Introduction

In the ever-growing landscape of Indian gaming, few titles have managed to capture the essence of desi culture, history, and horror as vividly as Supernatural Place Delhi. Developed by Delhi-based indie studio Desi Horror Studios and published by Daman Games, this action-adventure horror game takes players on a thrilling ride through the heart of India’s capital—blending centuries of history, local folklore, and supernatural elements into an immersive gaming experience.

Delhi, a city where the past and present coexist seamlessly, is the perfect backdrop for a supernatural tale. From the Mughal-era grandeur of the Red Fort to the chaotic energy of Chandni Chowk’s gullies, from the colonial architecture of Connaught Place to the ancient mystique of Agrasen Ki Baoli—every corner of the city has a story to tell. Supernatural Place Delhi taps into these stories, weaving them into a narrative that feels both familiar and terrifying to anyone who knows the city.

Unlike many horror games that rely on Western tropes—zombies, vampires, or generic ghosts—this title draws inspiration from Indian supernatural lore: jinns with unresolved grievances, bhoots trapped between worlds, churails seeking revenge, and spirits tied to Delhi’s turbulent history. The game’s developers spent months researching local legends, interviewing elders in Old Delhi, and exploring historical sites to ensure authenticity, making it a love letter to Delhi and its rich cultural heritage.

Released on India’s Independence Day (15th August 2024), Supernatural Place Delhi quickly became a cultural phenomenon. It resonated with Indian gamers who had long craved a horror game that felt “desi”—one that referenced local traditions, languages, and landmarks, rather than aping Western formulas. Within a month of its release, the game sold over 500,000 copies in India and 200,000 internationally, cementing its status as one of the most successful indie games to come out of the country.

Gameplay Screenshot: Exploring Chandni Chowk's Haunted Gullies

At its core, Supernatural Place Delhi is more than just a horror game—it’s a celebration of Delhi’s diversity. The game features characters from different backgrounds, speaks to the city’s multilingual identity (with dialogue in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and English), and showcases the contrast between Old Delhi’s historical charm and New Delhi’s modernity. Whether you’re a Delhiite who recognizes every street corner or an international player curious about Indian culture, the game offers something to engage and thrill.

Gameplay

Supernatural Place Delhi combines action-adventure, exploration, puzzle-solving, and horror elements to create a gameplay experience that is both challenging and immersive. The game is set in an open-world version of Delhi, allowing players to traverse iconic landmarks and hidden locations at their own pace—from the crowded streets of Chandni Chowk to the eerie silence of Lodhi Gardens at night.

Core Mechanics

The gameplay revolves around three key pillars: exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Each pillar is designed to reflect Delhi’s unique character, ensuring that the gameplay feels organic and tied to the setting.

Exploration 🏙️

Players can freely explore a detailed, lifelike version of Delhi—complete with autorickshaws, local trains, and metro stations for fast travel. The open world is divided into distinct zones: Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, Agrasen Ki Baoli), New Delhi (Connaught Place, India Gate), and Historical Monuments (Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Lodhi Gardens). Each zone has its own atmosphere—Old Delhi is chaotic and claustrophobic, New Delhi is sleek and modern, and the monuments are eerie and grand.

Exploration is rewarded with hidden clues, side quests, and collectibles (like vintage postcards, old coins, and historical artifacts) that provide context to Delhi’s past. Locals can be interacted with for tips—some may share urban legends, while others may ask for help with supernatural problems (side quests) that unlock special items or abilities.

Puzzle-Solving 🧩

Puzzles in the game are deeply rooted in Indian culture and Delhi’s history. For example, one puzzle requires players to decode Urdu inscriptions on a Mughal-era wall to unlock a secret passage; another involves arranging flower garlands in a specific order (based on Hindu rituals) to calm a restless spirit; and a third requires navigating the Delhi Metro’s underground tunnels using a vintage map from the British Raj.

Puzzles range in difficulty from “Desi Beginner” (simple riddles that reference common Delhi landmarks) to “Haunted Hunter” (complex puzzles that require knowledge of Mughal history or local folklore). The game provides hints for players who get stuck—usually in the form of dialogue from NPCs or notes found in the environment.

