The debut episode of the Great Indian Gaming Podcast brought together Vaibhav Chavan and Shagun to dive into their inspiring journeys, share hard-earned lessons, and reflect on the growth of the Indian gaming industry. Here are the key takeaways from this engaging conversation:
From Coding to Game Design – A Personal Journey
Shagun recounted his unique pathway into game design, starting with self-taught coding as a teenager. His first project? A Mario-inspired game made in C++ to impress someone special. While it didn’t work out romantically, it fueled his passion for game creation. With early influences like Need for Speed, Command & Conquer, and Age of Empires, Shagun’s love for storytelling and strategic gameplay found its roots.
Lesson Learned: Sometimes, your personal passions become the foundation for your professional journey.
The Need for Education in Gaming
Back in 2014, resources and guidance on studying game design were scarce in India. Shagun’s exploration led him to apply for international game design programs, though he faced rejections from prestigious universities like MIT and USC. Ultimately, his research on behavioral economics and gaming at the London School of Economics shaped his understanding of user experience, player motivations, and game systems.
Key Insight: Formal education is valuable, but curiosity and hands-on experience can be equally transformative.
Building Games in India – Challenges and Opportunities
The conversation highlighted the challenges of entering the Indian gaming industry, especially a decade ago. Gaming was often seen as an unconventional career, but perseverance and passion opened doors. Shagun shared how conferences like IGDC (Indian Game Developer Conference) were pivotal in networking and discovering opportunities.
Takeaway: Conferences like IGDC are not just industry events—they’re community hubs that can launch careers.
The Venture Capital Mindset in Gaming
Shagun’s stint in venture capital provided valuable insights into how funding works in gaming. He emphasized that VCs focus less on individual games and more on the studio’s potential for scalable success. Developers should highlight their team’s strengths, a clear business model, and long-term vision.
Myth Busted: VCs don’t fund games; they invest in businesses that can create sustainable growth.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Game Designers
The duo stressed the importance of continuous learning. Aspiring game designers need to consume diverse content, from games and books to movies and beyond. Shagun’s advice? “Don’t just stick to popular titles. Explore indie games, failed projects, and unconventional narratives to build fresh ideas.”
Pro Tip: Inspiration comes from everywhere—be a sponge for knowledge.
A Promising Future for Indian Gaming
Both Vaibhav and Shagun agreed that the Indian gaming industry is on the cusp of global recognition. With increased access to funding, better tools, and growing talent from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, the next big gaming success story could come from India.
Closing Thoughts: The journey for Indian gaming is just beginning, and platforms like the Great Indian Gaming Podcast aim to document and celebrate this growth.
Subscribe to the PodcastIf you enjoyed these insights, don’t miss out on future episodes of the Great Indian Gaming Podcast. Hear directly from industry veterans, up-and-coming developers, and everyone in between. Subscribe today!
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