happen if more power is shifted to the user’s hands. Spain has recently mooted the idea of making it mandatory for all real-money gaming businesses to ensure that players select options on time and money limits at the beginning of every week so that they stick to their limits. Since it is hard to unilaterally shift power back to the players owing to a conflict of business interests, there is a need for regulations and policies to force operators to do so.

    These issues don’t necessarily stem only from real money gaming, as there have been numerous reported unfortunate incidents of young children and families being impacted by other forms of online gaming, such as first person shooter games. India will need to come up with some kind of framework to address various segments of the gaming ecosystem to ensure that these businesses remain a mode of entertainment and not an unaccounted escape from reality. Having said that, there are some self-regulatory bodies that are proactively trying to keep operators in check by adhering to certain standards of integrity, transparency, and responsible play for users. While these are the right steps in the right direction, there needs to be more to follow.

    With significant financial integration in online gaming, cyber fraud, foreign capital flow, the nature of advertisements, etc., have been major pain points to solve. Industry players have been on their toes and have put these issues much ahead of anyone on their radar. Like every growing industry, there is a need for incubation and support rather than rejection. In terms of annual mobile game app downloads, India leads the global charts behind China. The sector is a significant contributor to the economy and is set to create more than 12,000 new job opportunities by 2023. While the industry is mature and has put self-regulatory measures in place, it is important to build and develop a robust framework in collaboration with the government, not only to sustain, boost, and track growth but also to check irregularities and unfair practices that are detrimental to the Indian gamer.

    The author of this article is Head Digital Works vice president – business strategy Siddharth Sharma.

  • PlayerzPot ropes in actress Rashmika Mandanna as brand ambassador

    PlayerzPot ropes in actress Rashmika Mandanna as brand ambassador

    Mumbai: The fantasy sports and casual games platform PlayerzPot has just turned seven! Celebrating the milestone, the brand has announced actress Rashmika Mandanna as the brand ambassador.

    PlayerzPot has engaged gamers across demographics in India with over 15+ games such as Ludo, Carrom, Snakes & Ladders, Fruit Slice, Sheep Fight, Poker, and Call Break. Taking it from the top will be Rashmika, an online gamer herself, who will be the face of the campaign by PlayerzPot across traditional and social media platforms. “The Pushpa: The Rise” actor will also boost PlayerzPot’s position by promoting their expanding catalogue of games.

    PlayerzPot CEO Sunil Yadav said, “PlayerzPot has grown from strength to strength in these seven years, while entertaining gamers across the country. Day in and out, we gain new insights to serve gamers better, and our 7th anniversary is perfect for announcing none other than the ravishing Rashmika Mandanna as a brand ambassador. We are sure that Rashmika will take PlayerzPot to new heights with her energetic and lively persona. Skill-based gaming is attracting a large number of Indian gamers online. Rashmika’s presence will boost that interest and help PlayerzPot reach niche markets across India.”

    Mandanna said, “I can go on and on about how excited my family members used to be, just about a game of Snakes and Ladders! The love for such games stands the test of time, and PlayerzPot has redefined that love by recreating the board game fever for active mobile players today. One can log in and compete with other gamers anytime, anywhere, in scores of exciting casual games. I’m excited to be part of PlayerzPot’s mission of becoming a one-stop gaming destination for all.”

    Through this engagement, PlayerzPot is expecting more enthusiasm among users to login and enjoy casual games with friends and family online. The platform said that with its games it offers excitement, fun, and complete security of users’ data, thus effectively tackling cyber fraud when everything has moved to digital.

  • Q releases a dark and scary trailer for his film ‘Ludo’

    Q releases a dark and scary trailer for his film ‘Ludo’

    MUMBAI: While it isn’t surprising coming from the director of the infamous film Gandu, Q, but his upcoming film in collaboration with Nikon, Luda has sent chills down the spines of those who saw the trailer.

