The Great Indian Gaming Podcast

In this episode of The Great Indian Gaming Podcast, we dive into the journey of Karan Khairajani, a game developer and entrepreneur who went from struggling to getting acquired. Karan shares his early challenges, including running out of money while trying to keep his studio alive, and how his team eventually found success with hyper-casual games. Their three hit games—Soap Cutting, Acrylic Nails, and Hair Dye—have collectively amassed over 400 million downloads worldwide. Karan reflects on the challenges of the Indian gaming industry, emphasizing the immense talent available but the lack of homegrown games that have scaled globally. He discusses his entrepreneurial spirit, having co-founded multiple companies, and the lessons he learned along the way. He recalls his early days in game development, his decision to return to Mumbai for family, and the ups and downs of running a game studio with limited resources. The conversation also delves into the booming hyper-casual market, the influence of Turkish developers, and the evolution of user acquisition strategies in mobile gaming. Karan highlights the importance of analytics, optimizing ad creatives, and balancing attention-grabbing content with ethical advertising practices. Finally, he shares insights on the acquisition process, the challenges of navigating legal documentation, and his experience working with Crazy Labs post-acquisition. Throughout the episode, Karan provides valuable takeaways for aspiring game developers, emphasizing persistence, adaptability, and the importance of learning from failures.

In this episode of The Great Indian Gaming Podcast, Rahul Sehgal from Gamer2maker dives deep into the world of game design, career transitions, and what it truly takes to build a career in the gaming industry. We discuss the often-overlooked soft skills that make up 70% of game design and the critical role communication plays in bringing game ideas to life. From understanding the importance of storytelling and mechanics to effectively collaborating with teams across art, programming, and production—this episode is packed with insights for aspiring game designers. We also touch on the global landscape of game education, contrasting the intensive, hands-on programs in the West with the opportunities in India. Learn how the gaming industry has become the world’s largest entertainment sector, even surpassing movies and TV, and why passion, focus, and professionalism are key to thriving in this field. Whether you’re looking to break into the industry, sharpen your skills, or understand the challenges and opportunities of game design, this episode is for you. Tune in for a candid conversation packed with knowledge, experience, and advice for gamers, creators, and enthusiasts alike!

Join us in this exciting episode as we sit down with Nikhil Malankar, the founder of GameEon Studios and creator of the much-anticipated open-world game, Mumbai Gullies! Nikhil shares his journey, from starting his game development career at 19 to creating 200+ games before embarking on his dream project, Mumbai Gullies. We discuss the journey and challenges of building AAA-quality titles, and the evolving gaming landscape in India. From the impact of mobile gaming to the future potential of PC and console games, this candid conversation explores the stories, struggles, and aspirations of Indian game developers. Dive into insights about the global reach of Indian games, the need for experienced studios, and why India is poised to become a hub for AAA game development in the next decade. Don't miss this inspiring episode packed with industry knowledge, personal anecdotes, and dreams for the future of Indian gaming!

In this episode, we dive into a deep and engaging conversation with Deepak Gurijala from Street Lamp Games, a dynamic figure in the gaming industry. Deepak shares his unique journey from almost pursuing an MBA in the US to founding and running his successful gaming company. We explore the highs and lows of his career, including his critical insights on game development, publishing, and his personal experiences that shaped his approach to business and creativity. The discussion offers invaluable lessons on perseverance, the importance of community in the gaming industry, and how personal relationships have propelled his success.

In this episode, we delve into the intersection of personal experiences and professional insights with our guest, Hrishi Oberoi from Photon Tadpole. He shares valuable lessons learned from his tenure at Disney, the business acumen required for success and the profound impact of personal stories like his father's dedication to duty. Additionally, Hrishi discusses the unique challenges and joys of developing children's content through his project, Lila's World. His reflections on the broader implications of his work and life choices, especially concerning health and well-being, make for a compelling narrative that resonates well beyond the gaming industry. Join us for a conversation full of life lessons and professional wisdom.

In this episode of the "Great Indian Gaming Podcast", Shagun Shah and I delve deep into the Indian Gaming Industry and the games being built currently. We spoke about how VCs operate and how game developers should focus on creating business from their games.