The Emmy-nominated 88 Pictures’ game development company, 88 Games, has formally unveiled Kapih, its first action platformer that immerses players in a diverse array of Indian folklore. The game, which draws inspiration from India’s ageless tales, combines intense cultural storytelling with fast-paced gameplay to create an unforgettable experience.
Kapih combines platforming challenges with dynamic combat as players navigate hand-crafted levels. The game introduces various gameplay mechanics, including horizontal shoot-em-up sequences and vehicle-based sections. Alongside the run-n-gun action, Kapih includes boss battles that test players’ reflexes and strategic thinking. Players will also find new weapons and power-ups to enhance their experience.
In addition, Kapih offers a local co-op mode, where players can join forces as Vaanar and his companion, Bindu, to overcome obstacles and explore the deeper layers of the story. These mechanics create an immersive, action-packed journey that is steeped in both gameplay excitement and cultural depth.
To ensure cultural accuracy, 88 Games used Sanskrit as the game’s audio language. The studio worked closely with Sanskrit scholars, ensuring players are immersed in the grandeur of ancient India’s linguistic traditions. The game’s art style, dubbed “Kapih Style,” pays tribute to India’s diverse artistic heritage, with influences from Kalamkari, Thanjavur, Warli, and Madhubani art forms. Intricate hand-drawn villages, vibrant landscapes, and mandala-infused visuals bring India’s cultural vibrancy to life in every detail.
Kapih’s story draws inspiration from the ancient Indian epic, Ramayana, centering around Vaanar, an unsung hero who embarks on a life-changing adventure after his village is destroyed. Far from the tales of kings and warriors, Vaanar’s journey focuses on the ordinary heroes whose stories have shaped history.
Speaking about the launch, Milind D. Shinde, Founder & CEO of 88 Games, shared, “Kapih is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of our culture, our stories, and the extraordinary in the ordinary. Through Kapih, we wanted to create an experience that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable—a journey that not only entertains but also sparks a sense of pride in our heritage. For us at 88 Games, this is a defining step toward our vision of bringing Indian narratives to the forefront of global gaming. We’re honoured to share this heartfelt adventure with the world and hope it resonates with players in meaningful ways.”
This launch aligns with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for Indian game developers to embrace the country’s rich cultural heritage and gain global recognition. Kapih represents a crucial step in this vision, as it targets a global audience while preserving and sharing India’s cultural treasures through gaming. As India’s gaming market grows, with 590 million gamers expected by FY 24, Kapih aims to play a key role in pushing console and PC gaming into the mainstream.