Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Vaibhav Chavan, director of Mukti, a game from the PlayStation India Hero Project. Fascinated by the game’s concept and, of course, curious to learn more about the current state of game development in India, I decided to speak with Vaibhav to gain a deeper understanding of the industry there.
With that in mind, the interview will be divided into sections to make the reading experience clearer and more accessible. Mukti is being developed for PS5 and PC by underDOGS Studio. A release date hasn’t been announced yet.
Part 1: Personal Journey with Games
Mr. Chavan, thank you for making this possible. Could you please introduce yourself to our audience?
I’m Vaibhav, Founder and CEO of underDOGS Studio, India. Over 17 years in the gaming industry, I’ve worn multiple hats, from Game Designer, Game Producer and Game Director to founding and growing a sustainable gaming business. A computer engineer turned entrepreneur, my journey began with selling sports card photos, running a cash-positive cyber cafe and eventually founding underDOGS in 2011.
Currently directing Mukti, our first person narrative adventure for PS5 and PC that won Sony PlayStation India Hero Project.
Could you share your earliest memory involving video games? Which game or console first ignited your interest in the medium?
Back in 1999, my father bought me a pre-owned black & white pentium 486 as I was preparing to enroll into engineering. The previous owner of the machine was truly a gamer, because one fine day I just found a folder of 50 iconic DOS based games in the machine, games like Wolfenstein 3D, Blood, Doom, Alan Border Cricket, Prince of Persia 1 etc. I remember playing the very first game, Dangerous Dave that eventually ignited that love and passion for gaming in me.
At what moment did you realize your aspiration extended beyond playing games to creating them? Was there a particular game that significantly influenced your decision to pursue this career path?
In the early years, I played all kinds of games, regardless of genre. But more than just playing, it was the curiosity of how games were made that pushed me toward the gaming industry. Between 2001 and 2007, while I was pursuing a Computer Tech Diploma followed by Engineering, I was also teaching myself everything I could about getting into the industry. With limited internet access and very little information available back then, it was a tough time. But that phase gave me the clarity and confidence I needed to build a future in games.
Could you describe your initial steps into game development? What were the most significant challenges and formative lessons as you endeavored to transform this passion into a profession in India at that time?
I began my career as a Game Designer at INDIAGAMES in 2007, right after graduation. It was there that I learned the fundamentals and finer details of game design. Later, I moved on to GAMES2WIN and HUNGAMA as a Game Producer, where I gained hands-on experience with the complete game production pipeline. from development to publishing. Around 2010, while working as a producer, I realized it was hard to find quality indie studios in India to build games for the company I was with. That pushed me to switch sides and try building games myself. This shift gave me the confidence I needed to eventually start my own studio – underDOGS.
Beyond video games, what other art forms or media—such as literature, film, music, or Indian culture—influence your creative work?
Theatre has been the most integral part of my life when it comes to storytelling. I have acted and directed plays in English and regional language for a decade while making games. There’s a certain magic in theatre, the raw emotions, the live connection with the audience and the way every moment unfolds in real time with no second takes. It teaches you to be present, to understand silence, timing and the depth of human emotion. That experience has been priceless in my journey as a game creator. It helped me shape characters with authenticity, build narratives that resonate and craft experiences that feel alive, just like a powerful scene on stage.
Part 2: Dive Into Mukti
“Mukti” is a powerful and evocative title. Could you elucidate the meaning of the name and how it interweaves with the game’s narrative and overall experience?
“MUKTI” is a regional word, Hindi to be specific. It means LIBERATION. The game portrays a story of rebellion and liberation, hence it fits perfectly fine with the game and story. Mukti delves deeply into a critical social issue that demands our attention: human trafficking.
The description of “Mukti” alludes to an exploration of an Indian museum. How did you approach the research and representation of these sensitive and culturally profound subjects within the game?
We have created a fictional museum where architecture reflects authentic design principles, supported by references like Claude Batley’s Indian Architecture and other historical texts to bring depth and realism to the world. Since the story is deeply rooted in India, it was important for us to keep the setting authentically Indian.
