In a groundbreaking move, 88 Pictures, a premier animation and VFX studio from India, has announced the launch of its new gaming division, 88Games. This marks the studio’s exciting entry into the world of game development, with a mission to create world-class indie games for PC and console audiences. By blending high-quality visuals with storytelling deeply rooted in India’s rich and diverse history and culture, 88Games is poised to offer a fresh perspective in the gaming industry.
Table of Contents
88 Pictures, Indian Animation & VFX Studio behind Emmy Award winning shows, launches Game Development division: 88 Games, currently has three titles in development, with the first, launching on Xbox and PlayStation, set to be revealed at IGDC 2024.
From Emmy-Winning Animation to Interactive Storytelling
88 Pictures has already made a name for itself with its exceptional animation work on the Emmy and Annie Award-winning series “Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia,” along with global hits like “Gremlins: Secret of Mogwai,” “Transformers: The Earth Spark Season 2,” “Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight,” and “Fast & Furious: Spy Racers.” Building on this legacy, 88Games aims to extend its artistic excellence into the realm of interactive experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire.
A Visionary Team Leading the Charge
The new gaming division is led by industry veterans Milind D. Shinde and Shiben Bhattacharjee, who bring years of experience from renowned global studios. Their leadership is set to guide 88Games in developing titles that capture India’s cultural heritage in captivating ways. Milind D. Shinde, Founder & CEO of 88Games, expressed, “88Games represents the next step in our journey at 88 Pictures. Our team is dedicated to producing premium games that are not only visually stunning but also deeply rooted in our cultural identity.”
Bridging Cultures Through Gaming
88Games plans to introduce titles that offer global gamers a unique glimpse into India’s folklore and history. Through intricately crafted art styles and immersive sound design, each game will present an authentic, engaging experience, drawing from classic Indian tales, legends, and mythological characters. Shiben Bhattacharjee, Game Director at 88Games, stated, “Our mission is to create games that entertain while connecting players to India’s rich history and mythology.”
Upcoming Releases and Industry Impact
Currently, 88Games has three games in development, with the first title set to launch on Xbox and PlayStation. This game will be unveiled at the upcoming India Game Developers Conference (IGDC) 2024. As India’s gaming market rapidly expands, 88Games aims to fill the gap in high-quality PC and console games that showcase the country’s unique cultural identity.
A Booming Industry and Government Support
According to the ‘Levelling Up: State of India Interactive Media & Gaming Research FY’24’ report by Lumikai, India is a key producer of global Animation/VFX services, with the industry valued at $1.6 billion in FY 24. The nation’s gaming market added 23 million new gamers, bringing the total to 590 million gamers in FY 24, and is expected to surpass $9.2 billion by FY 29. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has also shown support by approving the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality).
Elevating India’s Global Gaming Presence
With its expertise in Animation and VFX, 88 Pictures is a shining example of India’s expanding influence in the global AVGC-XR sector. The launch of 88Games is set to further elevate India’s presence in the global gaming landscape, showcasing the country’s rich cultural tapestry through innovative and immersive gaming experiences.
