Detective Dotson: India’s First Game-to-Film Phenomenon Unveiled

Ahmedabad-based game studio Masala Games has announced the simultaneous release of their new PC game "Detective Dotson" and its companion film "Detective Dotson: The Movie" on April 24. This marks one of India's first major video game-to-film crossovers.

Led by industry veteran Shalin Shodhan, Masala Games has created this unique experience where players can enjoy both interactive gameplay and cinematic storytelling set in modern-day India.

The movie will be available in Hindi with English subtitles, while the game will be playable on PC through Steam and the Windows Store.

The film, created using Unreal Engine 5, tells the story of Dotson, an amateur detective who is grieving and gets pulled into a dangerous conspiracy. The plot involves a corrupt corporation, a mysterious assassin, and a high-stakes cricket match. The movie provides important backstory for the game, which continues the story where the film ends.

"Detective Dotson: The Movie" features well-known Hindi voice actors, including Sanket Mhatre, who has previously voiced characters like Deadpool and Hawkeye in Hindi dubs of Hollywood blockbusters. Mhatre expressed excitement about being part of India's first video game transmedia project, noting that such crossovers are common in more developed markets.

The soundtrack is another highlight of the project, created in collaboration with Nikhil Rao from Indian Ocean, a pioneering Indian rock band. Both the game and movie share a distinctive visual style that blends 2D and 3D elements to capture the vibrancy of contemporary India.

As for pricing, the game will cost Rs. 500 in India (with a 10% launch discount available) and $20 internationally. Every purchase of the game includes free access to the movie. The film will premiere on the Masala Games website at 6 PM IST on April 24, available in both Hindi and English versions.

Several popular content creators, including LazyAssassin, ThePJOfficial, and Hitesh KS, will host special watch parties featuring custom versions of the Hindi dub.