India’s Shortgun Games Raises $1 Million to Build a Third-Person Shooter That Aims to Put Desi Gaming on the Global Map
What happens when Bollywood action meets high-octane gaming?
A lot of buzz — and a $1 million investment.
Shortgun Games, the Indian gaming studio founded by the original creators of Rogue Heist, has just bagged $1 million in seed funding from a group of undisclosed angel investors. And they’re not here to make mobile clones — they’re here to build India’s first globally competitive third-person shooter for PC and consoles.
Yes, you read that right — console gaming, made in India.
A Game-Changing Vision Backed by Real Talent
Founded in 2021 by Jeet Chandan and Vidhit Mehta, Shortgun Games is on a mission to shatter stereotypes about Indian gaming studios. While most of the industry focuses on hypercasual and mobile games, Shortgun is aiming squarely at the hardcore gaming community — with a cinematic, story-driven third-person shooter (TPS) that promises Hollywood-style action and Indian storytelling grit.
And here’s the kicker: they’ve teamed up with Vicky Arora, the action director behind blockbusters like URI, RRR, and the highly anticipated Ramayan Part. Arora is now choreographing in-game combat for Shortgun’s upcoming title — bringing film-grade realism to digital shootouts.
Where the $1 Million Will Go
The studio plans to use the fresh capital to:
- Build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) — a polished 5–8 minute playable slice showcasing unique gameplay, narrative, and action
- Expand its team with strategic hires across art, design, and development
- Attract publishing partners by proving the game’s quality and commercial potential
Currently operating largely from India with a few global collaborators, Shortgun is building lean — but bold. According to the founders, this MVP will be the studio’s make-or-break moment, aiming to secure a larger $5 million round for full production.
Why This Matters for India’s Gaming Industry
India’s gaming market is already booming — worth $5.21 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to $22.53 billion by 2034.
But most of that growth is happening in mobile gaming. PC and console development remains a high-risk, high-reward space — one that few Indian studios have dared to enter.
Shortgun wants to change that.
“We’re not just building another shooter game,” said Jeet Chandan, Co-founder and MD. “We’re crafting a flagship IP that blends cinematic storytelling, emotional decision-making, and tight gameplay — all on a mid-sized studio budget.”
The game is still under wraps, but insiders say it will feature a bold, character-driven story, India-inspired environments, and combat mechanics designed by one of Bollywood’s best.
Final Take: Is This the Breakout Indian Game We’ve Been Waiting For?
With its razor-sharp focus on production quality, immersive storytelling, and a PC/console-first strategy, Shortgun might just do what no Indian studio has done yet — create a homegrown AAA-style shooter that holds its own on the global stage.
Add to that a $1 million runway and the creative muscle of Bollywood’s top action talent — and this studio isn’t just aiming for success.
They’re aiming for legacy.
