Desi games, global names

Oct 12, 2011 - Ishaan Arya |

The Asian Age

Earlier this year Walt Disney had acquired all of UTV’s software communications. They followed this up by recently buying out the gaming division of UTV, Indiagames, for an estimated $80-100 million, one of the largest deals in the Indian gaming industry.

Indiagames is the country’s largest gaming studio and even ranks among the top 100 in the world, the only Indian studio on the list. Focusing mainly on mobile and online games, the company has produced some of today’s popular games like Cricket World Cup Fever, Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior, T20 Fever etc.
UTV recently announced that it had acquired exclusive rights to produce and publish Shah Rukh Khan’s new game based on his upcoming movie Ra.One. The game puts players in the shoes of G.One, the superhero, and is available across social networks like Facebook and mobile platforms like Nokia OVI, Android and Apple. Ra.One recently launched on all mobile platforms though it seems more like a marketing gimmick than a polished game.
Meanwhile, Walt Disney’s acquisition has received mixed responses from fans and industry experts.
Many see this as a big step for the Indian gaming industry. “The recent acquisition of Indiagames by Disney is a welcome change in the industry. It’s a clear proof of increasing acceptance of Indian game developers in the global gaming industry,” says Kinshuk Sunil, CEO of Hashtash Studios, a Delhi-based outfit. “I don’t think the day is far when Indian developers will release the next awesome AAA title in the global arena,” he adds. Others feel that this might even set off a chain reaction and more multinational corporations will invest in the Indian gaming industry.
However, not everyone shares these feelings and indeed, many have spoken out online against the acquisition, claiming that the studio is no longer Indian. There are also concerns regarding Walt Disney’s track record of shutting down studios.
Only time will tell whether Walt Disney’s coming has paved the road for a more successful future for the Indian gaming industry or whether it has opened the doors for the destruction of desi ingenuity.

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