Globally, not many games have taken this approach, which made it even more meaningful. The concept of a museum came about organically, it gave us a way to let players discover the narrative at their own pace, almost like uncovering long-forgotten truths. It became a powerful symbol for a topic that’s often hidden from plain sight. We also wanted exploration to be a meaningful part of the experience, without overshadowing the core story. The museum setting allowed us to naturally weave in India’s cultural richness and historical depth, offering players a chance to engage with stories and contexts that are rarely represented in games.
What are the core gameplay mechanics of “Mukti”? Is there an element you believe players will find particularly innovative or immersive?
It’s a first person exploration setup, where you traverse, explore the museum, inspect objects and artifacts, find and solve puzzles and eventually uncover the story by connecting the dots. There are a few good new mechanics from an immersion perspective in Mukti, that can be experienced when the game comes out. Additionally for consoles, it’s a PS5 exclusive so we are also making sure to leverage the DualSense features as much as we can to better the experience.
What was the most significant technical or creative challenge your team encountered during the development of “Mukti,” and how was it overcome?
The scale and quality of Mukti is something the studio has never attempted before. Every day brings new challenges because, despite being an indie game, we’ve committed to a highly realistic and ambitious vision that pushes our skills and creativity to the limit. Thanks to Sony’s support, this journey has been incredibly exciting and rewarding, filled with valuable learning experiences every day that help us gradually refine and elevate the game to new heights.
Beyond entertainment, what message or lasting impression do you hope players will carry with them after completing “Mukti”?
Mukti is a roller coaster ride of emotions. By allowing players to actively engage with stories, games make important issues feel personal and real, creating strong emotional connections and raising awareness on a global scale. After completing Mukti, players are likely to feel deeply moved and reflective. The game’s emotional storytelling and immersive exploration leave a lasting impact, bringing awareness to difficult realities while offering a sense of hope and empowerment.
How has the experience been developing “Mukti” with a focus on PlayStation platforms?
The DualSense controller has revolutionized the console experience with its adaptive triggers and rich haptic feedback. What excites us most is the freedom to creatively integrate these features into Mukti. Since the game focuses on a cinematic, emotionally-driven narrative, the DualSense has become an essential storytelling tool. The haptic feedback isn’t just for show, it’s carefully crafted to build tension during jumpscares, convey emotions during cutscenes and deepen immersion throughout the game.
Adaptive triggers also add a tangible sense of realism, whether opening a heavy door, flipping a switch, or pulling on a resistant object, you can physically feel the weight and effort behind each action. This goes beyond traditional gameplay, it’s about making players truly experience what the character feels in every moment. With DualSense, we’re not only telling a story, we’re letting players physically connect with it.
What do you hope players, both in India and internationally, will experience and feel as they explore the world and story of “Mukti”?
Players may feel a strong connection to the characters and stories, along with a greater understanding of human trafficking’s complexities. There’s also a feeling of accomplishment from solving puzzles and uncovering hidden truths, making the experience both thought-provoking and rewarding. Overall, Mukti leaves players inspired to think differently and more compassionately about the world around them.
I am a huge fan of trophies and I love to make platinum guides for them. Can we expect a Platinum Trophy in Mukti?
Mukti is linear primarily, but if you are an explorer you will end up spending hours within this museum. We have plenty of elements in the game from collectibles to uncovering artifacts and understanding regional stories. The best part – the museum setup allows us to do so. So the game definitely has trophies and enthusiasts would love exploring.
Part 3: The Indian Game Development Scene
As a prominent figure in Indian game development, how have you observed the industry’s evolution in recent years?
Over the past few years, I’ve seen the Indian game development industry grow tremendously, not just in size but in quality and ambition. There’s been a clear shift from simple mobile games to more complex, narrative-driven titles and even PC and console projects with global appeal. More studios are focusing on creating original IPs with deeper storytelling and the investment landscape is becoming healthier with bigger players supporting indie developers.
At the same time, there’s a stronger community and more knowledge sharing happening, which is helping raise overall standards. While challenges remain, especially around infrastructure and visibility, the passion and talent in India’s game industry have never been stronger and I’m really excited about where we’re headed.