     

    This much anticipated fantasy thriller, produced by Idyabooster and Starfire Movies is co-produced by Oddjoint and Celine Loop’s production house.

     

    The plot follows four desperate teenagers who decide to spend one fateful night in the big city. Horny and broke, the teenagers take shelter inside a gigantic shopping mall, after attempts to get a hotel room fail. At the mall all plans go haywire, as an old couple appears from nowhere inviting them to play a game — the simple but deadly of Ludo.

    If you think it will rolls out like the tried and tested formula of thriller movies in mainstream cinema, trust the Tasherdesh maker to shock you.  Teenagers looking for sex with the whole thing devolving into a bloodbath is a formula familiar from scores of American horror films but what Q and Nikon are doing here is something very different. This film is poised to reshape the thriller-horror genre in India, while presenting a global product for the international markets.

    The trailer is very edgy and intriguing and we simply can’t wait to know more about the film.

  • Reel Suspects of France to release Q’s latest film

    Reel Suspects of France to release Q’s latest film

    NEW DELHI: Ludo, the latest Indian fantasy thriller film directed by Q and Nikon – who have often got noticed for the bold content of their films – will be released internationally by international sales agent and distribution company Reel Suspects.

     

    The film is in the final phase of its post-production but featured in the Paris-based Reel Suspects catalogue at the Cannes Film Festival this year.

     

    Ludo tells the story of four desperate teenagers who decide to live one fateful night in the big city but are soon horny and broke. After all their attempts to get a hotel room fail they hide inside a gigantic shopping mall. Inside the mall, all their plans go haywire, as an old couple appears from nowhere and invites them to play a simple but deadly game called Ludo, and then a night of terror begins.

     

    It has been produced by Idyabooster and Starfire Movies and is also co-produced by Q’s production house, OddJoint. Director duo Q and Nikon are confident they will bring new cinema experience to the viewers through the film as it will reshape the thriller and horror genre in India presenting a product that is truly global and targets international markets as well.

     

    Q said, “I am very excited that Reel Suspects have picked up our movie as with their expertise and deep network of selling films across varied genres, we are really excited about being represented across a wide spectrum of buyers and markets internationally.”

     

    Reel Suspects CEO Matteo Lovadina added, “I am really happy to work on this project, and have been involved with the film from the time it was at the idea stage. It is a rare feature film with a powerful cinematic experience and we have not come across many horror productions from India, certainly none with the solid aesthetics that Ludo has woven in its narrative and presentation by mixing tradition and avant-garde, Nikon and Q have delivered a fabulous product. We are confident that the will find its place in the international circuit and we are currently working to find the perfect international premiere for the film and the results will be known soon.”

     

  • ‘Kajarya’ makes it to Montreal World Film Festival

    ‘Kajarya’ makes it to Montreal World Film Festival

    MUMBAI: Independent film ‘Kajarya’, has been selected for the prestigious Montreal Film Festival 2014.

     

    Directed by Madhureeta Anand, the film will be showcased in the ‘Focus on World Cinema’ section at the Montreal World Film Festival 2014, 21 August – 1 September.

     

    An assured second feature from the director, the film is an original voice about female foeticide in India. It is a story of a rookie journalist in Delhi who exposes a woman, believed to embody Goddess Kali, who ritually kills female newborns in a village nearby. The story questions notions of women’s emancipation and feminism as it weaves through an interplay of drama and events and explores how India continues to live in many centuries at the same time.

     

    ‘Kajarya’ stars Meenu Hooda, Ridhima Sud and Kuldeep Ruhil. The film had its world premiere at the Dubai International Film Festival. It has found critical appreciation internationally since and has been selected by the Forbes India magazine as the #1 in the Top 5 Films to See in 2014.

     

    The movie is produced by Starfire Movies and co-produced by Ekaa Films and Overdose Joint.

     

    Starfire’s next co-production is ‘Ludo’, with Idyabooster and Overdose Joint.  ‘Ludo’ is a fantasy-thriller horror film by the maverick directors duo Q and Nikon, and is currently in post production.