Combat 🔪

Combat in Supernatural Place Delhi is survival-based, emphasizing strategy over brute force. Players face a variety of supernatural enemies, each with unique weaknesses: jinns are vulnerable to Quranic verses, bhoots to holy water from Hindu mandirs, and British Raj spirits to vintage weapons like muskets or swords.

Players can use a range of weapons—both modern (guns, tasers) and traditional (lathis, talwars, trishuls). They can also craft items using resources found in the environment: for example, mixing neem leaves and camphor to create a repellent for churails, or using sindoor (vermilion) to create a protective circle.

The game features a “Fear Meter” that increases when players encounter powerful spirits or stay in dark, haunted areas for too long. If the meter fills up, the player’s vision blurs, and enemies become more aggressive—encouraging players to manage their fear by using light sources (like diya lamps or flashlights) or protective items.

Controls

The game is optimized for multiple platforms, with controls tailored to each:

  • PC: WASD for movement, mouse for aiming and interacting, spacebar for jumping, shift for sprinting, and number keys to switch weapons/items. The game supports both keyboard-mouse and controller inputs.
  • Console (PS5/Xbox Series X/S): Left joystick for movement, right joystick for camera control, X/A for interacting, square/X for attacking, circle/B for dodging, and shoulder buttons for switching weapons/items. The haptic feedback feature is used to simulate the feeling of supernatural vibrations or sudden scares.
  • Mobile (Android/iOS): Virtual joystick on the left for movement, action buttons on the right (attack, interact, jump), and swipe gestures for camera control. The mobile version includes touch-optimized puzzles (like tracing Urdu letters or arranging items by dragging) and an optional auto-run feature for long journeys.

Difficulty Levels

Supernatural Place Delhi offers three difficulty levels to cater to different types of players:

Easy - Desi Beginner

Enemies are less aggressive, puzzles provide more hints, and the Fear Meter fills up slowly. This mode is ideal for casual players or those new to horror games who want to focus on the story and exploration.

Medium - Delhi Explorer

Enemies have standard aggression, puzzles require some thinking, and the Fear Meter adds a moderate challenge. This is the default mode, designed for most players who want a balanced experience of story, exploration, and horror.

Hard - Haunted Hunter

Enemies are highly aggressive, puzzles have no hints, the Fear Meter fills up quickly, and resources (weapons, items) are scarce. This mode is for experienced horror game players looking for a tough challenge—completing it unlocks a secret ending and exclusive in-game items.

Unique Features

What sets Supernatural Place Delhi apart from other horror games are its unique, Delhi-specific features:

  • Day-Night Cycle: The game has a dynamic day-night cycle that affects gameplay. During the day, Delhi is bustling with people, and supernatural activity is minimal—allowing players to explore safely, complete side quests, and gather resources. At night, the city becomes quiet and eerie, spirits emerge, and enemies become more powerful. Some locations (like Agrasen Ki Baoli or the Red Fort’s dungeons) are only accessible at night.
  • Local Transport: Players can use Delhi’s iconic transport options to travel between zones: autorickshaws (fast but expensive), local trains (cheap but crowded), and the metro (fast and reliable). Each mode of transport has its own quirks—autorickshaw drivers may refuse to go to haunted areas, local trains may have ghostly passengers, and the metro may stop at abandoned stations at night.
  • Cultural Authenticity: The game is filled with small details that reflect Delhi’s culture: street vendors selling chaat and chai, locals speaking in a mix of Hindi and Urdu, wedding processions passing through Chandni Chowk, and religious ceremonies at mandirs and masjids. These details make the world feel alive and immersive.
  • Multiple Endings: The game has three possible endings, depending on the player’s choices throughout the story. For example, choosing to help a jinn resolve its grievance leads to the “Peaceful Ending,” while choosing to destroy all spirits leads to the “Destructive Ending,” and completing all side quests leads to the “True Ending” that reveals the full story of the curse.

