Masala Games Unveils Its First PC Title
Masala Games, an independent studio rooted in Ahmedabad, India, has officially announced its entry into the PC gaming sphere with Detective Dotson. This title represents the studio’s inaugural venture on Steam, showcasing a richly animated mystery adventure set in a stylized version of modern-day India. The brainchild of Shalin Shodhan, an alumnus of Electronic Arts and Pixar, Masala Games aims to craft unique gaming experiences through simple yet profound gameplay. Detective Dotson is not just a game; it’s envisioned as a tribute to contemporary Indian culture, drawing inspiration from Bollywood and Indian crime dramas.
Game Mechanics and Features
Detective Dotson places players in the shoes of Dotson, a detective embroiled in the mystery surrounding his father’s death. The game challenges players to engage in a variety of detective activities: pursuing criminals, gathering clues, devising disguises, surveilling adversaries, and assembling a capable team to untangle the web of mystery. While the currently available demo offers a glimpse into the gameplay, the full version promises to expand the narrative with more episodes slated for release later this year.
Noteworthy is the game’s development on the Unity engine, ensuring compatibility with a broad spectrum of PC hardware due to its modest system requirements. It also supports controller input and features an original soundtrack by Nikhil Rao of Indian Ocean, enhancing the immersive experience.
Availability and Upcoming Showcase
Currently, gamers can add Detective Dotson to their Steam wishlist and explore its world through the available demo. The game will also make a physical appearance at this year’s Game Developers Conference (GDC). Attendees will have the opportunity to play Detective Dotson at the Courage XL pre-GDC event on March 17 and at the GDC Expo from March 20-22. The Masala Games booth, located across from Alt. Ctrl. GDC. in the startup area, will not only provide a firsthand gaming experience but also offer visitors a chance to win a Nintendo Switch.
Shalin Shodhan, the Founder and CEO of Masala Games, expresses his enthusiasm for Detective Dotson, describing it as a heartfelt homage to India’s vibrant culture and storytelling traditions. As the game nears its full release, its unique narrative and gameplay aim to captivate and engage players worldwide, offering a fresh perspective on the mystery genre.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
