Some time ago Sony Computer Entertainment Europe launched Hanuman: Boy Warrior for the PS2. The game was developed by an Indian game development studio. Now Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has announced the launch of Desi Adda: Games of India for the PS2 and PSP, also developed by an Indian game development studio, GameShastra Solutions. SCEE will publish the game here in India as well as for the global market.
Desi Adda: Games of India is the first game for the PSP which has been completely developed by an Indian game development studio, and is also the first console game to be playable in three Indian languages, Hindi, Punjabi and Tamil. The game draws inspiration from the good old traditional games of India.
Atindriya Bose, Country Manager – PlayStation, Sony Computer Entertainment exclaimed, “We are very proud to launch the first Indian game on PSP with localized content, in 3 Indian languages completely developed in India. These are the long-established, traditional games of India that are now inspiring games on the very modern interactive platform of PlayStation. On PS2 and PSP platform, people will, for the first time, get to play these time-honored games and carry forward the flavors of traditional India to the newer generations.”
Prakash Ahuja, CEO, Gameshastra, commented, “When we presented the concept of Desi Adda to SCEE, we were pleasantly surprised with the enthusiasm and the support that we got from SCEE to build India based thematic content for the Indian market and the Diaspora globally. We are very excited with the way the game has evolved and are thankful to SCEE for all their belief in launching this title across their major platforms. Currently, we are also working on a new genre of game based on Indian Martial Arts, along with multiple titles for the PSP Minis platform for the global market.”
Desi Adda: Games of India is the story of Avinash, the son of a non-resident Indian businessman. Having lived all his life in a foreign country, he is fascinated by what he sees when he comes to visit a village in India. As he roams around the village he partakes in various village games played by the locals. He also meets Gowri and Gopal, a couple in love, and who want to get married, but cannot because the village head Garjan Singh, is opposed to it.
The game features six traditional Indian games including Pachisi, a turn-based board game played using two rectangular dice, Aadu Puli Aatam, a hunt game between extravagant Tigers and deceitful goats, Kite fight, a kite flying game where the aim is to cut other kites, Kabaddi, a team sport, Gilli Danda, a game similar to cricket but played without a ball, and Dance game, a beat matching game in which the gamer must match beats of the song playing in the background.
Desi Adda: Games of India will be available in India at a suggested retail price of Rs. 499 for the PS2 and Rs. 999 for the PSP. No clear release date has been provided though.