What would you identify as the foremost strengths and unique talents that Indian developers contribute to the global gaming market?
Indian developers bring a unique blend of creativity, adaptability and cultural richness to the global gaming market. One of our biggest strengths is storytelling, drawing from India’s vast and diverse heritage, we offer fresh narratives and perspectives that resonate worldwide. Additionally, Indian developers are incredibly resourceful and skilled at working with limited resources, which drives innovation and efficiency.
Our technical talent is growing rapidly and many teams are mastering complex game mechanics and technologies while blending them with local flavor. This combination of strong storytelling, technical skill and cultural uniqueness makes Indian games stand out and adds valuable diversity to the global gaming landscape.
What are the main obstacles that independent game development studios in India currently face, such as funding, infrastructure, or recognition?
Indie game studios in India face several challenges, with funding being the biggest hurdle, especially for ambitious projects. Good to see the funding scene getting sorted gradually, but we’ll need more successful case studies. Infrastructure issues like access to high-end hardware and reliable internet can slow development. Gaining recognition globally is tough without strong marketing support, and there’s also a lack of experienced mentorship and industry networks. Despite these obstacles, the passion of Indian indie developers keep pushing the industry ahead.
“Mukti” exhibits a strong cultural identity. Do you perceive a growing interest in exploring Indian narratives and aesthetics in games, both domestically and globally?
Absolutely. There’s definitely a growing curiosity and appreciation for Indian stories and aesthetics in games, both within India and internationally. As Indian developers create more authentic and high-quality content, players around the world are eager to experience fresh perspectives rooted in our rich culture.
This is what happened with Japanese and Chinese games in the last 3-4 years. Global gaming audience has kind of reached a stagnancy point with the same backdrops for decades. They want to explore new cultural backdrops. Domestically, this also helps players connect deeply with their own heritage. I believe this trend will continue to grow, opening up exciting opportunities for Indian narratives to shine on the global stage.
How do you assess the existing support ecosystem for game developers in India, encompassing government initiatives, investors, and communities? What areas could benefit from enhancement?
It is definitely improving. We’re seeing more interest from investors and government initiatives have started acknowledging the potential of the gaming sector. Communities are also becoming stronger, with more events, mentorship and collaboration among developers.
There’s still a long way to go. Funding opportunities need to be more accessible, especially for original IPs and PC/console projects. Government policies can be more focused and structured specifically around gaming, not just clubbed under IT or animation. We also need stronger industry-academia collaboration and more formal training programs to nurture talent at scale. Overall, the foundation is there it just needs sharper focus and more sustained support.
IAs are a hot topic now. What’s your opinion on this subject. And does your team use any IA in Mukti’s development?
We tend to use AI in select areas like concept generation, reference gathering and streamlining or accelerating certain documentation tasks. However, we’re careful to ensure it complements our creative vision rather than replacing it. At the end of the day, Mukti is a deeply human story and the emotional core still comes from real people pouring their hearts into the craft.
Part 4: The PlayStation India Hero Project
“Mukti” is a flagship title of the PlayStation India Hero Project. What is the importance of this initiative for you, your team, and the broader Indian gaming landscape?
Being part of the prestigious PlayStation India Hero Project with Mukti has been a huge milestone, not just for me and my team, but for the Indian gaming ecosystem as a whole. For us, it’s a validation of our vision and the years of effort we’ve put into telling a meaningful, culturally rooted story on a global platform.
It also builds up a lot of responsibility on us. The support from PlayStation has given us the resources and mentorship to push our boundaries in terms of quality and ambition. It is kind of a spotlight on Indian developers and shows that original stories from this region have a place on the world stage. It’s opening doors for more local talent to dream bigger and I believe it marks the beginning of a new era for Indian game development.
Could you describe the process through which “Mukti” was selected for the India Hero Project? What form of support—be it financial, mentorship, or technical—did PlayStation provide, and how did this influence the game’s development?
