17th July 2024, Mumbai: Former team members of “Rogue Heist,” India’s first multiplayer shooter game, have joined forces to develop a new first-person shooter (FPS) game under the banner of Shortgun Games. The latest video game developer announces its plan to raise $6.8 million in a new round of funding. This initiative strives to establish a new standard in the Indian gaming industry by developing India’s first distinctive first-person shooter game for PC and console, uniquely integrated with immersive storytelling to captivate a global audience.
Expanding Horizons: Asia, MENA, and India Drive Global Games Market Growth:
The global games market is experiencing significant growth driven by key regions such as Asia and MENA. Projections indicate these regions will expand their gamer base from 1.6 billion in 2023 to nearly 2 billion by 2028. This growth is accompanied by substantial revenue with Asia and MENA generating $85.5 billion last year alone, representing over half of global spending on mobile and PC games and marking a 4.6% year-on-year increase.
India emerges as a prominent market in this expansion, expected to add 277 million gamers by 2028, constituting 72% of the overall growth in gamers across Asia and MENA, surpassing China’s growth rate. Following India, several MENA countries, including KSA, UAE, and Egypt, show strong growth trends, while Japan and Korea exhibit slower rates of expansion.
What Sets the New Game Apart:
1) A Fresh Take on Traditional FPS: It introduces new elements that will change familiar gameplay models, keeping players engaged and on their toes.
2) Dynamic and Unpredictable Gameplay: No two rounds will be the same, requiring players to adapt and innovate constantly, making each match a new challenge.
3) Unique Hero Abilities: Hero abilities are designed to be strategically important, making every move and decision critical to gameplay.
4) An Innovative Scoring System: The game features a new scoring system that rewards quick thinking and adaptability, with the potential for both high rewards and high stakes.
5) Expansive Maps and Multiple Objectives: The maps offer endless possibilities, with multiple objectives creating a complex battlefield where anything can happen.
Fund Allocation:
The funds raised will be strategically allocated, with 80% dedicated to game development and 20% to marketing efforts. To support the project, Shortgun Games is seeking investments from venture capital firms, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) both nationally and internationally. Notably, the platform has already received interest from a gaming funds, indicating industry support and promising prospects for the game’s success.
Founder’s Vision:
“We are on the brink of a gaming revolution,” said Vidhit Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO of Shortgun Games. “Shortgun Games has already captured the attention and support of the gaming community with our innovative approach and commitment to quality. Through our initial fundraising campaign, we are dedicated to creating a world-class shooting game that will captivate gamers worldwide. Our strategic investments in development and marketing will drive our growth and contribute to pushing the boundaries of the global gaming market.”
Reflecting on industry trends, Jeet Chandan, Co-Founder at Shortgun, said, “Asia and MENA made substantial contributions to the global PC gaming market, accounting for 50.4% of a $39.2 billion industry last year. Notably, PC gaming in China alone constituted over 28% of total spending. Moreover, the average weekly gaming hours in Asia rebounded by 36.2% year-on-year, highlighting the dynamic nature of these gaming markets. To meet these standards, our team is dedicated to crafting an unforgettable experience that resonates deeply with hardcore gamers.”
Driven by innovation, Ashish R. Beuria, Game Director of Shortgun Games, emphasizes their unique approach to FPS games. “Our game features characters from diverse backgrounds with rich lore, enhancing the overall experience. We believe compelling characters and their backstories are crucial, even if the story exists outside of gameplay. Integrating this depth with dynamic, engaging gameplay is our key focus, ensuring every match feels fresh and exhilarating.”
