Indian Art & Modern Game Technology
By Space Coast Daily // February 24, 2020
With the “15 minutes of Fame” Indie Film Festival Coming up we decided to take a look at another industry where India has gained global reputation in recent years. We are talking about something very modern, namely game development.
What makes this topic interesting is that Indian game developers have become known for their modern interpretation of ancient Indian Art. There are no doubts about the historical value of every ancient culture.
The Indian culture which first developed along the River Ganges is known for its superb art, made of lively colors and of round shapes and curves that reflect the “sense of life” as to all Indians.
Some of the greatest art treasures in the world are from India, dating back to 2500 BC. Every region in India has its unique folk art based on local artistic culture and mythology expressed through sculptures, paintings, architecture and textile arts. Local modern artists like Baua Devi take pride in their historical folk art and continue using their ancient roots as inspiration for their modern work.
Indian art with its unique elements attracts numerous artists and foreign customers within the textile industry but in recent years it has also become a focal point for the gaming industry.
Considering that India is one of the top nations in the world when it comes to tech industry and scientific research, it’s not surprising that the Indian art culture has found its way into the technical sphere.
India On The Gaming Industry Map
Indian game developers have become famous worldwide for their superb games that have wonderful Indian art elements and symbols in them, inspired from some of the most representative Indian artists.
Interestingly, the Indian theme is also popular in modern slot machines.The Jewels of India Slot (developed by IGT) is an example of a modern game themed by Indian art, the true jewels of India, the tigers and elephants, along with other typical symbols of India make the main background and features of the game. And there are many more examples of “Bollywood” games at online casinos ( click for sites).
Game Artist – A Modern Profession
As the global gaming industry continues to grow, game developers are not only focusing on the technical aspect of the game. Gamers of today also expect a high visual experience and the need for unique graphic design with advanced animations and 3D has created a new career opportunity for game artists.
Game developers from around the world are today recruiting skilled game artists but has the supply of talented artists is low, not at least in the US, India has stepped in to close the gap. India is today supplying the gaming industry with some of the world’s most talented game developers and game artists.
A fine example is Nidhin Prem, a 22 year old from Lakshya who won a silver medal at a global skill competition in 3E Digital Game Art in Australia in May 2019.
The competition who yearly attracts more than 500 participants from 16 different countries presents the world’s most talented Game Artists and brought the world attention to India’s growing domination in the global gaming industry.
The generation of young Indians today have great career opportunities within the Indian gaming industry. As the industry has an estimated value of $300 million and continues to grow, there are many opportunities for those with an artistic background to find a career as Artists and Art Directors.
International companies turn to India to recruit top Animators, Illustrators and Concept Artists for game character and environment creation.
The game Raji – An Ancient Epic, (by Nodding Heads Games), developed in Pune, India is often mentioned as an explicit example of Indian artistic game development where Indian mythology and mandala patterns forms the environment of the game and brings it to life.
Rounded, Curved Lines to Bring Life at Its Best
So what makes the Indian art so interesting and what are the main symbols? The wheel, tree of life, the fiery pillar and the lotus throne are all symbols of Indian art but many think of the mandala.
The Indian mandala is famous all over the world for its unique design and pattern. If you look closely at a mandala you will immediately think “how many curves!”. Yes, actually, the obsessive use of curves and rounded lines translates the need to reproduce the image of life itself, which is meant to be a circle of birth – death – rebirth for eternity.
Curves are also synonymous to maternity and in particular to pregnancy, which is another very important element in every ancient culture.
So, when Indian brides get closer to the day of their marriage, they get typical Indian art painted on their hands, forearms, feet and legs.
Another meaning of the rounded shapes and lines used in the Indian art might recall the concept of “good luck”: since life is represented as a circle, the more curves the better for your life.
Which is nothing else but a very nice way to wish “good luck” to someone! Perhaps this is what makes the Indian art so popular for a luck based gaming industry!
To read more about the “15 Minutes of Fame” Film Festival that will take place at the Melbourne-Viera Conference Center on February 29th, 2020 click here.
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