Plot

The story of Supernatural Place Delhi is a gripping tale of mystery, revenge, and redemption—rooted in Delhi’s turbulent history and rich folklore. The game follows Riya Mehra, a 28-year-old journalist working for The Delhi Post, a local newspaper known for its coverage of urban legends and offbeat stories. Riya is a Delhiite born and raised—she grew up in a chawl in Karol Bagh, studied journalism at Delhi University, and has a deep love for the city, despite its chaos.

Riya’s journey begins when her editor assigns her to cover a series of mysterious disappearances in Old Delhi. Over the past month, three people—all tourists visiting Agrasen Ki Baoli—have vanished without a trace. The police have no leads, and locals are whispering about a curse that has awakened after centuries of slumber. Intrigued by the story, Riya sets out to investigate, armed with her notebook, camera, and a healthy dose of skepticism.

Riya Mehra - The Protagonist Exploring Agrasen Ki Baoli

Backstory: The Curse of Mirza Haider

As Riya delves deeper into the disappearances, she uncovers a centuries-old story that connects all the events. In the 16th century, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Mirza Haider was a nobleman and trusted advisor to the emperor. Mirza was known for his kindness—he built wells for the poor, donated to temples and masjids alike, and was loved by the people of Delhi. However, his success made him enemies, including his cousin, Aslam Khan, who was jealous of Mirza’s influence.

Aslam conspired with a group of British merchants (who had recently arrived in Delhi) to frame Mirza for treason. They planted fake letters suggesting that Mirza was plotting to overthrow Akbar and align with the British. Akbar, furious and misled, ordered Mirza’s arrest and execution. On the day of his execution, Mirza was brought to Agrasen Ki Baoli—his favorite place in Delhi—and beheaded. Before his death, he cursed Aslam, the British merchants, and anyone who would disturb his resting place (a secret tomb beneath the stepwell): “May your souls be trapped in this city forever, tormented by the spirits of those you wronged. May this place become a gateway between worlds, and may no one who disturbs me find peace.”

Aslam and the British merchants died within a year of Mirza’s execution—each meeting a violent, unexplained end. Over the centuries, Agrasen Ki Baoli became known as a haunted place, with locals avoiding it after dark. However, the curse lay dormant—until a group of construction workers, hired to renovate the stepwell, accidentally broke into Mirza’s tomb and stole a precious locket that contained his portrait and a lock of his hair. This act awakened the curse, releasing Mirza’s spirit and the spirits of those he had helped during his life—who now roam Delhi, seeking revenge on anyone who resembles Aslam, the British merchants, or the construction workers.

Key Narrative Arcs

The game’s story is divided into five chapters, each focusing on a different part of Delhi and a different aspect of the curse:

Chapter 1: The Disappearance at Agrasen Ki Baoli

Riya visits Agrasen Ki Baoli to investigate the disappearances. She interviews locals, takes photos of the stepwell, and explores its depths. As night falls, she hears whispers and sees shadows moving in the dark. Suddenly, she is attacked by a jinn—one of the spirits awakened by the curse. She manages to escape, but her camera is stolen. Determined to find answers, she tracks down the camera to a nearby chawl, where she meets an old man named Baba Yusuf, who tells her about Mirza Haider’s curse. Baba Yusuf gives her a ancient Urdu manuscript that contains details about Mirza’s life and the curse.

Chapter 2: Chandni Chowk’s Hidden Clues

Riya travels to Chandni Chowk to decode the manuscript. She visits a traditional Urdu library run by a scholar named Professor Ahmed, who helps her translate the text. The manuscript reveals that Mirza’s tomb is beneath Agrasen Ki Baoli, and that the curse can only be broken by returning the stolen locket to the tomb. Professor Ahmed tells Riya that the locket was sold to a collector in Connaught Place. On her way to Connaught Place, Riya is chased by a group of British Raj spirits—who mistake her for one of the merchants who betrayed Mirza. She narrowly escapes, but realizes that the curse is more powerful than she imagined.

Chapter 3: Connaught Place’s Dark Secret

In Connaught Place, Riya tracks down the collector, a wealthy businessman named Rajiv Malhotra. Rajiv initially refuses to give up the locket, but Riya convinces him by telling him about the curse (and threatening to expose his illegal artifact collection to the media). Rajiv reveals that he bought the locket from a construction worker, who told him that it was “cursed.” Before Riya can leave with the locket, she is attacked by Aslam Khan’s spirit—who has been haunting Rajiv’s mansion. Riya uses a talwar (sword) she found in Professor Ahmed’s library to defeat Aslam’s spirit, and escapes with the locket.

