The gaming world is about to witness a vibrant explosion of Indian folklore with the arrival of Kapih, the debut title from 88 Games, the game development division of Emmy award-nominated animation and VFX studio, 88 Pictures. This isn’t just another action platformer; Kapih is a wonderfuly crafted experience, blending fast-paced gameplay with a rich Indian mythology and artistic traditions. GamingCentral had the opportunity to delve into the details of this exciting project, and here’s what we discovered.
A Journey Through Ancient India: Story and Setting
Set against the grand backdrop of the Ramayana, one of India’s most celebrated epics, Kapih offers a fresh perspective on this timeless tale. Instead of focusing solely on the familiar heroes and kings, the game shines a light on the ordinary individuals caught in the currents of history. Players take on the role of Vaanar, a young inhabitant of a peaceful village in ancient India. When his home is ravaged by enemy forces, Vaanar embarks on an extraordinary journey that intertwines his destiny with legendary events and figures from the Ramayana. This unique narrative approach offers players a deeper connection to the epic, exploring the impact of grand narratives on everyday lives.
Kapih Style: A Visual Masterpiece
Kapih‘s visual presentation is nothing short of breathtaking. 88 Games has coined the term “Kapih Style” to describe the game’s unique aesthetic, a vibrant fusion of several iconic Indian art forms. Influences from Kalamkari, Thanjavur, Warli, and Madhubani styles are seamlessly woven together, creating a visually stunning world that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. From the intricately designed villages to the mandala-infused landscapes, every frame is a testament to the team’s dedication to capturing the essence of India’s artistic heritage. The game’s art style isn’t just a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the narrative, enriching the player’s experience and immersing them in the cultural richness of ancient India.
Gameplay: A Nostalgic Twist on Classic Action
Kapih delivers a high-octane blend of classic run-and-gun action with modern platforming sensibilities. Players will navigate a variety of meticulously designed stages, each presenting unique gameplay challenges and twists. While the core gameplay revolves around fast-paced action, Kapih also incorporates exciting variations, including horizontal shoot-em-up sequences and vehicle-based sections, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience. As players progress, they’ll unlock new weapons and power-ups, allowing them to customize their playstyle and tackle increasingly challenging encounters. Epic boss battles await, testing players’ reflexes and strategic thinking. Furthermore, the inclusion of a local co-op mode allows players to team up as Vaanar and his loyal companion, Bindu, adding another layer of fun and camaraderie to the adventure.
A Celebration of Indian Culture and Language
Beyond its captivating gameplay and stunning visuals, Kapih stands out for its commitment to authenticity. The game features Sanskrit as its audio language, a bold move that underscores 88 Games’ dedication to cultural preservation. The studio collaborated with renowned Sanskrit scholars to ensure the accuracy and richness of the language, creating a truly immersive experience that resonates with the grandeur of ancient India. This attention to detail extends to every aspect of the game, from the narrative to the character designs, making Kapih a true celebration of Indian culture.
A Vision for the Future of Indian Gaming
The announcement of Kapih comes at a crucial time for the Indian gaming industry. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for Indian developers to showcase the country’s rich heritage on the global stage, Kapih emerges as a shining example of this vision. In a market dominated by mobile gaming, Kapih‘s release on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms marks a significant step towards bringing console and PC gaming into the mainstream. The game’s trailer, premiered on Sony PlayStation’s channels, has already generated significant buzz, signaling a promising future for Kapih and Indian game development as a whole.
The Power of Storytelling and Artistic Expertise
88 Pictures, the parent studio of 88 Games, brings a wealth of experience in animation and VFX to this project. Their expertise is evident in every aspect of Kapih, from the visually stunning “Kapih Style” to the beautifully crafted CG animated cutscenes. The studio’s vision extends beyond mere entertainment; they aim to use gaming as a medium for preserving and sharing India’s rich cultural heritage. Kapih embodies this vision, offering players a profound and entertaining connection to India’s history and mythology.
Milind D. Shinde, Founder & CEO of 88 Games, shared his thoughts on Kapih:
“Kapih is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of our culture, our stories, and the extraordinary in the ordinary. Through Kapih, we wanted to create an experience that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable—a journey that not only entertains but also sparks a sense of pride in our heritage. For us at 88 Games, this is a defining step toward our vision of bringing Indian narratives to the forefront of global gaming. We’re honoured to share this heartfelt adventure with the world and hope it resonates with players in meaningful ways.”
The Indian Gaming Landscape: A Rising Force
The release of Kapih coincides with a period of significant growth for the Indian gaming market. According to Lumikai’s ‘Levelling Up: State of India Interactive Media & Gaming Research FY’24’ report, India’s gaming market is booming, with millions of new gamers joining the ranks each year. The report projects substantial growth in the coming years, highlighting the immense potential of the Indian gaming industry. Kapih is poised to capitalize on this growth, showcasing the talent and creativity of Indian game developers to a global audience.
Stay Tuned for More!
Kapih is set to launch on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Keep an eye on GamingCentral for more updates on Kapih‘s development and release. This is a game you won’t want to miss!
Learn more at: https://kapih.game/
Watch the official trailer on PlayStation Global and PlayStation Japan.
About 88 Games:
88 Games is the game development division of 88 Pictures, a leading animation and VFX studio with offices in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Toronto. Driven by creativity, innovation, and storytelling, 88 Games combines its expertise in animation and VFX with a passion for creating immersive and culturally rich gaming experiences.
About Kapih:
Kapih is a classic 2D run-and-gun action platformer set in a vibrantly reimagined ancient India. Players take on the role of Vaanar, a brave monkey, as he embarks on an epic adventure inspired by the Ramayana. Featuring local co-op play, engaging levels, challenging boss battles, and a unique art style, Kapih offers a nostalgic yet fresh gaming experience.
