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Tag: Roby John

  • SuperGaming announces official launch date for Indus Battle Royale

    SuperGaming announces official launch date for Indus Battle Royale

    Mumbai: SuperGaming, a game development studio, has officially announced the launch date of its highly anticipated Made-in-India-for-the-world battle royale, Indus. Set to release on October 16th, Indus will be available for download on both Android and iOS platforms, via the Google Play Store and iOS App Store respectively offering players an exciting new battle royale experience.

    After recently entering open beta, mass testing amongst players across the world coupled with their invaluable feedback has been instrumental in shaping the game’s development.  The immensely successful beta phase attracted players into the action-packed world of Indus, building significant momentum ahead of its release. With over 12.5 million pre-registrations on Android alone, Indus is ready to deliver a fresh, thrilling & immersive battle royale experience, setting the stage for one of the biggest game launches out of India this year.

    Speaking on the announcement of the much-anticipated launch, SuperGaming co-founder and CEO Roby John said, “With the launch of Indus, we’re not just introducing a game—we’re presenting a unique take on the battle royale genre to the world. Our vision with Indus has always been to showcase Indian Art and Culture through unique characters, weapons and stories rooted in Indian heritage while also bringing our dual win condition with Cosmium and a never done before “Grudge”  feature to a popular game genre. The overwhelming support from our community during the beta phase has helped us fine-tune key aspects of Indus, and we’re excited for the world to experience Indus and see what the SuperGaming team has built”

    Alongside the release date announcement, SuperGaming has also unveiled an epic cinematic trailer. It offers an exciting look where players engage in high-stakes combat across a vast and dynamic battleground.

    Centred around Adi, the trailer highlights his journey within the world of Virlok. As the leader of his squad, Adi enters Virlok with two goals: to collect the rare resource Cosmium and to settle a personal score with his nemesis, Pokhran. Viewers can witness Adi’s evolution—starting from a novice, training and sharpening his skills, and culminating in an epic showdown where he finally takes down Pokhran, settling his grudge.

    Indus brings a fresh twist to the battle royale genre with its dual victory condition. Players can win by either being the last person standing or by strategically collecting Cosmium which spawns in the last circle of Nirvana, adding a new layer of complexity and depth to traditional gameplay.

    The trailer also offers a sneak peek into the dynamics of the Cosmium collection and Grudge, a unique in-game feature that allows players to settle scores with their opponents. Additionally, the Grudge system allows players to track down and face off against the opponents who defeated them.

  • PM Modi urges India’s gaming talent to shift from consumer to producer economy

    PM Modi urges India’s gaming talent to shift from consumer to producer economy

    Mumbai: In a landmark moment for the Indian gaming and esports industry, prime minister Narendra Modi highlighted the potential of India’s gaming sector during his Independence Day address at Red Fort.

    By speaking about the emergence of gaming as a significant market, he noted that the industry is still heavily influenced by foreign producers and revenue sources.

    A recently released report by Sandsoft reveals that 81 per cent of experienced mobile game developers are currently working on at least one new title. The report, based on research conducted among game developers in the United States, France, and Spain, states that 83 per cent have raised capital to develop or market these games. This surge in activity indicates that global gaming developers are ready to take the next leap forward.

    For India to make a substantial impact on the global market, it needs to transition from being a consumer to becoming a leading producer. The Prime Minister also emphasised that India, with its rich heritage, has the potential to bring its talent into the gaming world. He expressed his desire for India’s gaming products and animators to establish a strong international presence and called for collective efforts to achieve this vision.

    One game that is poised to assert India’s dominance on the global stage is Indus Battle Royale, being developed by Pune-based SuperGaming. Inspired by the nation’s rich cultural history, the game will help India carve its niche in the global market to develop culturally rich games.

    SuperGaming co-founder and CEO Roby John expressed his enthusiasm for the Prime Minister’s message by stating, “With his inclusion of providing opportunities to Indian game developers in this exponentially growing market, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided a major boost to the Indian gaming industry in his Independence Day address. Gaming is an expression of your art and culture, and Modiji is the first Prime Minister to recognize, encourage, and inspire an entire industry by stressing on the fact that we should not just be an economy of consumers but also of producers. At SuperGaming, we have been building games with Indian art and culture, such as Battle Stars, MaskGun, and our newest game, Indus Battle Royale, which showcases it in the best possible manner. Thank you, Modiji, for inspiring this nation on this very special day!”