Chapter 4: The Red Fort’s Final Stand

On her way back to Agrasen Ki Baoli, Riya is intercepted by Mirza Haider’s spirit. Mirza tells her that the curse has grown stronger because of the construction workers’ greed and the people’s fear. He explains that breaking the curse will not only free the spirits but also save Delhi from a great disaster—an earthquake that will destroy the city if the curse is not lifted. Mirza warns Riya that the construction workers, who are now possessed by the British merchants’ spirits, are planning to blow up Agrasen Ki Baoli to hide their crime. Riya rushes to the Red Fort, where the construction workers are hiding, and engages them in a final battle. With the help of Baba Yusuf (who arrives with holy water from Jama Masjid) and Professor Ahmed (who uses ancient chants to weaken the spirits), Riya defeats the possessed workers.

Chapter 5: Redemption at Agrasen Ki Baoli

Riya returns to Agrasen Ki Baoli with the locket. She descends into the tomb beneath the stepwell, where she is confronted by Mirza’s spirit one last time. Mirza asks her why she is helping him—someone she has never met. Riya replies that she loves Delhi, and cannot bear to see it destroyed by a curse rooted in injustice. She places the locket on Mirza’s remains, and the curse begins to lift. The spirits of the innocent people who were killed by Aslam and the British merchants are set free, and Mirza’s spirit smiles, thanking Riya before disappearing. As Riya exits the stepwell, the sun rises over Delhi, and the city returns to normal. The three missing tourists are found alive and well, and the construction workers are arrested. Riya’s story becomes front-page news, and she is hailed as a hero. However, as she walks through Chandni Chowk, she sees a shadowy figure watching her—hinting at a possible sequel.

Themes

The plot of Supernatural Place Delhi explores several powerful themes that resonate with Indian audiences:

  • Justice and Injustice: The curse is a result of Mirza’s wrongful execution, and the game’s story emphasizes the importance of seeking justice for the wronged—even centuries later.
  • Love for One’s City: Riya’s motivation to break the curse is her love for Delhi. The game celebrates the bond between Delhiites and their city, flaws and all.
  • Cultural Unity: Mirza was loved by people of all religions, and the game shows Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs working together to break the curse. This reflects Delhi’s multicultural identity and the importance of unity.
  • The Dangers of Greed: The curse is awakened by the construction workers’ greed, and the game warns against prioritizing wealth over heritage and human life.
  • Forgiveness: The “True Ending” of the game involves Mirza forgiving Aslam’s descendants, emphasizing the power of forgiveness over revenge.

Development

The development of Supernatural Place Delhi was a labor of love for Desi Horror Studios, a small indie team founded in 2018 by three Delhi-based gaming enthusiasts: Arjun Singh (game designer), Priya Patel (lead programmer), and Rajiv Kumar (art director). The team’s goal was to create a game that would showcase Indian culture and folklore to the world, while also providing a thrilling gaming experience for Indian players who were tired of generic Western horror games.

The idea for the game came to Arjun Singh during a late-night walk through Old Delhi. “I was walking through Chandni Chowk after covering a story for a gaming blog, and it was raining. The streets were empty, and the havelis looked so eerie in the moonlight,” Arjun recalled in an interview with IGN India. “I started thinking about all the urban legends I’d heard as a kid—about bhoots in Agrasen Ki Baoli, jinns in Jama Masjid, and spirits in the Red Fort. I thought, why not make a game that brings these legends to life, set in the city we love?”

Desi Horror Studios Team Working on Supernatural Place Delhi

Research and Inspiration

The development team spent six months researching Delhi’s history, folklore, and urban legends before starting work on the game. They visited over 50 historical landmarks, including Agrasen Ki Baoli, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Jama Masjid, taking thousands of photos and videos to ensure that the game’s environments were accurate. They also interviewed dozens of locals—especially elders in Old Delhi—who shared stories of supernatural encounters and urban legends that had been passed down through generations.

