Created by founders Shruti Ghosh, Avichal Singh, and Ian Maude, Raji: An Ancient Epic is an Indian game that has caused ripples around the world for its stunning visuals, use of Indian mythology, and a groundbreaking storyline. The three founders bootstrapped the project with their savings and it was only after a period of three years, that they were able to create the game in its entirety. It was also not quite east to get a publisher to back them on their project. “It was disheartening but we had to keep trying,” says Shruti Ghosh in an interview with The Indian Express.
However, what kept them going was their collective vision and desire to create a game of international quality, thereby putting India on the game developer map. Raji, which represents traditional Indian artwork on the walls and sculptures, has been derived from Shruti’s experiences of travelling to different parts of the country as a student. In the game, Raji sets out to save her brother on Raksha Bandhan Day and kill Mahabalsura, the villain. Usually, it is the brother’s duty to save his sister, but in the game, it is the other way around. Maude, who has worked for top gaming companies like Rockstar, Ubisoft, The Chinese Room, and Acclaim, says that the story was not made keeping in mind that the female protagonist will be more appealing. According to him, it just felt like the right thing to do.
You can purchase the game here.
Developed by Nodding Heads Games, it was released as a timed exclusive for Nintendo Switch on 18 August 2020, and is scheduled to be released in 2020 for Microsoft Windows via the Steam client, Xbox One and Playstation 4.
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