  • ‘Ludo’ makers trademark the film title, create history

    ‘Ludo’ makers trademark the film title, create history

    MUMBAI: Bengali cinema’s controversial duo, Nikon and Q are ready with their latest film – Ludo. A film entering the unchartered territory of fantasy thrillers, the movie is bound to both – shock and leave audiences awestruck – with its brand new storytelling.

    The makers of the movie have gone ahead and applied for registering the film’s title Ludo as a trademark, as an entertainment idea after sensing its strong potential of building a franchise around the movie/concept.

    Idyabooster co-producer Nandini Mansinghka says, “To acquire/own a film title, one needs to register it with a film association, in this case we have done with EIMPA (Eastern Indian Motion Pictures Association). But that’s not enough in case of a dispute. If one trademarks the title, which is registering it with the government, it protects our interest and refrain others in the country from using it (in that category) as a film name.”

    The film features the sensuous Rii Sen, Joyraj, Subholina, Ronodeep, Ananya and Soumendra. Q and Nikon are already looking forward to a sequel, especially after the strong buzz the film has created at Cannes Festival this year.

  • Ludo directors announce the Rock Band Hunt winners

    Ludo directors announce the Rock Band Hunt winners

    MUMBAI: The Ludo Rock Band Hunt has finally come to an end with the director team of Q, Nikon and music director Neel Adhikari declaring ‘Delete’ as the winner of the hunt. Ludo is the latest film by the director duo Q and Nikon, who made the critically acclaimed and controversial film Gandu.

    The Rock Band Hunt was a unique contest that the Ludo team launched to attract the best musical talent in Bengal and give these upcoming groups an opportunity to showcase their music through the film. It saw 76 bands participate, of which 10 bands, based on maximum popularity on various (social) platforms, got an opportunity to move to the second phase of the hunt. Five other directors’ choice bands made it 15 teams to audition for the look test.

    ‘Delete’ vocalist Biswarup Roy said, “Extremely thankful to the entire Ludo team for making us a part of this competition. It means a lot to us and we feel great. We are also thankful to everyone who voted for us in the initial rounds and helped us on our way to the top 15.”

    Ludo’s music director Neel Adhikari said, “We were amazed with the passion and talent that all the bands brought into the competition. Finalising ‘Delete’ was an extremely tough challenge as several other bands presented great music and screen presence.”

     

    ‘Delete’ along with the two runners-up – ‘Danpitey’ and ‘Addiction’, will feature in the fantasy- thriller-horror Ludo, in relevant scenes portraying rock bands in the film.
     

  • Bengali sensation Rii to star in Q and Nikon’s ‘Ludo’

    Bengali sensation Rii to star in Q and Nikon’s ‘Ludo’

    MUMBAI: Acclaimed Bengali actress Rii will be starring in Q and Nikon’s next film ‘Ludo’. She had earlier acted in films like ‘Gandu’, ‘Bishh’ and ‘Love in India’, which were also directed by Q. She also won the best actress award at Osian’s Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema for her movie ‘Cosmic Sex’.

    Rii plays a character yet to be seen on the Indian screens in ‘Ludo’. The film is being made under the banner of Overdose Joint, Q’s production house, a progressive art platform making original films, music and design and is co-produced by Idyabooster and Starfire Movies.

    ‘Ludo’ is the latest by director Q, who made the critically acclaimed and controversial film ‘Gandu’, which was banned from a theatrical release in India but became a cult phenomenon, both in India and across the globe. Q’s films have always found festival and critical appreciation internationally, with BBC calling him the ‘most subversive Indian filmmaker’. His latest film, ‘Tasher Desh’, premiered in Rome, and has been received very well.

     

    Nikon is Q’s collaborator and editor, an alumnus of SRFTI and Emily Carr, Vancouver. He has edited ‘Tasher Desh’, ‘Bishh’ and ‘Love in India’.