Indian culture, rich in symbols, mythology, majestic architecture, and spiritual traditions, has always fascinated the entertainment world. Unsurprisingly, the video game industry has drawn from this heritage to create unique visual and narrative experiences. In recent years, growing interest in non-Western cultures has pushed developers to explore stories set in new and diverse contexts, and India has earned a place among the most captivating settings.
An epic rooted in India: Raji: An Ancient Epic
One of the most representative video games inspired by Indian culture is Raji: An Ancient Epic, developed by the Indian studio Nodding Heads Games. This action-adventure game is set in a world influenced by Hindu and Balinese folklore. It follows Raji, a young girl chosen by the gods to fight a demon invasion and rescue her brother.
The game draws heavily from sacred texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, featuring artistic settings inspired by Mughal architecture, kathakali dance, and intricately carved temples. Raji is one of the first Indian indie productions to gain global recognition, praised for its visual quality and accessibility to complex mythological themes.
Telling identity through food: Venba
Venba is a narrative title that steps away from action to focus on family storytelling. Set in 1980s Canada, it follows an Indian mother who tries to pass down traditional recipes to the next generation. Through food, the game explores themes of belonging, cultural identity, and intergenerational connection.
With a Tamil cultural backdrop, Venba transforms gameplay into a reflection on heritage and transmission of memory. The dishes, dialogues, and soundtrack are all tied to Indian traditions, making it a heartfelt experience for players who appreciate intimate, story-driven games.
A journey through time with Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India
The iconic Assassin’s Creed franchise dedicated one of its Chronicles spin-offs to 19th-century India with Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India. Set in 1841 during tensions between the Sikh Empire and the East India Company, the game follows assassin Arbaaz Mir on a mission to recover a sacred artifact and uncover a plot.
Though it uses a 2.5D side-scrolling format, the game offers detailed visuals inspired by traditional Indian art and architecture. It’s a vibrant reimagining of a historical period rarely explored in mainstream gaming.
Myths reimagined: Asura
Asura is an action roguelike game inspired by Hindu mythology. Players control a vengeful demon battling gods and supernatural beings in procedurally generated dungeons. Its progression system, inspired by reincarnation, adds layers of depth to the gameplay.
Despite being an indie title, Asura stands out for its visual style and dark reinterpretation of spiritual themes. It’s demanding, but offers rich symbolism and immersive storytelling for mythology lovers.
Online games with an Eastern touch
In addition to console and PC video games, the online gaming world has occasionally featured titles inspired by Indian culture — though often in a symbolic or aesthetic way. Some digital card games, puzzle games, or slot machines include visual elements such as the elephant-headed deity Ganesh, mandalas, colorful gems, or depictions of temples and legends.
These games aim more to evoke an exotic atmosphere than to tell authentic cultural stories. However, they do contribute to spreading Indian-inspired imagery.
Such games can be found on licensed platforms like NetBet, which offers a wide range of digital games featuring different themes, including some that draw from Eastern or mythological inspirations. It’s important to approach these games mindfully, as they are designed for entertainment purposes and should be played responsibly.
Why game designers are drawn to Indian culture
What makes Indian culture so appealing to developers is its vast and layered narrative universe. The presence of complex deities, epic legends, and symbolic richness allows for the creation of diverse and immersive worlds. Indian iconography — with its vibrant colors, detailed decorations, and distinctive music — also provides strong visual and audio identity.
Many Indian development studios are now emerging with original concepts, not only exporting their culture but also helping define a national identity within the global gaming industry.
