🎙️Inside Xigma Games: How Can India Compete Globally?
We visit Xigma Games studio in HSR Layout, Bangalore and discuss their journey and ambitions for global growth
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India’s game development scene is heating up, and Bangalore’s Xigma Games is in the thick of it. In a recent studio visit and chat, we got the scoop on their journey, coolest projects, and what makes them tick. So dive into the world of Xigma Games: how they started, initial success and funding, games developed, studio culture, and future plans coming up!
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Speakers:
Joseph Kim. CEO at Lila Games.
Himanshu Manwani. Co-Founder/Producer/Designer at Xigma Games.
Govardan Gosavi. Co-Founder / Game Director
Section 1: The Birth and Evolution of Xigma Games
From Idea to Reality
Xigma Games was founded in 2016. Its journey began with a quirky game called Super Nano Jumpers, developed by Himanshu, earning him $10,000 in prize money. From there, Himanshu teamed up with Govardan Gosavi to pursue a dream of making games they’d love to play.
Games Galore
Xigma’s game library includes hits like Rubek, The Bonfire: Forsaken Lands, and The Bonfire 2. Their latest brainchild? Metal Haven is a sci-fi strategy game that is a huge departure from the past. They’re making the leap from premium to free-to-play and entering a brand new game genre: 4X.
Section 2: Spotlight on Key Games
Super Nano Jumpers
Imagine a tough-as-nails platformer with a dash of Super Meat Boy magic. That’s Super Nano Jumpers, the game that put Xigma on the map and won them $10,000.
Rubek
This minimalist puzzle game is all about colors and brain-teasing fun. Created during the peak of minimalist game hype, Rubek kept Xigma afloat and growing during its early days.
The Bonfire Series
Inspired by Kingdom New Lands and A Dark Room, The Bonfire series mixes text-based storytelling with snazzy graphics. It’s simple yet addictive, and it’s what got them noticed in the indie game world.
Metal Haven
Xigma’s foray into the free-to-play scene, Metal Haven, is a sci-fi strategy game with base-building, resource management, and mobile 4X gameplay. It’s still in pre-alpha, but a soft launch is on the horizon this October. Stay tuned!
Section 3: The Xigma Work Culture – Where Creativity Meets Chill
Philosophy 101
At Xigma, it’s all about creativity, freedom, and making cool games. They’ve ditched the 9-to-5 grind for a laid-back vibe where the focus is on what you produce, not how many hours you clock in.
Work Hard, Play Harder
The early days were all about the hustle—long hours and burning the midnight oil. But as the team grew and things got stable, they chilled out a bit, making sure no one was burning out.
The Team
Xigma’s crew is still small – just nine members, including the founders. Many team members wear multiple hats and work as a small cross-functional team.
Section 4: Navigating Challenges and Picking Up Wisdom
Indian Game Dev Reality Check
The Indian indie scene has had its ups and downs. Finding the right talent and resources has been a bit of a rollercoaster. But things are changing, and more Indian indie developers aim to make a bigger impact in the global games market.
What They’ve Learned
Stay flexible, keep adapting, and never stop learning. Early hires and firing decisions are crucial. And always be ready to tweak and iterate based on what the market tells you. There is no room for resting on laurels!
Looking Ahead
Xigma dreams of being one of India’s top game studios. They’re gearing up to launch Metal Haven and are looking for funding to take their games to the next level.
Conclusion Xigma Games is a prime example of the indie spirit in India, mixing creativity with a good dose of realism. Their journey is packed with lessons and laughs, showing that you can make a big splash in the gaming world with the right mix of passion and persistence. With a talented team and a clear vision, Xigma Games seeks to rock the global stage. Stay tuned—the adventure is just getting started!
