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Our Bureau

Hyderabad, April 3 Game developer FX Labs Studios has announced the release of its first offline game Agni in India and in some select markets overseas. It has hinted at the launch of several other titles including Dhoom II, Gazni and Archies during the year.

The company, which is in the process of developing games for mobile phones, has partnered with retail chains for the distribution of its games and with online portals such as Zapak and Sify for sale of Agni. The Founder and Chairman of FX Labs, Mr Sashi Reddi, said that the company has thus far invested $7 million, including about $2 million on Agni, a 14-hour engaging game played offline on personal computers.

The game features over 10 original scenic stages, four different characters — Tara, Agni, Ghayab and Adhia, with sound and visual effects. Bollywood actress Malaika Arora is the brand ambassador for Agni, which retails at Rs 499.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Reddi said “ we expect to launch a game based on a Yash Raj film in March and similar other projects are also under way. We are trying to simultaneously launch these games along with films.”

The worldwide gaming market is expected to touch $42 billion by 2010, up from $21 billion in 2006. The Indian market, also poised for growth, is expected to cross $424 million by 2010, up from $48 million in 2006.

While most of the games currently use games developed in the international market or on international themes, the challenge in India is to develop games that relate to people here based on local themes. One of the best ways to address the issue is take up projects along with some movie makers which helps connect with people better, he said.

The company is expecting its other big launch this year based on Archie Comics. FX Labs is looking at rolling it out not just for computer games but also other channels, including online options.

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