    India’s gaming industry has seen exponential growth in the last few years which is driven primarily by the mobile gaming sector. With nearly 500 million gamers, the country is on the path to becoming the largest mobile gaming market in the world.

    “We are deeply encouraged by Prime Minister Modi’s consistent support for the video gaming industry. We believe that gaming will be a cornerstone of India’s $1 trillion digital economy, driving innovation and opportunities. However, beyond the numbers, it is essential to recognize and support the people behind the screens. By providing them with the right resources and a supportive community, we can turn gaming into a credible and sustainable career path. ‘Make in India’ is more than just a slogan; it’s a movement, and we are proud to be a part of it,” said NODWIN Gaming co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee.

    Beyond the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment, the Indian government has been proactively promoting esports, with states collaborating with esports organisations and hosting official tournaments. Similar efforts to support game developers through appropriate policies, funding, and infrastructure can help build a sustainable ecosystem and enable the nation to thrive on the international stage.

    “Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi talking about gaming is a big motivation for young people who want to build their career in the industry. Game development (in India) is on the rise, and we are hoping to see game titles that are played not just in the country but make their mark globally. More titles mean more players and more spectators, and that is how the industry is going to grow. We at CyberPowerPC look forward to this growth story and play our role in bringing the best possible hardware to the country,” commented CyberPowerPC India chief operating officer Vishal Parekh.

    With the right support, India has the potential to lead the global gaming industry. As the nation continues to innovate and create, the dream of seeing Indian games make a mark on the world stage is not far from becoming a reality.

  • Olympic Esports Games to take place in 2025

    Olympic Esports Games to take place in 2025

    Mumbai: In a historic move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that the inaugural Olympic Esports Games will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2025. This decision follows the recent proposal by the IOC’s executive board and will be presented at the IOC session ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

    The IOC has entered a 12-year partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia to host the Olympic Esports Games. As per the official announcement, minister of sport and Saudi Arabian Olympic and paralympic committee president HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal remarked, “The world is invited to join us in 2025 and celebrate this moment together.”

    Indian esports, already on the rise, stands to gain significantly from this development. Following a bronze medal win in DOTA 2 at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and competing in five titles at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, the nation’s esports landscape is on track for further growth.

    Expressing his enthusiasm for the groundbreaking development, NODWIN Gaming co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee said, “NODWIN Gaming is thrilled that esports has earned its place in the Olympics with its own standalone event, akin to the Summer, Winter, and Paralympics. This recognition allows countries to develop independent esports programs. Together with our partners in the GEF and the EWC, NODWIN Gaming is eager to build esports in our core growth markets, seizing this opportunity for hope and glory.”

    The IOC launched its first esports pilot, the Olympic Virtual Series, in 2021 followed by the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in June 2023. This event brought together over 130 players from around the world, competing in 10 mixed-gender categories, attracting over 500,000 unique participants and six million views, with 75 per cent of the audience aged 13 to 34.

    “The IOC’s embrace of the Olympic Esports Games honors the dedication and skill of millions of gamers worldwide. It goes beyond just competition; it elevates esports to a global platform, encouraging international collaboration and potentially ushering in a new generation of athletes. This initiative truly is a landmark moment for esports, bringing it the global recognition it has long earned. The inclusion of esports in the Olympic movement demonstrates its growing influence and cements its place in the future of sports,” commented SuperGaming CEO and co-founder Roby John.

    The introduction of the Olympic Esports Games is set to further enhance the credibility of esports in India, establishing it as a viable sport and career option.

    “This recognition will further legitimise esports as a career option, more parents will now support their children in pursuing careers in this field, elevating the professional landscape of competitive gaming. We are proud to support the growth of esports in India, giving our players the chance to shine on this prestigious international platform,” further added Roby John.

    With the official announcement of the Olympic Esports Games, work will now begin on selecting the host city and venue, determining the event’s timing, selecting titles, and establishing the qualification process for players. The IOC has emphasised collaboration with International Federations already engaged in e-sports and National Olympic Committees that include esports in their activities.

    While the titles for the Olympic Esports Games have not been officially announced, the potential inclusion of games across diverse platforms is expected to stimulate growth in India’s gaming industry. This could lead to a rise in PC and console gaming, diversifying India’s predominantly mobile gaming market as players aim to represent their nation at the largest international multi-sport event.

    “We are absolutely elated by the announcement of the Olympic Esports Games which is being hosted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This marks a monumental step for the industry and all its stakeholders. The Indian esports sector is on an upward trajectory and this will further empower it. Esports being integrated under the banner of the pinnacle of sports events in the world will bring further legitimacy to this form of sport and encourage a new generation of esports talent to rise from the country. We’re excited and look forward to extending our support to the esports community of India so they make a mark at the global event!” said CyberPowerPC India COO Vishal Parekh.

