Mario Bautista
Hyderabad: As mobile game localisation is taking baby steps in Telugu aiming to attract game enthusiasts in tier-2 and 3 cities, Hyderabad-based Brahman Studios is set to release a new game in Telugu while Visakhapatnam-based Mono Tusk Studios is developing a PC game in Telugu and English, both based on Indian themes.
Experts said game localisation involves creating content that aligns with local cultures, which is presented in local languages to not only cater to local users but also to appeal to international users and introduce hyperlocal cultures.
While 99% of mobile and PC games are available in English, there is a growing realisation among game developers and companies to explore local markets, driven by the potential for such games as indicated by studies.
According to a report released by Bengaluru-based Kalaari Capital, 72% of internet users prefer content in regional languages. There are approximately 32 million active internet users who speak Telugu.
Until now, only a few Mumbai-based companies have created local games in Hindi, with themes reflecting hyperlocal aspects such as ‘Mumbai mafia’. Some big companies have also made limited attempts in this direction. Earlier this year, Mauj Telecom launched mobile games in Hindi and seven Indian languages like Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Urdu. Local players are also taking risks in this space, industry watchers said.
Speaking about the Telugu version of the game ‘Aum’, Sowmitri Maluchuru, founder of Brahman Studios, said: “This game is based on mythological and religious themes in the adventure and action genre. We have invested about 80 lakh in developing the game. Our goal is not only to appeal to Telugu, English, and Hindi audiences but also to localise the game into other languages, including international ones. The game explores Indian mythology in a new way, allowing players to achieve salvation in our scheme.” Karthik Raj, founder of Mono Tusk Studios, said: “We are developing a role-playing game in Telugu titled ‘Palleturu’ (village) where players can assume the role of the protagonist, Srinu, who fights against mafia groups. We believe that our game, rooted in Telugu culture, will have significant appeal among Telugu users.”
Sridhar Muppidi, national convener of Indian Game Developers Conference and managing director of Purple Talk company, said: ” We will showcase some of these games at the upcoming IGDC annual conference next month.”
Experts said game localisation involves creating content that aligns with local cultures, which is presented in local languages to not only cater to local users but also to appeal to international users and introduce hyperlocal cultures.
While 99% of mobile and PC games are available in English, there is a growing realisation among game developers and companies to explore local markets, driven by the potential for such games as indicated by studies.
According to a report released by Bengaluru-based Kalaari Capital, 72% of internet users prefer content in regional languages. There are approximately 32 million active internet users who speak Telugu.
Until now, only a few Mumbai-based companies have created local games in Hindi, with themes reflecting hyperlocal aspects such as ‘Mumbai mafia’. Some big companies have also made limited attempts in this direction. Earlier this year, Mauj Telecom launched mobile games in Hindi and seven Indian languages like Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Urdu. Local players are also taking risks in this space, industry watchers said.
Speaking about the Telugu version of the game ‘Aum’, Sowmitri Maluchuru, founder of Brahman Studios, said: “This game is based on mythological and religious themes in the adventure and action genre. We have invested about 80 lakh in developing the game. Our goal is not only to appeal to Telugu, English, and Hindi audiences but also to localise the game into other languages, including international ones. The game explores Indian mythology in a new way, allowing players to achieve salvation in our scheme.” Karthik Raj, founder of Mono Tusk Studios, said: “We are developing a role-playing game in Telugu titled ‘Palleturu’ (village) where players can assume the role of the protagonist, Srinu, who fights against mafia groups. We believe that our game, rooted in Telugu culture, will have significant appeal among Telugu users.”
Sridhar Muppidi, national convener of Indian Game Developers Conference and managing director of Purple Talk company, said: ” We will showcase some of these games at the upcoming IGDC annual conference next month.”
