Pune-based game development studio, SuperGaming, has officially launched its highly anticipated battle royale game, Indus, in open beta on August 16, 2024. This made-in-India title is a major milestone for the studio, which has spent over two-and-a-half years developing the game with a unique theme inspired by Indian culture and mythology. Set in a futuristic India, Indus uses the Indus Valley Civilization as its core backdrop, offering a refreshing and culturally rich experience in the competitive battle royale genre.
Availability and Pre-Registrations
Indus is now available as a free download on the Google Play Store for Android users. iOS users can access the beta version through an invitation link provided via Apple’s TestFlight app. SuperGaming began pre-registrations for Indus on Android in January 2023, followed by iOS pre-registrations in July 2023. The game has already crossed over 12 million pre-registrations, indicating the significant interest it has garnered within the gaming community.
“With the launch of the open beta for Indus Battle Royale, we are excited to welcome a broader audience to experience the game. This phase is a vital part of our development as it allows us to gather feedback from a wider player base beyond our closed beta group,” said Roby John, co-founder of SuperGaming. Prior to the open beta, Indus was launched in a closed beta in February 2024.
Gameplay Features and Mechanics
SuperGaming’s Indus differentiates itself from other battle royale titles by blending Indian themes with futuristic sci-fi elements. The game introduces a new “Grudge” feature in the open beta, adding an innovative revenge-based gameplay mechanic. This feature activates when a player is eliminated by another, allowing the defeated player to declare a “Grudge” against their opponent. The game will then prioritize matching these two players together in future matches, giving the eliminated player a chance at redemption.
The open beta also allows players to explore Indus’ expansive map, which is rich in Indian lore and architectural elements. The aesthetic offers a fresh look compared to other games in the genre, helping Indus stand out with its distinctly Indian narrative while maintaining the exhilarating gameplay expected from a battle royale title.
Competing in a Crowded Battle Royale Market
Indus enters a fiercely competitive battle royale market dominated by titles such as Krafton’s Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Garena’s Free Fire, and global giants like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Apex Legends. The genre’s popularity stems from its last-man-standing mechanics, where players compete in online matches until only one survives.
To differentiate itself, SuperGaming has optimized Indus to run on low-end Android smartphones priced at around Rs. 8,000, ensuring accessibility to a larger audience, particularly in India, where mobile gaming is booming. This approach could be a critical factor in Indus’ success as it strives to carve out a niche in the highly competitive battle royale space.
Strategic Collaborations and Global Ambitions
In November 2023, SuperGaming announced a collaboration with Fortnite, a strategic move aimed at reaching a global audience. This partnership enables Indus to showcase its gameplay, map, and modes in Fortnite’s creator mode on PC and macOS, leveraging Fortnite’s extensive player base to gain visibility. The collaboration is a testament to SuperGaming’s ambition to position Indus as a global battle royale game.
Additionally, SuperGaming is revamping its content creator program, Indus Insiders, to provide participants with opportunities to collaborate directly with the development team. This initiative aims to create engaging content that highlights Indus’ unique features and strengthens its community-driven approach.
Market Impact and Growth Potential
India is currently the fastest-growing gaming market in Asia, both in terms of revenue and the number of gamers, according to a report by Niko Partners. The combined revenue from mobile, PC, and console gaming is projected to reach $943 million in 2024, representing a 13.6 percent increase from the previous year. The market is expected to surpass $1 billion in 2025 and reach $1.4 billion in 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1 percent.
With Indus, SuperGaming aims to tap into this burgeoning market by offering a made-in-India experience that resonates with local players while also appealing to a global audience. Supported by prominent investors such as Bandai Namco, Andreessen Horowitz, and Skycatcher, SuperGaming has the backing and resources to position Indus as a key player in the battle royale genre.
CONCLUSION
The launch of Indus in open beta is a significant achievement for SuperGaming and the Indian gaming industry as a whole. With its unique theme, cultural elements, and strategic features like the “Grudge” system, Indus has the potential to disrupt the battle royale market. As SuperGaming refines the game and gathers feedback, it is positioning Indus to become a flagship title in India’s growing gaming landscape, showcasing the country’s potential to develop world-class gaming experiences.
The future of Indus looks promising as it takes the first steps in becoming a noteworthy contender in the global battle royale arena, all while championing the ethos of a made-in-India game.