    Additionally, the IOC will establish a dedicated structure for the Olympic Esports Games, distinct from the traditional Olympic Games model, to address the unique aspects of esports financing and organization.

  • National Video Game Day 2024: Indian esports’ mainstream breakthrough and Olympics aspirations

    National Video Game Day 2024: Indian esports’ mainstream breakthrough and Olympics aspirations

    Mumbai: The video gaming and esports industry in India has witnessed a meteoric rise in the last few years. With a rapidly growing audience and player base, the industry has commanded attention from brands and investors alike.

    According to a FICCI-EY report, total esports tournament participation is projected to reach 2.5 million participants across various titles, compared to 1.79 million in 2023. Additionally, airtime for esports broadcasts is set to increase to 8,000 hours from 6,500 in 2023, with a rising average minute audience.

    Tournaments such as the Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS) have recently announced their third straight season being broadcast on a mainstream sporting network, changing the way esports is consumed and marking a significant milestone in the sector’s acceptance. India’s participation in major multi-sport tournaments such as the Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022, where the nation’s DOTA 2 team won bronze, and the Asian Games 2022 where esports debuted as a full-fledged medal sport, has further validated its competitive stature.

    While states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and others are undertaking various initiatives for the development of esports, the country’s honourable prime minister has also advocated for the growth of the sector. With the International Olympic Committee (IOC) also set to discuss the creation of the Olympic Esports Games during the upcoming Paris Olympics, the future looks bright for esports in India.

    Sharing his thoughts on the evolution of esports from a pastime hobby to a mainstream sport and form of entertainment, NODWIN Gaming co-founder and managing director Akshat Rathee stated, “More than a decade back, gaming was nothing but a hobby of a few passionate gamers, with small groups of them organising scattered community competitions across the country. We started NODWIN Gaming in 2014 to streamline esports in India with a vision to bring opportunities for video gaming enthusiasts throughout the country. Looking at the scenario today, we can indeed say India has come a long way. The industry has gained immense popularity and legitimacy among the masses, attracting interest from celebrities, brands, corporates and traditional sporting organisations alike. We will continue to contribute to this growing ecosystem and try to further shine the deserving limelight on gaming and esports. In the near future, we envision esports getting the same mantle as traditional sports, especially with the IOC announcing plans to create Olympic Esports Games and we, along with the Global Esports Federation, are honoured to work alongside the industry stakeholders to achieve that common vision!”

    In addition to gamers and gaming creators, Indian game developers are also making significant strides with games inspired by the country’s rich culture and mythology. Games like ‘Ludo King’ which recently surpassed 1 billion downloads, and ‘Raji: An Ancient Epic’ exemplify this trend.

    Another promising upcoming title that highlights the potential of homegrown developers is the Indo-futuristic ‘Indus Battle Royale’. Developed by Pune-based SuperGaming, the game has recently surpassed 11 million pre-registrations.

    “Over the past decade, India’s gaming industry has transformed from a niche pastime into a mainstream entertainment medium. The surge in mobile gaming, fueled by the high number of smartphone users in the country, has made gaming more accessible to a wider audience, driving the industry’s growth. The creativity and innovation brought in by Indian game developers have produced unique and culturally rich gaming experiences, earning international recognition that has placed India firmly on the global gaming map,” commented SuperGaming CEO and co-founder Roby John.

    Despite India being predominantly a mobile-first gaming nation due to high data penetration and affordable smartphones, there has been a noticeable surge in interest in PC gaming. Beyond hardcore gamers, PCs are increasingly utilized by gaming creators and streamers for content creation and editing. The rise of the creator economy indirectly fuels the growth of the gaming PC ecosystem in India.

    Recent data from Valve highlights that Asia, including India, is one of the fastest-growing regions for Steam users, with a more than 150 per cent increase in new users from 2019 to 2024. CyberpowerPC, the number one gaming PC manufacturing brand in North America which recently forayed into the Indian market promises to cater to this growing demand and create an overall thriving ecosystem that caters to diverse gaming preferences.

