For decades, gaming has been a reflection of the cultures that create it. Western mythology has been deeply embedded in RPGs, Japanese folklore breathes life into countless JRPGs, and Norse legends have inspired everything from God of War to Hellblade. Even Chinese culture found a glorious expression in Black Myth: Wukong. Yet, Indian mythology—a storytelling heritage that spans millennia—has remained largely untapped in mainstream gaming. That is beginning to change.
The latest addition to this cultural renaissance in gaming is Kapih, an upcoming title from 88 Games, a subsidiary of the Emmy-winning 88 Pictures. The game, which recently debuted its global trailer on PlayStation’s official channels, is a landmark not just for Indian game development but for the broader movement of incorporating India’s rich cultural traditions into interactive storytelling.
Kapih: Reimagining the Ramayana from a New Lens
Unlike most interpretations of Indian culture and history, Kapih doesn’t focus on the familiar heroics of Rama, Hanuman, or Ravana. Instead, it presents the Ramayana through the eyes of an unknown Vaanar—one of the unsung warriors of the Vanara army. This shift in perspective is a bold move, offering a fresh take on a story that has been retold in countless forms.
Visually, Kapih leans into its roots by integrating traditional Indian art forms like Kalamkari, Madhubani, and Warli. This aesthetic choice sets it apart from the generic fantasy and hyper-realistic visuals that dominate the gaming landscape. The gameplay blends classic 2D side-scrolling mechanics with elements inspired by Indian festivals like Dussehra and Diwali, bridging nostalgia with innovation. More importantly, its inclusion in PlayStation Global’s showcase signals a growing recognition of Indian narratives in mainstream gaming.
A Look Back: Indian Culture in Gaming
While Kapih is one of the most prominent recent examples of an Indian culture-based game, it isn’t the first attempt. Over the years, several developers have tried to bring Indian culture and epics to gaming, with varying degrees of success.
The Legend of Hanuman (2003)
One of the earliest attempts to gamify Indian mythology came in the form of The Legend of Hanuman, a PC game that followed Hanuman’s journey. While rudimentary in mechanics, it was an early sign that Indian mythology could have a place in gaming.
Hanuman: Boy Warrior (2009)
This PS2 title is infamous for being India’s first console game but also one of its biggest misfires. The gameplay was clunky, the graphics outdated even for its time, and it was widely panned by critics. However, its mere existence showed that there was a desire to bring Indian stories to gaming.
Asura (2017)
Developed by Ogre Head Studio, Asura was a procedurally generated roguelike inspired by Indian mythology. It wasn’t just a game; it was an experiment in fusing mythic storytelling with hardcore action mechanics. While it didn’t make mainstream waves, it gained a cult following for its unique approach.
Raji: An Ancient Epic (2020)
Perhaps the most significant success story before Kapih, Raji: An Ancient Epic was developed by Nodding Heads Games and received critical acclaim. The game beautifully blended Indian architecture, mythology, and storytelling into an action-adventure experience that felt polished and globally relevant. Its release on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC proved that Indian mythology could find an audience worldwide.
Why the Sudden Surge of Indian-Based Games?
So, what’s changed? Why are Indian developers now leaning into their cultural roots instead of imitating Western game design?
Global Recognition of Indian Stories
Shows like Sacred Games and films like RRR have proven that Indian narratives can captivate global audiences. Gaming is simply following suit.
The Indie Revolution
With indie game development becoming more accessible, developers no longer need massive budgets to create games. This has allowed more culturally rich, niche experiences to emerge.
International Platforms Supporting Indian Developers
Kapih being featured by PlayStation Global is a massive deal. This level of visibility was unheard of a decade ago. Companies are realizing that India, with its massive gaming audience, is a market worth investing in.
A Growing Indian Gaming Audience
Indian gamers are no longer just consuming Western or Japanese games—they are looking for content that resonates with their own heritage. Games that integrate Indian mythology now have a built-in audience eager to see their culture represented.
The Future of Ancient Indian Lore in Gaming
If the past few years are any indication, we’re only at the beginning of a golden age for Indian storytelling in gaming. With Kapih leading the charge in 2024, more developers are likely to take inspiration from Indian history, folklore, and epics. Could we see an open-world game based on the Mahabharata? A dark fantasy RPG set in the Vedic age? The possibilities are endless.
For now, Kapih stands as an important milestone—one that proves Indian culture belongs in the world of gaming, not just as a backdrop but as a driving force for powerful, resonant storytelling.
And if the success of Raji and the anticipation for Kapih are anything to go by, we may finally be seeing Indian games claim their place on the global stage.
