ILLGaming had the opportunity to sit and talk with India’s gaming whiz kid, Shivam Sai Gupta. This guy started creating games at the tender age of 11. Now he is all grown up at 17 and making his country proud on a global stage. But, life was never so kind to this kid, he had to jump over various hurdles and overcome numerous challenges to reach this stage, and he still has a long way to go. Let’s see what he has to say:
- Tell us something about yourself.
I’m a class X student, currently focused on my board exams. I live in Patna, Bihar, with my family, and absolutely love creating stuff on the computer. My childhood was quite rough due to financial troubles. I can still sense those hardships, but looking back at all that now, I think that is what has developed me into the boy I am today. I was born with a rare disorder, Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome. It affects the development of blood vessels, soft tissues, and bones.
- How do you cope with this syndrome on a daily basis?
My father would go to hundreds of doctors, and they would say that they could not do anything to treat this disease. I used to think, “Why me?” When I was about 7 years old, it was difficult to deal with the isolation and the people, trying to bring me down.
But, I don’t think of it as a disorder, but as if God has created me a little differently from others. My dad brought a computer to do research about the disorder when I was 10, and I began playing with the available software. If I didn’t have this disorder, my dad wouldn’t have purchased the computer, and I may not have started creating games at a young age of 12.
When I was about 14, I visited Sai Baba and Shirdi, and my limb length difference magically appeared to decrease. Not only that, but my disorder seemed to get milder and milder. No doctor would believe this without seeing the X-ray; it was a miracle. Doctors also agree with that. That’s why I believe in miracles, and you should too. It creates hope when things are bad and gives you strength.
- What prompted you to become an animator or game designer, even when the resources and facilities at your disposal were scarce?
If you really look at the core, you’ll observe that resources don’t matter. If you are really passionate enough for something, sooner or later you’ll make it happen. It doesn’t matter if you’re resource-constrained or training-constrained. What matters is that you’re willing to do everything possible in order to achieve the goal.
- Coming from a humble background, how rough was the path to success, and how well are you managing this recognition?
As I said earlier, I’ve faced numerous financial and family struggles during my childhood years. One thing I’ve learned is that our struggles and hardships prepare us for success. I think God throws us a test of struggle to make sure that we can handle the success. It is these hardships that make success so worthy.
I noticed that I made the best video games and visual effects when I was in pain. Most innovations occur when a person hits rock bottom. There is a pattern you can see that justifies this statement. William Kamkwamba created his wind mill when his country was stricken with famine. Tony Robbins succeeded after he hit rock bottom (he even slept in his car). The list can go on and on. When we experience pain, we have nothing to lose; we are already in pain and have no reason not to follow our passion.
Critics and comments only increase when you start getting more successful. As you climb up the ladder, your “friends” who are mediocre will try to pull you back down, because you remind them of their failures and shortcomings. This keeps happening to me. Don’t give in to the critics. Include more passionate, uplifting, positive people in your social circle who are willing to climb up the success ladder with you and encourage you.
- You are the wonder kid of the Indian gaming world; at the tender age of eleven, you were developing video games when other children were busy playing those games. Who all and what all inspired and motivated you?
I was simply exploring software installed by default on my computer. Back then, there were very few animators in Bihar. No one was there for help. At first, I figured out 2D animation in Corel R.A.V.E. Then, out of the intense passion and curiosity to create my own virtual worlds and video games, I made my first game in Power Point. Yes, PowerPoint; at that time I didn’t even know of the existence of game engines. My school was teaching how to change a text’s color in Word back then. You can say that I learned by trial-and-error.
I loved playing video-games but the power to control and turn my imagination into reality was even more appealing to me. When I create games or visual-effects it feels like a dose of aspirin and a dopamine rush. Any pain magically disappears when I get fully immersed in developing games or VFX.
- You have traveled to various countries and met some great people. How does it feel to stand amongst the big guns and deliver a few words of your own?
I feel extremely honored to meet and spend time with the people who are at the top of their game. I try to learn as much as I can from them. Having mentors is always a good idea. The encouragement and motivation I get from them is invaluable.
- Your game “Project Fateh’ was a very brave and touching step forward. How did you come up with this idea?
It is a game based on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. I got the idea when I was watching the horror telecast live, sitting back at my home in Patna. I was 13 back then. Tears were trying to burst out of my eye, and at the same time I was feeling very angry at the inhumane terrorists. I felt very sad and wanted to do something. Then I got the idea to create this game as a tribute to the unfortunate people who lost their lives and their friends in 26/11 attacks.
My aim was to encourage people to join the Indian Armed Forces and fight against terrorism. The game won the best game in India award by Intel in 2010. Obviously, it was not easy to create such a game without sacrifice. I had to balance between school, social life, and the game. But nothing worth having comes easy. UTV IndiaGames played a big role in supporting me, and they published the game. Without them, I could not have finished this game. I’ve also created visual effects in short films for film festivals, including the Venice Film Festival.
- Any current or future projects you would like to shed some limelight on?
I am currently preparing for my board exams. Along with that, I’m working on a game called “Tasty Kingdom,” which aims at reducing child obesity. There are a few other projects on which I’d like to keep a close eye for the time being. I’ll be starting a company soon after my boards.
- What do you think of the Indian gaming industry and where do you think it is heading?
The Indian gaming industry is growing at a very fast pace (especially mobile gaming). It is definitely heading in the right direction. The video game industry as a whole is expected to grow to $360 million in 2012, up 40 percent compared to the previous year. Bollywood games are being developed now like never before. But when it comes to independent game developers, to be honest, I think India is not a market to depend upon right now. Many Indian indie game developers are having a hard time developing games full-time. But I believe it’ll get better in the coming years.
- Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years with respect to the growing Indian gaming scenario?
In the next 5 years, I see myself taking every opportunity and giving my best at it. I see myself gaining more knowledge and expertise, as well as being open-minded. I plan to continue my education as well as work part-time.