    Highlighting the factors that will accelerate the rise of PC gaming in the country, CyberPowerPC India COO Vishal Parekh said, “The growth of gaming in India, evolving from arcades and gaming cafes to an official sport, is remarkable. While mobile serves as an entry point for gamers entering the ecosystem, the shift towards more immersive experiences on larger screens is becoming inevitable. Additionally, PC-based esports titles prominently featured in major sporting tournaments highlight the importance of gaming PCs for grassroots development and achieving success in these events. At CyberPowerPC, we are excited to support the country’s growing PC gaming community and give them an immersive experience along with a competitive edge.”

    Another monumental trend catapulting video gaming into the mainstream is leading streaming and social media platforms increasingly embracing gamification as a strategy to engage users and attract new audiences. Facebook, Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Google Pay, Zomato, and LinkedIn have all integrated gamification features to tap into a massive and engaged audience.

    “I have been a part of the gaming and esports industry for over a decade and it is fascinating to see how the industry has evolved and grown over these years. For example, esports was a niche, limited to a few people and now it is on its way to be integrated as a new-age sport. Today, gamers of all ages and backgrounds have become active contributors to the sector’s growth, and it is amazing to see how gaming has cemented its place in mainstream culture. Through movies, TV series adaptations and gamification via social media platforms, delivery apps as well as streaming platforms, it has become an integral part of our everyday lives, which was almost unimaginable till a few years back. This momentum is only going to grow, and the future of gaming in India looks incredibly bright. Max Level is committed to contributing to this growth and taking gaming to new heights across the nation,” noted Max Level co-founder and CRO Siddharth Nayyar.

    Without a doubt, the video gaming sector in India is on an upward trajectory, and looking ahead, the sky’s the limit!

  • SuperGaming introduces 4v4 Team Deathmatch in Indus Battle Royale

    SuperGaming introduces 4v4 Team Deathmatch in Indus Battle Royale

    Mumbai: SuperGaming, an Indian game developer based in Pune, has announced the launch of Team Deathmatch (TDM) mode for its upcoming homegrown game, Indus Battle Royale. This latest gameplay feature follows Indus’ recent feat of surpassing 11 million pre-registrations on the Google Play Store for Android.

    The TDM mode introduces a 4v4 gameplay experience set in the brand-new map called Saaplok. Unlike the traditional battle royale format, TDM offers an adrenaline-pumping environment where players will respawn after getting eliminated, ensuring continuous action and engagement. The first squad to collectively reach 50 kills will be declared the winner.

    Additionally, weapon sway, crosshair centering, and muzzle VFX have all been reworked for a more dynamic and immersive experience. To further enhance player satisfaction, achievements and kill confirmations have been visually revamped, while a brand-new UI widget called “ferrofluids” has been introduced. This innovative widget not only accurately conveys the direction, intensity, and count of weapon fire and self-inflicted damage, but also boasts a stylish design unlike anything seen in the genre.

    Sharing his enthusiasm for the latest gameplay mode addition to Indus Battle Royale, SuperGaming CEO and co-founder Roby John stated, “We are thrilled to introduce the Team Deathmatch mode in Indus Battle Royale. With TDM, players can expect a pulse-pounding experience that combines fast-paced action with strategic gameplay. The support from our community has fueled our development efforts, and we are confident that our players will embrace TDM and the new dimension that it brings to the game.”

    Players can expect a complete audio overhaul, featuring dynamic voice lines, impactful interior reverb during combat, and a thrilling new endgame track complete with unique sound effects for victory and defeat. Weapon handling has also received a significant upgrade, with gun responsiveness now visible during sliding maneuvers and while firing.

    To intensify combat, TDM will offer four pre-made weapon load-outs for players to choose from. Catering to various playstyles, these load-outs will prevent any single weapon or combination from becoming overpowered, bringing balance and a competitive edge to the gameplay.

    The weapon load-outs for Indus Battle Royale TDM will be as follows:

    1   A27 Locust (assault rifle) & Judgement (handgun)

    2   Devastator (light machine gun) & R4-FTR (handgun)

    3   V – Fury (submachine gun) & Kismet CS10 (shotgun)

    4   Tempest CFA (submachine gun) & Vigil SR-14 (semi-automatic sniper rifle)

    The addition of TDM will cater to both casual players seeking fast-paced action and competitive gamers looking for team-based challenges, or even for squads looking for a quick warm up prior to a battle royale match. It will not only diversify gameplay within the Indus universe but also broaden the game’s appeal to a wider gaming community eager for multiplayer modes.

    The game is currently in closed beta and gamers eager to experience it firsthand can head over to www.indusbeta.com and sign up to join the official waitlist. Once on the list, users will receive a direct link to download and play the game as soon as they are whitelisted.