88 Games announces debut title ‘Kapih’; set to bring Indian folklore to global gaming landscape on console and PC

88 Games, the game development division of Emmy award-nominated studio 88 Pictures, has officially unveiled Kapih, its debut game that reimagines eternal Indian tales through a thrilling action platformer. With its mesmerizing 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 like never before.

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 ensuring players across platforms can experience its unique blend of culture and action. Adding to the excitement, the game’s official trailer was showcased on Sony PlayStation’s channels, introducing players worldwide to the enchanting world of Kapih.

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.

Every moment is crafted to evoke nostalgia while delivering a fresh, visually spectacular experience. The game’s signature art style, dubbed “Kapih Style”, is a heartfelt homage to India’s artistic heritage, drawing inspiration from Kalamkari, Thanjavur, Warli, and Madhubani art forms. From intricate hand-drawn villages to vibrant mandala-infused landscapes, every detail is meticulously crafted to bring India’s cultural vibrancy to life.

Speaking on the launch of the trailer, Milind D. Shinde, Founder & CEO of 88 Games, said: “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 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. As an original Indian game designed for worldwide audiences, Kapih embodies this vision. In India’s predominantly mobile-driven gaming landscape, Kapih aims to propel console and PC gaming further into the mainstream. According to the ‘Levelling Up: State of India Interactive Media & Gaming Research FY’24 report’ 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.

88 Pictures, with its deep expertise in animation and VFX, is a shining example of India’s expanding influence in the global AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) sector. The studio envisions a future where Indian cultural narratives take center stage in the global gaming industry. By blending storytelling, artistry, and technical expertise, the studio aims to redefine gaming as a medium for preserving and sharing India’s timelessly rich cultural heritage. Kapih exemplifies this vision, offering players a profound and entertaining connection to India’s rich history.

The trailer for Kapih is now live, offering a glimpse into this captivating world of adventure and artistry. Experience the journey of an unsung hero and witness the fusion of ancient tradition with cutting-edge gaming innovation.