“We wanted the game to feel authentic, not just in terms of the visuals but also in terms of the stories,” Priya Patel explained. “For example, we spoke to a 90-year-old woman in Chandni Chowk who told us about a churail that haunted her street in the 1950s. We incorporated that story into a side quest in the game. We also consulted historians to make sure that the Mughal-era and British Raj details were correct—from the clothing worn by the spirits to the architecture of the buildings.”

The team drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including Indian horror films like Raat and Bhoot, Western horror games like Silent Hill and Resident Evil, and works of Indian literature like The Ramayana and The Mahabharata. They also took inspiration from Delhi’s own contrast—between old and new, chaos and calm, tradition and modernity.

Technical Development

Supernatural Place Delhi was developed using Unreal Engine 5, which allowed the team to create highly detailed, lifelike environments. The game’s graphics are a mix of photorealism and stylization—Delhi’s landmarks are rendered in meticulous detail, while the supernatural elements are given a stylized, eerie look to distinguish them from the real world.

The team used photogrammetry to capture the details of Delhi’s buildings, streets, and landmarks. They also recorded ambient sounds from the city—traffic, street vendors, religious chants—to create an immersive audio experience. The game’s soundtrack was composed by Indian musician A.R. Rahman’s protégé, Ankit Tiwari, and features a mix of traditional Indian instruments (sitar, tabla, harmonium) and modern electronic music, creating a haunting, atmospheric score that perfectly complements the game’s horror elements.

One of the biggest technical challenges the team faced was optimizing the game for mobile devices. “A large percentage of Indian gamers play on mobile, so we knew we had to make sure the game ran smoothly on low-end phones,” Rajiv Kumar said. “We spent months optimizing the graphics, reducing the polygon count of the environments, and compressing the audio files. We also added optional graphics settings so that players could adjust the game’s performance based on their device.”

Another challenge was balancing cultural sensitivity with horror. The team was careful not to stereotype any religious or cultural group, and consulted with religious leaders to ensure that the game’s portrayal of supernatural elements (like jinns, bhoots, and churails) was respectful. “We didn’t want to offend anyone,” Arjun Singh said. “Horror should be fun, not hurtful. So we made sure that the spirits in the game have complex motivations—they’re not just evil for the sake of being evil. They’re victims of injustice, and the game asks players to empathize with them.”

Collaboration with Daman Games

In 2023, Desi Horror Studios partnered with Daman Games, a leading Indian gaming publisher, to fund and market the game. Daman Games provided the team with additional resources to complete the game, including funding for voice acting, motion capture, and marketing. They also helped the team distribute the game across multiple platforms, including Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Google Play Store, and Apple App Store.

“Partnering with Daman Games was a game-changer for us,” Priya Patel said. “As an indie studio, we didn’t have the resources to market the game on a large scale. Daman Games helped us reach a wider audience, both in India and internationally. They also provided valuable feedback on the game’s gameplay and story, helping us make it more engaging for players.”

Daman Games also helped the team organize a beta test of the game in early 2024, with over 10,000 players from across India participating. The beta test provided the team with valuable feedback, which they used to improve the game’s controls, fix bugs, and adjust the difficulty levels. “The beta testers loved the game’s setting and story, but they told us that the mobile controls were a bit clunky,” Rajiv Kumar said. “We spent a month revising the mobile controls, and the final version is much more user-friendly.”

Release

Supernatural Place Delhi was announced at the India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) in Mumbai in October 2023. The game’s teaser trailer, which showcased footage of Riya exploring Chandni Chowk’s gullies and being chased by a jinn, was met with widespread acclaim—garnering over 10 million views on YouTube within two weeks. The trailer’s tagline, “Delhi is not just a city—it’s a ghost story,” resonated with Indian audiences, who praised the game’s authentic setting and unique premise.

The team initially planned to release the game in July 2024, but delayed the release by a month to coincide with India’s Independence Day (15th August 2024). “We wanted to release the game on a day that’s meaningful to Indians,” Arjun Singh said. “Independence Day is a celebration of our country’s history and identity, and our game is all about Delhi’s history and identity. It felt like the perfect fit.”

