Hyderabad has become the birthplace of a pioneering venture in the gaming industry, as two local entrepreneurs, Deepak Gurijala and Ravi Teja Mantena, unveil India’s first personal computer (PC) game publishing company, 1312 Interactives. This innovative company is set to carve a niche in the gaming landscape by focusing on bringing Indian-developed PC games to a global audience.
Bridging the Gap in Game Publishing
While the Indian gaming market has seen a surge in mobile game publishers, 1312 Interactives distinguishes itself with a commitment to PC games. The founders recognize that despite the emergence of numerous PC titles from India, many have struggled to gain international recognition due to inadequate marketing support. “We aim to bridge this gap by offering the necessary support and international exposure,” Ravi Teja expressed, highlighting their mission to elevate Indian games on the world stage.
In essence, a game publisher like 1312 Interactives serves as both a distributor and financier, akin to the model found in the film industry. This dual role is crucial in providing developers with the resources needed to successfully launch their projects.
A Rich Cultural Tapestry
The inaugural lineup from 1312 Interactives features four intriguing titles: Winds of Arcana Ruination, Twin Flames, Souls of Bombarika, and Palleturu (Palm Sugar). Each game draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of Indian culture and mythology, showcasing narratives that resonate with local heritage. Notably, these games have been developed in tier-2 towns such as Khammam and Visakhapatnam, emphasizing the burgeoning talent across the country.
Deepak noted, “PC gamers around the world are interested in culturally rich, localized themes, even if they originate from different nations. We see strong interest in places like Japan. India has a vast cultural heritage and stories to tell, but in the domestic market, free-to-play games still dominate. Our mission is to take these games global.”
Navigating Market Challenges
Producing high-quality PC games necessitates considerable investment, which makes the free-to-play model less viable for developers. Deepak elaborated on the current landscape, stating, “While PC gaming is growing in India, it still lags far behind mobile gaming, and people here are less inclined to pay for games. In other countries, however, there’s a viable market for reasonably priced games.”
As 1312 Interactives moves forward, several of its games are nearing completion. The company is actively seeking funding and strategizing marketing efforts to ensure a successful launch outside India. “Initially, these games will only be available internationally,” Deepak confirmed, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in the Indian gaming industry.
