Pixel P&L: India’s GTA-Style Mobile Game Cancelled
Today we’re covering the shutdown of an Indian game studio, Asus ROG and Global Esports new partnership, an announcement of a new Marvel Rivals tournament, and more.
Hypernova Interactive Shuts Down, Cancels Highly Anticipated Mobile Game Mayanagari
Bangalore-based Hypernova Interactive has ceased development of Mayanagari, its open-world gangster mobile game, after the studio failed to secure further funding, co-founder Mayur Bhimjiyani announced in a LinkedIn post.
The game, in development since 2020, had garnered 1.5 million pre-registrations on Google Play and over 50 million views without paid marketing. Bhimjiyani revealed Hypernova, which raised $1.5 million, exhausted funds despite the buzz, citing investor reluctance in India’s gaming sector to back “actual game content pre-release.”
“We had the love of fans but couldn’t find believers in the VC industry,” wrote Bhimjiyani, now an associate director at Krafton India. He praised his team as “some of the most talented game makers” but confirmed Hypernova’s closure, with all employees laid off.
Inspired by Mumbai and Goa, Mayanagari promised Grand Theft Auto-style gameplay, letting users build criminal empires. Its cancellation underscores challenges for India’s indie studios in scaling AAA projects amid cautious investor sentiment.
Bhimjiyani called the shutdown “heartbreaking” but vowed to continue supporting India’s gaming ecosystem through his new role.
Asus ROG, Global Esports Partner to Train Next-Gen Valorant Talent in India
Asus’ gaming division Republic of Gamers (ROG) has partnered with Indian esports organization Global Esports to launch Seasons 11 and 12 of its ROG Academy, a talent development initiative aimed at nurturing India’s next generation of professional gamers, the companies announced.
Season 11, now open for Valorant registrations, will select players via skill assessments, scrims, and interviews. Finalists will undergo six months of training at Global Esports’ Mumbai bootcamp, receiving mentorship, access to ROG hardware, Tier-1 scrims, and a ₹20,000 monthly stipend. The program targets team synergy and strategic growth, with winners announced post-training.
“This partnership underscores our commitment to building India’s esports ecosystem,” said Global Esports CEO Rushindra Sinha, highlighting ROG’s tech support as key to developing “superstar athletes” for the $140 million Indian gaming market.
⚡Quick Bytes
GodLike Esports Wins Pokémon UNITE ACL India 2025, Secures Spot in Japan Finals
Indian esports organization GodLike Esports triumphed at the Pokémon UNITE ACL 2025 India League (PUACL) on Saturday, securing a $16,000 prize and qualification for the PUACL Finals in Japan, a milestone underscoring investor confidence in India’s gaming sector. The team, overcoming a seventh-place group-stage start, clinched victory after seven consecutive playoff wins in a single day, defeating top rivals including S8UL and Global Esports. The event, organized by Skyesports, featured a $40,000 prize pool and drew over 461,000 viewers on its final day.
NetEase, Marvel Launch Marvel Rivals Championship Season 1
NetEase Games and Marvel Entertainment announced Season 1 of the Marvel Rivals Championship, titled Eternal Night Falls, on Friday, offering a $14,500 prize pool per region across China, North America, Europe, and Asia for PC and console players. Running March 8 to April 6, the tournament will stream on March 29-30 and April 5-6 on Twitch and YouTube.
💡Did You Know
The 1986 arcade game Chiller let players use a light gun to… torture helpless NPCs with spikes, flames, and guillotines? Designed by Exidy (of Death Race infamy), this shockingly dark “game” was rejected by U.S. arcades for its graphic violence, becoming a commercial flop. Yet, its notoriety earned it a cult following as one of gaming’s most controversial relics. Bonus fact: It later resurfaced in European arcades with even gorier scenes! Who knew virtual sadism could be a coin-op business model?
📜Quote of the Day
“Nothing worthwhile is easy”
- Elena Fisher, Uncharted 4
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