Pixel P&L: Indian Game Studio Blends Film and Gaming for "Mukti"

Welcome to another Pixel P&L edition. This issue takes 4 minutes to read. If you only have one, here are the 5 most important things:

• underDOGS Studio recruits Bollywood talent for PlayStation 5's "Mukti," betting on star power for India's gaming breakthrough.

• Zupee cuts 30% of staff as real-money gaming bans devastate the sector.

• Germany approves esports non-profit recognition, unlocking tax benefits in Europe's largest esports market.

• Ubisoft eliminates nine jobs ahead of launching its new Tencent-backed subsidiary focused on major franchises.

• Sony launches PlayStation Family App for remote parental controls. 

Let's get into it.

Indian Studio Taps Bollywood Talent for Ambitious PlayStation Gaming Project

Mumbai-based underDOGS Studio is betting on star power for its most ambitious gaming venture, recruiting prominent actors including Ahilya Bamroo and theater veteran M.K. Raina for narrative adventure "Mukti," slated for 2026 release.

The PlayStation 5 and PC title, developed under Sony's PlayStation India Hero Project initiative, abandons traditional animation in favor of filmed performances integrated directly into gameplay. Bamroo, known for Shoojit Sircar's "I Want to Talk," stars as protagonist Arya Roy alongside Pawan Chopra and Sraman Chatterjee.

"These aren't cameos," said Vaibhav Chavan, the studio's founder-CEO and game director. "They are the emotional core of 'Mukti.' Every performance was treated like cinema."

The production represents a significant gamble for Indian game development, testing whether locally-created narrative experiences can achieve international success. The title will feature dual-language voice acting in English and Hindi, with additional subtitle options targeting global markets.

Sony's Hero Project supports local studios developing content with worldwide appeal, and is positioning "Mukti" as a potential breakthrough for India's gaming industry on the global stage.

Online Money Gaming Platform Zupee Cuts 30% of Staff as India's Real-Money Gaming Ban Takes Toll

Indian gaming platform Zupee is laying off 170 employees, representing 30% of its workforce, as the company adapts to India's sweeping ban on real-money gaming that has devastated the sector.

Chief Executive Dilsher Singh Malhi called the decision "tough but necessary" in a September 11 statement, as the startup joins a growing list of gaming companies shedding jobs following regulatory changes that prohibit online games where users deposit money expecting winnings.

The Mumbai-based company, founded in 2018 and known for digitized board games like Ludo and Snakes and Ladders, is providing affected employees up to six months of financial support beyond contractual notice periods, extended health insurance coverage, and access to an INR 1 Crore medical fund.

The layoffs underscore the broader industry upheaval, with rival platforms cutting hundreds of positions. Head Digital Works recently eliminated nearly 500 jobs, while Mobile Premier League is reportedly downsizing 60-80% of its Indian workforce. Zupee is pivoting toward ad-supported social games and has launched micro-drama content and subscription services for its 150 million users.

⚡️Quick Bytes

Ubisoft Cuts Nine Jobs Ahead of Tencent-Backed Unit Launch

Ubisoft eliminated nine roles, primarily from its publishing team, as part of restructuring to launch a new Tencent-backed subsidiary focused on major franchises including Assassin's Creed and Far Cry. The French gaming giant said the cuts were necessary for a "smooth and swift launch" of the unit, which received a €1.16 billion ($1.25 billion) minority investment from the Chinese tech conglomerate in March.

Sony Launches Mobile App for PlayStation Parental Controls

Sony introduced the PlayStation Family App for iOS and Android devices, enabling parents to remotely manage their children's gaming through real-time notifications and spending limits. The free app allows approval of restricted games, playtime extensions, and includes daily activity reports.

Germany Approves Esports Non-Profit Recognition Proposal

The German government approved a proposal recognizing esports as a non-profit activity, awaiting Bundestag ratification. The measure would grant tax benefits to esports organizations and government recognition in Europe's largest esports market, which generates €160 million ($174 million) annually.

⚔️Side Quest

📺 Watch: This rare interview with Fallout's co-creator Tim Cain reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about designing The Master, balancing humor with darkness, and the franchise's evolution under Bethesda. Essential viewing for Fallout fans and aspiring developers seeking insights from a 44-year industry veteran who shaped gaming's most iconic post-apocalyptic world.

🎮 Play: At 65% off, Laika: Aged Through Blood is an essential buy. This emotionally intense Metroidvania features unique motorcycle-based combat and stunning visuals. While the one-hit death system seems punishing, generous checkpoints keep frustration low. Perfect for story-driven gamers seeking something truly special.

📚 Read: Valuable insights into FreePlay's journey from hypercasual to hybridcasual gaming, revealing how they achieved 2 billion downloads. Learn about their monetization strategies, creative marketing approaches, and why they prioritize quality over quantity in game development and publishing.

💡Did You Know

NetEase Games, the powerhouse behind Marvel Rivals and former operator of Blizzard Entertainment's Chinese versions of World of Warcraft, StarCraft II, and Overwatch from 2008 to 2023, has an unexpected side business: pig farming. The company has three massive pig farms producing 670,000 hogs annually. CEO Ding Lei launched this venture in 2009 during China's African swine fever crisis, which devastated pig populations and sent pork prices surging 47%.

📜 Quote of the Day

Was this forwarded to you? Sign up for free here. 

We read every email! Share your feedback by hitting reply.