New Delhi: Kolkata-based Flying Robot Studios has announced a wildlife photography and management simulation called the Great Indian Safari, that will be released on PC via steam later in the year. The game has been listed on Steam and can be wishlisted right now. Flying Robot Studios is the development label of solo game developer Satyajit Chakraborty. The animals are free-roaming in rewilded habitats designed by the players, and the players have to plan safaris for a variety of visitors, ranging from thrill-seeking photographers to serious conservationists. Beyond designing a beautiful nature reserve, players have to create rare wildlife moments that are worth capturing. Check out the gameplay trailer below.
The game features Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, and the greater one-horned rhino. Progression in the game relies on wildlife photography. Photos are scored by the game based on the rarity of the species, the behaviour of the animal, lighting, composition and risk. The exceptional photographs go viral in the game, and attract surges of visitors, spikes in reputation, while introducing novel challenges to managing the reserve. Chakraborty explains, “A great photo in this game isn’t just a screenshot, it is proof that your ecosystem is functioning. When players share a rare wildlife moment, they’re really showing off months of conservation decisions.”
The Great Indian Safari Gameplay Features
There is a reputation system that depends on conservation and tourism, so players need to nurture both together. The progression through the game is driven by wildlife photography, with viral moments creating systemic consequences. The entire nature reserve is a living ecosystem, with the behaviour of the animals emerging from the health of the habitat, food chains, and human pressure. There are also some legendary animals, a one-eyed leopard named Scar, an elder elephant called ‘Matriarch’, and a white tiger named Ghost that appears only under specific conditions. Smart automation reduces the need for micromanagement, allowing players to focus on strategy and photography.
The behaviour of the animals emerges from the conditions of the reserve. (Image Credit: Flying Robot Studios).
The game has low system requirements and has been developed in unity. The game features authentic Indian landscapes including mangroves, sal forests and Terai grasslands. Chakraborty says, “India has some of the world’s most charismatic megafauna and most dedicated conservationists—yet gaming rarely shows this. We’re bringing players into a world they’ve never seen in games before.”