Release Platforms and Pricing

The game was released on multiple platforms simultaneously, with different pricing tiers for each:

  • PC (Steam/Epic Games Store): Priced at ₹999, the PC version includes high-definition graphics, support for 4K resolution, and exclusive bonus content (a digital art book, soundtrack, and behind-the-scenes documentary).
  • Console (PS5/Xbox Series X/S): Priced at ₹1,299, the console version includes all the features of the PC version, plus haptic feedback support and exclusive in-game items (a golden talwar and a protective amulet).
  • Mobile (Android/iOS): The mobile version is free-to-play, with in-app purchases (ranging from ₹49 to ₹499) for cosmetic items (different outfits for Riya), ad-free experience, and premium hints for puzzles. The free version includes all the core gameplay and story content, with ads displayed between chapters.

The game was also released in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Urdu, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu—reflecting India’s linguistic diversity. The voice acting was done by popular Indian actors, including Radhika Apte (who voiced Riya Mehra), Nawazuddin Siddiqui (who voiced Mirza Haider), and Pankaj Tripathi (who voiced Baba Yusuf).

Post-Release Updates

Desi Horror Studios has been committed to supporting the game with post-release updates, including DLCs, bug fixes, and quality-of-life improvements:

DLC 1: Lodhi Gardens Haunt (November 2024)

This DLC adds a new chapter to the game, set in Lodhi Gardens—a historic park in New Delhi known for its Lodhi-era tombs and urban legends. The story follows Riya as she investigates a series of mysterious deaths in the park, which are linked to the spirits of Lodhi kings and queens. The DLC introduces new enemies (Lodhi-era ghosts), new puzzles (based on Lodhi architecture), and new weapons (a vintage bow and arrow). The DLC is priced at ₹299 for PC/console and ₹149 for mobile.

DLC 2: Delhi Metro Mysteries (March 2025 - Upcoming)

The second DLC will be set in the Delhi Metro, which is believed to be haunted by the spirits of people who died during its construction. The story will follow Riya as she investigates a series of ghost sightings on the metro’s Blue Line, which runs through Old Delhi. The DLC will introduce new gameplay mechanics (like navigating dark metro tunnels and solving puzzles using metro maps) and new enemies (ghosts of construction workers and passengers). The DLC is currently in development, with a release date set for March 2025.

Quality-of-Life Updates

Since the game’s release, the team has released several updates to improve the gameplay experience:

  • Added Hindi voice acting (previously only available in English).
  • Improved mobile controls, including an optional auto-run feature and customizable button layout.
  • Fixed bugs related to the Fear Meter and enemy AI.
  • Added a photo mode, allowing players to take screenshots of Delhi’s landmarks and share them on social media.
  • Added a New Game+ mode, allowing players to replay the game with all their weapons and items from their previous playthrough.

Marketing and Promotion

Daman Games launched an aggressive marketing campaign for the game, targeting both Indian and international audiences. The campaign included:

  • Social Media Marketing: The team created accounts on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, sharing behind-the-scenes footage, gameplay clips, and character profiles. They also collaborated with popular Indian gaming influencers (like CarryMinati, Mortal, and Dynamo Gaming) to stream the game and share their thoughts.
  • Outdoor Advertising: Billboards featuring the game’s cover art were placed in major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. The billboards were designed to look like newspaper headlines, with the tagline “Delhi’s Most Terrifying Story Is Now a Game.”
  • Partnerships: The team partnered with Delhi Tourism to promote the game as a way to showcase Delhi’s historical landmarks. They also partnered with local restaurants and cafes in Delhi to offer “Supernatural Place Delhi” themed meals and discounts to players who showed proof of purchasing the game.
  • International Promotion: The game was showcased at international gaming events like Gamescom and PAX West, where it received positive feedback from international players and critics. Daman Games also localized the game for Western audiences, with English voice acting and subtitles, and promoted it on international gaming websites like IGN and GameSpot.

Reception

Supernatural Place Delhi has received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, both in India and internationally. The game’s authentic setting, engaging story, and innovative gameplay have earned it praise from critics and players alike, solidifying its status as one of the best Indian games of all time.