We submitted our concept through the program’s open call, which was evaluated by Sony. Our game’s focus on a culturally rich, socially impactful narrative resonated with their vision of supporting unique and authentic stories. Once selected, the support from Sony was on all domains. Financial backing provided us with the resources to enhance the game’s quality.
Technical support, including access to development kits and expertise on PlayStation 5 features like the DualSense controller, allowed us to deepen the immersive experience. Mentorship from industry veterans guided us through best practices in tech art, optimization and marketing, ensuring that Mukti could reach a global audience effectively. This comprehensive support not only elevated Mukti’s development but also empowered our team to push creative boundaries, contributing to the broader growth of the Indian gaming industry.
Do you believe the India Hero Project can serve as a turning point, encouraging more Indian developers to create for consoles and reach a global audience?
Absolutely. The India Hero Project is a game changer for Indian developers. It proves that original stories from the Indian shores can thrive on global console platforms and encourages studios to aim higher. With funding, mentorship and visibility, it’s inspiring a shift from service work to creating bold, narrative-driven IPs. This could spark a new wave of Indian games built for global audiences.
How is this partnership with PlayStation aiding in elevating the visibility of “Mukti” and, by extension, Indian talent on the world’s gaming stage?
Partnering with PlayStation has massively boosted Mukti’s visibility, putting both our game and Indian talent on the global radar. Being part of an official PlayStation initiative gives Mukti instant credibility and exposure across major platforms like State of Play, PlayStation Blog, and top global media. Our recent Gameplay reveal trailer went live on the main PlayStation Global channel, which was super inspiring. This kind of spotlight is rare for Indian games, and it’s helping break long-standing visibility barriers. More importantly, it’s showing the world that India can deliver powerful, story-driven experiences on par with international standards, something that inspires not just our team, but the entire Indian game dev community.
What are your hopes for the future of the India Hero Project and similar initiatives within India?
I hope the India Hero Project continues to grow, supporting more bold and original Indian games across genres. It has the potential to inspire a strong ecosystem where Indian developers aren’t just participants but leaders on the global stage. More such initiatives can truly position India as a creative force in game development.
There’s any collaboration between the different Hero Projects? I am a huge fan of China Hero Project games and I am looking forward for the upcoming projects from India!
As of now, there’s no direct collaboration but a lot of knowledge sharing between the teams since we are the initial batch of developers, the whole ecosystem is kind of new but exciting for the teams.
Part 5: Looking to the Future
Beyond “Mukti,” what are your future plans or aspirations? Are there new projects or concepts you are keen to explore?
Beyond Mukti, our goal is to build strong, story-driven IPs that can stand on a global stage. We’re already exploring new concepts, some rooted in Indian history and folklore, others more experimental. I’m especially keen on blending games with other media like films, series, interactive experiences to expand our narratives beyond just gameplay. The vision is to establish our studio as a creative powerhouse from India, delivering high-quality, emotionally impactful games with global appeal.
What advice would you offer to young individuals in India who aspire to become game developers?
I’ve shared this in over 600 YouTube videos, start by choosing your domain. Whether it’s design, art, programming, testing, storytelling. Keep learning continuously. Focus on honing your skills and begin creating your own projects early on. Stay connected with the community, be patient and remain persistent. Most importantly, believe in your potential to make an impact.
What is your vision for the future of “Made in India” games in the global market over the next five to ten years?
Made in India games will gain strong recognition and respect globally. As more Indian developers tell authentic, high-quality stories and embrace innovation, our games will move beyond niche markets to mainstream audiences worldwide. With better support, infrastructure and growing confidence, Indian studios will create diverse, world-class titles that compete with the best internationally showcasing India not just as a game consumer, but as a major creative force in the industry.
Mr. Chavan, to conclude, could you share a message with our audience? It can be from any subject.
Whether you’re just starting out or facing challenges along your journey, remember that success is not about luck, it’s about relentless passion, perseverance and the courage to keep pushing forward even when the odds are against you. Believe in your vision, stay true to your craft and don’t be afraid to break the mold. The world is waiting for your story, your game, your voice. Make it count.
Do you plan to play Mukti? Let us know in the comments and join the discussion in the Insider Gaming forums.
