India’s 88 Games, the game development arm of 88 Pictures, announced its debut title Kapih, which is based on Indian folklore.
88 Pictures is one of India’s big animation and VFX studios. Known for its work on Emmy and Annie Award-winning Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia, 88 Pictures is now bringing its storytelling expertise to gaming with 88 Games.
It’s one of the projects taking its cue from the success of Black Myth: Wukong from Game Science, a Chinese game developer that made a game based on Chinese myths for both a Chinese and global audience. Kapih is a platformer game aimed at the global gaming landscape and it will debut on console and PC.
Inspired by one of India’s greatest epics, Kapih is brought to life through its distinct “Kapih Style,” drawing inspiration from Kalamkari, Thanjavur, Warli, and Madhubani art forms. The announcement of Kapih comes at a pivotal moment as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indian game developers to embrace the country’s rich cultural heritage and establish a strong global presence.
The official trailer for Kapih has premiered on Sony PlayStation’s channels, offering a first look at this captivating blend of Indian folklore and retro arcade adventure.
Kapih reimagines eternal Indian tales through a thrilling action platformer. With its visuals, a story steeped in rich folklore, and fast-paced gameplay, Kapih delivers an immersive adventure that brings India’s timeless storytelling traditions to life.
Kapih delivers a fast-paced, action-packed journey filled with platforming challenges and dynamic combat. Players will traverse a variety of hand-crafted stages, each offering unique gameplay twists. While run-n-gun action drives the experience, Kapih also introduces additional modes like horizontal shoot-em-up sequences and vehicle-based sections.
As players progress, they’ll discover new weapons and power-ups to enhance their playstyle, leading to epic boss battles that push their reflexes and strategy to the limit. The game also introduces a local co-op mode, allowing players to team up as Vaanar and his loyal friend Bindu, working together to overcome formidable obstacles, unlock new motivations, and unravel the mysteries woven into their epic adventure.
Adding to its authenticity and cultural depth, the game uses Sanskrit as its audio language. 88 Games collaborated with eminent Sanskrit scholars to ensure the accuracy and richness of the language, offering players a truly immersive experience steeped in the grandeur of ancient India.
Marking a major milestone for the studio, Kapih is set to launch on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox so players across platforms can experience its unique blend of culture and action.
Set against the backdrop of one of India’s greatest epics, Ramayana, Kapih follows the journey of a young Vaanar living in a serene village in ancient India. Far from the traditional tales of kings and warriors, this story shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes—the commoners whose lives are woven into history’s grand narrative. When Vaanar’s village is destroyed by enemy forces, he embarks on an odyssey that entwines him with legendary events, heroes, and a larger destiny.
Speaking on the launch of the trailer, Milind Shinde, CEO of 88 Games, said in a statement, “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.”
Shinde added, “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.”
According to a forecast report on the Indian game market by Lumikai, India is a key producer of global animation and VFX services, with the industry valued at $1.6 billion in FY 24. The report also states that India’s gaming market added 23 million new gamers, bringing the total to 590 million in FY 24, and is projected to surpass $9.2 billion by FY 29, growing at a 20% five-year CAGR.