Critical Acclaim

Critics have praised the game for its unique premise, cultural authenticity, and atmospheric horror. Here are some key reviews:

“Supernatural Place Delhi is a masterpiece of Indian horror. It’s not just a game—it’s a love letter to Delhi, with every street corner, every landmark, and every character feeling authentic and alive. The story is gripping, the gameplay is challenging but rewarding, and the horror elements are spine-chilling without being gratuitous. This is the game Indian gamers have been waiting for.” — IGN India, 9/10
“What sets Supernatural Place Delhi apart from other horror games is its cultural depth. The game doesn’t just use Indian folklore as a gimmick—it weaves it into the fabric of the story, creating a horror experience that feels both familiar and fresh. The puzzles are clever, the combat is tense, and the open world is a joy to explore. If you’re a fan of horror games or Indian culture, this is a must-play.” — GameWisp, 8.5/10
“As an international player, I knew nothing about Delhi’s history or folklore before playing this game. Now, I’m obsessed. Supernatural Place Delhi is a fascinating introduction to Indian culture, wrapped in a thrilling horror package. The graphics are stunning, the voice acting is top-notch, and the story kept me hooked from start to finish. This game deserves to be played by everyone, not just Indian gamers.” — GameSpot, 8/10

Critics also praised the game’s representation of Indian culture, noting that it avoids stereotypes and celebrates Delhi’s diversity. “The game features characters from different religions, languages, and backgrounds, and treats them with respect,” wrote The Hindu. “It’s a refreshing change from Western games that often reduce Indian culture to stereotypes like elephants and curry.”

User Feedback

Players have also embraced the game, with over 15,000 positive reviews on Steam, Google Play Store, and Apple App Store. Here are some common themes from user feedback:

  • Authenticity: Many Delhiite players have praised the game’s accurate portrayal of the city. “It feels like I’m walking through the gullies of Chandni Chowk,” wrote one Steam user. “The attention to detail is amazing—from the street vendors selling chaat to the autorickshaws honking. I even recognized my childhood home in Karol Bagh!”
  • Story: Players have praised the game’s engaging story and well-developed characters. “Riya is such a relatable protagonist,” wrote a Google Play Store user. “She’s brave but not invincible, and her love for Delhi is contagious. The story kept me on the edge of my seat, and the multiple endings made me want to play again.”
  • Gameplay: Players have enjoyed the game’s mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. “The puzzles are challenging but not impossible,” wrote an Xbox Store user. “I loved that they’re based on Indian culture—decoding Urdu inscriptions and arranging flower garlands was so much fun. The combat is tense, but the Fear Meter adds a unique twist that keeps it interesting.”
  • Cultural Representation: Many Indian players have praised the game for representing their culture in a positive way. “Finally, a game that doesn’t make fun of our folklore,” wrote a PlayStation Store user. “The jinns and bhoots feel like they’re straight out of my grandmother’s stories. It’s great to see our culture represented with respect and authenticity.”

Commercial Success

Supernatural Place Delhi has been a commercial hit, exceeding the developers’ expectations. Within the first month of its release:

  • The PC version sold 150,000 copies on Steam and Epic Games Store.
  • The console version sold 100,000 copies on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
  • The mobile version was downloaded over 5 million times, with in-app purchases generating ₹20 crore (approximately $2.4 million).
  • Internationally, the game sold 200,000 copies, with the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada being the top markets.

As of November 2024, the game has sold over 1 million copies worldwide, making it one of the highest-selling indie games from India. The game’s success has also helped Desi Horror Studios secure funding for future projects, including a sequel to Supernatural Place Delhi and a new game set in Varanasi.

Awards and Nominations

The game has won several awards and nominations, recognizing its excellence in game design, storytelling, and cultural representation:

  • Won “Best Indie Game” at the 2024 Indian Gaming Awards.
  • Won “Best Horror Game” at the 2024 Indian Gaming Awards.
  • Nominated for “Best Narrative” at the Global Mobile Gaming Awards 2025.
  • Nominated for “Best Cultural Representation in Gaming” at the Games for Change Awards 2025.
  • Won “Best Graphics” at the 2024 Delhi Gaming Festival.

