Made-in-India battle royale game ‘Indus’ nears closed beta launch; clocks 5 million pre-registrations

Made-in-India battle royale game ‘Indus’ nears closed beta launch; clocks 5 million pre-registrations

Pune-based game development company, SuperGaming, has revealed its plans to launch a closed beta version of its made-in-India battle royale game called “Indus.” The closed beta is scheduled for release in the upcoming months, with a targeted launch during the festive season.

The announcement was made on August 13, and the company shared that the game has already received significant interest, amassing over five million pre-registrations. This milestone was achieved approximately seven months after SuperGaming initiated pre-registrations in January 2023.

During the closed beta phase, access to the game will be limited to a specific number of players who will receive product keys. These keys will be shared through the company’s Discord community server. The closed beta will feature the battle royale mode and incorporate elements from the startup’s previous community playtesting phases.

The release of the closed beta version represents a crucial step in the development and testing of the Indus game. It allows SuperGaming to gather valuable feedback from players and make any necessary adjustments or improvements before a wider release.

SuperGaming’s initiative to develop a homegrown battle royale game aligns with the increasing interest in the gaming industry in India and the potential for locally developed games to capture the attention of both domestic and global audiences. The closed beta launch and the substantial number of pre-registrations demonstrate a promising start for the Indus game within the competitive gaming landscape.

SuperGaming, the game development company behind “Indus,” has attracted notable investors in its venture, including well-known entities like Pac-Man creator Bandai Namco, Elden Ring publisher, Akatsuki Entertainment Technology Fund, Skycatcher, BAce Capital, and Dream Incubator. These investments reflect the confidence and support garnered by SuperGaming for its ambitious project.

“Indus,” which was first unveiled in January 2022, is not limited to a single platform but aims to launch across multiple platforms including mobile devices, consoles, and personal computers (PC).

The game is distinctive in that it draws inspiration from Indian culture and mythology, incorporating elements from the ancient Indus Valley civilization. It is set in a genre known as “Indo-Futurism,” a futuristic world deeply rooted in Indian themes and science fiction exploration.

This innovative approach aligns with the trend of incorporating cultural elements and unique perspectives into game design, allowing developers to create engaging experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. By leveraging Indian culture and mythology in its gameplay and storyline, “Indus” has the potential to offer players a fresh and captivating gaming experience.

The involvement of prominent investors and the thoughtful integration of Indian cultural elements position “Indus” as an intriguing addition to the gaming landscape, further highlighting the growth and potential of the Indian gaming industry on both domestic and global levels.

SuperGaming’s unveiling of the closed beta for “Indus” came alongside an exciting cinematic trailer for the game. The trailer offers a glimpse into the game’s world, showcasing its island map, diverse weapons, avatars, and various locations that play a role in the gameplay experience.

Notably, the trailer features voice acting by well-known personalities and creators, including Olympic pistol shooter Heena Sidhu and prominent Indian gaming YouTuber Techno Gamerz (Ujjwal Chaurasia). It also includes contributions from popular content creators like Magsplay (Mansi Gupta) and GamerFleet (Anshu Bisht). This collaboration with prominent figures adds an extra layer of engagement and excitement to the game’s promotion.

“Indus” represents a significant milestone for SuperGaming, as it is the company’s most ambitious project to date. Prior to “Indus,” SuperGaming developed successful titles such as the multiplayer shooter “MaskGun,” which boasts over 65 million players, and the social deduction game “Silly Royale,” which has garnered more than 20 million players.

The cinematic trailer not only offers a tantalizing preview of the gameplay and features but also showcases the company’s dedication to creating immersive and engaging experiences for players. The collaboration with notable personalities and content creators further underlines the game’s potential to capture the attention of a wide audience and contribute to the growing Indian gaming ecosystem.

SuperGaming’s co-founder, Roby John, highlighted the significance of the Indus closed beta trailer as a representation of the Indian gaming industry’s potential. He stated that the involvement of inspirational real-life figures from various fields, such as culture, sports, and content creation, aims to showcase and celebrate the Indian gaming industry’s diverse and aspirational nature.

The term “mid-core games” refers to a category of games that offer a more involved and complex gaming experience compared to casual games. This genre includes popular titles like battle royale games, which require players to employ skill and strategy to progress. In the fiscal year 2022 (FY22), mid-core games, including battle royale games, experienced remarkable growth and collectively generated approximately $550 million in revenue in India. This trend reflects the increasing engagement and spending within the gaming industry.

The report from Lumikai, a gaming and interactive media venture fund, indicates that mid-core games are anticipated to be a primary driver of revenue growth for India’s gaming industry in the coming years. The complex and immersive nature of these games appeals to a broad audience and presents a substantial opportunity for both local and global game developers.

Overall, the growing popularity of mid-core games, as exemplified by SuperGaming’s “Indus,” showcases the potential for the Indian gaming industry to thrive and make a significant contribution to the broader global gaming landscape.

SuperGaming has been making significant strides in the gaming industry, including the announcement of new features for its casual battle royale title, Battle Stars. Here are the key highlights:

1. New In-Game Map – New Delhi: SuperGaming is introducing a new in-game map inspired by the national capital city, New Delhi, for its casual battle royale game, Battle Stars. This map will feature iconic landmarks such as India Gate, Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Connaught Place, among others. This addition aims to enhance the gaming experience by immersing players in a virtual representation of the city.

2. Impressive Player Count: Since its launch in May 2023, Battle Stars has garnered over 5 million players globally, making it the fastest-growing game for SuperGaming. This achievement underscores the game’s popularity and the company’s ability to attract a wide player base.

3. Community Engagement: SuperGaming emphasizes community involvement by seeking input from players and incorporating their feedback. The company visited Delhi to capture the city’s vibe and culture, ensuring an authentic representation in the game. Community engagement is a key factor in enhancing player satisfaction and maintaining an active player base.

4. Gameplay and Features: Battle Stars offers a dynamic gaming experience where players can team up with friends or clan members and engage in fast-paced battles. The game features a variety of heroes, each equipped with unique weapons, strengths, and abilities. Additionally, popular Indian gaming YouTuber Techno Gamerz is integrated into the game as a playable character, enhancing the game’s appeal to fans.

SuperGaming’s approach to game development, incorporating cultural elements and engaging the community, reflects the company’s commitment to creating immersive and enjoyable gaming experiences. As the Indian gaming industry continues to grow, SuperGaming’s efforts contribute to shaping the landscape and catering to a diverse and enthusiastic player base.