India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) 2023 Recap

Our studio director Prashast Thapan, producer Malvika Mital, and developers Rishabh Kukreti and Sahil Sharma, all found themselves among over 4000 attendees with a plan to show 1000 Deaths, give out merch, and host a speedrunning tournament. The team was unsure what to expect, but the response exceeded all our expectations.

Our experience unearthed a hidden treasure – the Indian gaming market's desire for captivating, narrative-driven experiences. Rishabh witnessed this firsthand, realizing that Indian gamers craved more than the typical shooters and gambling fare. “From seeing players get sucked into the world of 1000 Deaths to hearing from India's leading Game CEOs about the market trends, I really did see for myself how the Indian gaming market has matured and is hungry to try out a whole variety of different mechanics.” The warm reception to our demo at IGDC mirrored the recognition from our showcases in the NYC indie circuit, despite the cultural and geographic differences–a testament to the universal appeal of 1000 Deaths.

Sahil felt the impact of 1000 Death's visuals. "Everyone absolutely loved it and were quite fascinated," he shared. The off-beat visuals, punchy storyline, and branching narratives struck a chord: proving that Indian gamers craved experiences that were different.

According to Malvika, “The reactions to 1000 Deaths were all over the place: laughter, frustration, surprise – it was like an emotional rollercoaster for players. Some got super competitive during the speedrun competition, and others were just having a blast trying to find creative ways to speedrun the arcade levels.” The spirit of competition boomed in our speedrunning tournament, dedicated participants racked up death counts with infectious enthusiasm. But on the final day, the community rose above rivalry, sharing strategies and helping each other beat the high score. “This was my favorite moment,” said Prashast, “when the competitors started cooperating to beat the high score. It’s moments like that which make all this worthwhile.”

IGDC 2023 wasn't just about showing our game; it was a beautiful exchange. We unveiled our project, and in return, Indian gamers revealed their deep desire for captivating stories, artistic visuals, and a supportive community. Our mutual discovery propels us towards a future where 1000 Deaths resonate with a wide audience. We're working hard to bring the game to life. Stay tuned for updates!

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