Can Amish Tripathi's 'Dandakaranya Gameplay' Connect Indian Culture with a Global Audience?

Mumbai, July 9 (NationPress) Renowned author Amish Tripathi has unveiled insights into his gaming venture, ‘Dandakaranya Gameplay,’ which promises to be deeply entrenched in Indian culture while appealing to a worldwide audience.

In a candid discussion with IANS, Tripathi highlighted that the game aims to honor its Indian heritage while delivering an engaging experience for players around the globe. Set amidst the ancient forest of Dandakaranya, the gameplay will incorporate various environments and narrative elements inspired by the Deccan region. Players will encounter sages, demons, forest protectors, and legendary beings, creating a richly immersive experience rooted in Indian tradition.

As he elaborated on the game, the author remarked, “It is unapologetically and proudly Indian. However, we want to resonate with audiences internationally. Thus, the trailer concludes with Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Our aim is to present Indian culture in an easily digestible manner. The biomes and gameplay are inspired by the Dandakaranya area, featuring demons, sages, and forest protectors.” What distinguishes Dandakaranya Gameplay is its moral framework. “Even in combat, your actions are justified—you’re defending the innocent and battling evil,” Tripathi stated. He believes this approach will not only entertain but also provide valuable insights into Indian philosophy and values.

He further explained, “Even if you find yourself in a conflict, there’s a reason behind it. You’re not harming innocents; you’re defending them. You’re taking on a monster. Thus, it becomes a medium for young players to learn about religion and morality, all while ensuring the game remains immensely enjoyable.”

Reflecting on how this concept materialized, Tripathi shared, “At 50, I’m not an avid gamer myself. My son, Neil, is 16 and deeply engaged in gaming. The gaming industry has surpassed movies, books, music, and theater combined. Notably, popular games like GTA have staggering production budgets, yet none are centered on Indian themes.

Most prominent titles are Western-centric, such as Assassin's Creed and GTA. While there are non-Western games, few have embraced Indian themes. Titles like Black Myth Wukong represent Chinese culture, and Prince of Persia draws from Iranian lore.

“Our project, Age of Bharat, is set to be the first AAA console game themed around India. There’s significant excitement that gamers, both Indian and international, will embrace it. This idea has been with me for years, even though I’m not well-versed in technology,” he added.

Amish Tripathi also characterized “The Age of Bharat” as a digital retelling of Indian mythology and history. Currently under development by Tara Gaming, a studio co-founded by Tripathi, renowned actor Amitabh Bachchan, and veteran game developer Nouredine Abboud, this initiative is being promoted as India’s inaugural high-end AAA video game.