Avinash Rohra 
A Bold New Voice in Gaming Emerges from India
The gaming world is no stranger to underdog stories, but few are as compelling as the rise of underDOGS Studio and their upcoming title, Mukti. This first-person narrative adventure, set against the evocative backdrop of mid-2000s India, isn’t just another indie game—it’s a cultural milestone. As part of Sony’s India Hero Project, Mukti promises to deliver a gripping tale of mystery and social commentary, wrapped in stunning visuals and immersive gameplay.
For years, the global gaming industry has been dominated by Western and Japanese narratives. But with Mukti, underDOGS Studio is challenging the status quo, proving that Indian stories can resonate on a worldwide stage. The newly released gameplay trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into the game’s atmospheric world, where players step into the shoes of Arya, a young woman unraveling her grandfather’s disappearance in a labyrinthine museum. The trailer teases haunting visuals, intricate puzzles, and a storyline that tackles the harrowing issue of human trafficking—a bold choice for a medium often criticized for shying away from real-world themes.
What makes Mukti even more exciting is its technical ambition. Designed to leverage the PS5’s cutting-edge features, including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, the game aims to blur the line between storytelling and interactivity. Meanwhile, the PC version boasts robust specs, catering to both mid-range and high-end rigs. But beyond the tech, Mukti represents something bigger: a testament to the growing prowess of India’s game development scene. As Vaibhav Chavan, the game’s director and underDOGS Studio founder, puts it, “This isn’t just about one game—it’s about opening doors for an entire generation of Indian creators.”
The Story Behind Mukti—A Game with a Purpose
At its core, Mukti is a narrative-driven experience that refuses to pull punches. The game’s premise—set in a sprawling museum filled with secrets—serves as a metaphor for India’s layered history and societal challenges. Arya’s quest to find her grandfather quickly spirals into a deeper exploration of human trafficking, a issue rarely addressed in mainstream gaming. This isn’t just a whodunit; it’s a why-dunit, forcing players to confront uncomfortable truths while navigating beautifully rendered environments.
underDOGS Studio’s decision to tackle such a heavy topic is both risky and refreshing. While many indie games lean into fantasy or sci-fi escapism, Mukti grounds itself in realism, drawing inspiration from real-world events. The museum setting, for instance, isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right, with every artifact and corridor hinting at untold stories. This attention to detail reflects the team’s commitment to authenticity, something Chavan emphasizes repeatedly. “We wanted to create a world that feels lived-in, where every object has history,” he explains.
The game’s emotional weight is amplified by its first-person perspective, which immerses players in Arya’s shoes. Unlike traditional action-adventure titles, Mukti prioritizes atmosphere and introspection over combat. Puzzles are designed to be cerebral, often requiring players to piece together clues from environmental storytelling. This approach aligns with Sony’s India Hero Project’s goal of fostering innovative, culturally significant games. By blending social commentary with engaging gameplay, Mukti could set a new standard for narrative depth in indie gaming.
PS5 and PC—A Technical Showcase for Indian Game Dev
One of Mukti’s most impressive feats is its technical polish. The PS5 version, optimized for 4K resolution, leverages the console’s hardware to create a sensory experience. Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are tuned to subtle vibrations during quiet moments, like turning a rusted key or flipping through a dusty journal. These nuances might seem small, but they add layers of immersion rarely seen in indie titles.
The PC version, meanwhile, caters to a broad audience with scalable specs. Minimum requirements include a GTX 1650 or RX 570, ensuring accessibility, while recommended specs (RTX 4060 Ti or RX 7700 XT) promise buttery-smooth performance for high-end users. Full controller support and Steam achievements round out the package, making Mukti a versatile addition to any library.
What’s striking is how underDOGS Studio, despite its indie roots, has embraced AAA-level ambition. The team’s collaboration with Sony underscores the growing recognition of Indian developers in the global market. As Chavan notes, “Being part of the India Hero Project validated our vision—it showed us that our stories matter.”
Why Wishlists Matter—and What’s Next for underDOGS Studio
For indie studios, wishlists are more than metrics—they’re lifelines. Every Mukti wishlist on Steam or PS Store signals to platforms and publishers that there’s demand for diverse narratives. Chavan’s plea to fans—“If the teaser stirs something in you, hit that wishlist button”—isn’t just marketing; it’s a rallying cry for underrepresented voices in gaming.
Looking ahead, Mukti’s success could pave the way for more Indian studios to secure funding and visibility. underDOGS Studio’s roadmap includes post-launch content and potential expansions, but their ultimate goal is broader: to inspire a new wave of Indian game developers.
A Game That Could Change the Game
FAQs
- When will Mukti release?
No release date yet, but wishlisting is live on PS Store and Steam. - What’s the India Hero Project?
Sony’s initiative to support Indian game developers with funding and mentorship. - Is Mukti a horror game?
No—it’s a narrative adventure with thriller elements and social commentary. - Will Mukti support ray tracing?
Not confirmed, but the PC specs suggest high-end visual fidelity. - How long is the game?
Details aren’t public, but expect a story-driven experience with replayable puzzles.
Mukti isn’t just a game—it’s a statement. By blending poignant storytelling with technical excellence, underDOGS Studio is proving that Indian developers belong on the global stage. Whether you’re a PS5 owner craving immersive haptics or a PC gamer hungry for fresh narratives, Mukti deserves your attention.