Cultural Impact

Supernatural Place Delhi is more than just a successful game—it’s a cultural phenomenon that has had a significant impact on Indian gaming, tourism, and popular culture. The game’s ability to blend Delhi’s history, folklore, and modernity has resonated with audiences across India, making it a talking point in homes, offices, and social media.

Boosting Indian Gaming

The game’s success has helped put Indian indie gaming on the map, proving that desi games can compete with international titles in terms of quality and popularity. Before Supernatural Place Delhi, Indian indie games were often overlooked by international audiences, who viewed them as low-budget and unpolished. However, the game’s high-quality graphics, engaging story, and innovative gameplay have changed that perception, inspiring other Indian indie studios to create games based on local culture and folklore.

“Supernatural Place Delhi has opened doors for all of us,” said a representative from another Indian indie studio, Mumbai Games. “Before this game, investors were hesitant to fund desi-themed games, thinking they wouldn’t appeal to international audiences. Now, there’s a lot of interest in Indian gaming, and we’re seeing more funding and support for our projects.”

The game has also helped popularize horror as a genre in Indian gaming. Previously, most Indian games were focused on action, sports, or casual gameplay. However, Supernatural Place Delhi has shown that there is a large audience for horror games in India, leading to a surge in desi horror games—including Varanasi: The Haunted Ghats and Jaipur: Ghost of the Palace.

Promoting Delhi Tourism

One of the most unexpected impacts of the game has been its effect on Delhi’s tourism industry. Many players—both Indian and international—have been inspired to visit the landmarks featured in the game, leading to a significant increase in tourist footfall at places like Agrasen Ki Baoli, Chandni Chowk, and the Red Fort.

“We’ve seen a 30% increase in tourists at Agrasen Ki Baoli since the game’s release,” said a representative from Delhi Tourism. “Many of them are gamers who want to explore the stepwell and see the location of the game’s final showdown. We’ve even started offering ‘Supernatural Place Delhi’ themed tours, which take visitors to the game’s key locations and share the urban legends behind them.”

Local businesses in Old Delhi have also benefited from the game’s popularity. Street vendors, restaurants, and souvenir shops in Chandni Chowk have reported an increase in sales, with many gamers stopping by to try the chaat and chai featured in the game. Some businesses have even started selling merchandise inspired by the game, like t-shirts with Riya’s face or keychains shaped like the locket from the plot.

Preserving Delhi’s Folklore

Supernatural Place Delhi has played an important role in preserving Delhi’s urban legends and folklore, many of which were at risk of being forgotten by younger generations. The game’s story is based on real-life urban legends that have been passed down through generations, and the side quests feature stories told by locals in Old Delhi.

“Growing up, my grandmother used to tell me stories about the churail in Chandni Chowk,” said a 25-year-old gamer from Delhi. “I never thought much about them until I played this game. Now, I’m interested in learning more about Delhi’s folklore, and I’ve even started asking my grandmother to tell me more stories. This game has helped keep those stories alive.”

The game’s developers have also partnered with the Delhi State Archives to document the urban legends featured in the game, ensuring that they are preserved for future generations. “We wanted to make sure that these stories are not lost,” Arjun Singh said. “By documenting them and featuring them in the game, we’re helping to keep Delhi’s cultural heritage alive.”

Representation and Identity

The game has also had a significant impact on how Indian culture is represented in gaming. For too long, Indian characters and culture in Western games have been reduced to stereotypes—exotic, primitive, or comical. Supernatural Place Delhi breaks this mold, featuring complex, relatable characters and a nuanced portrayal of Indian culture.

“As an Indian-American, I’ve always felt underrepresented in gaming,” wrote a player on Reddit. “Most games set in India are either about poverty or exoticism. Supernatural Place Delhi is the first game that shows India as it really is—chaotic, diverse, and full of history. It made me proud of my heritage, and it’s great to see my culture represented with respect.”

The game’s protagonist, Riya Mehra, has also become a role model for many young Indian women. Riya is a strong, independent journalist who is not afraid to take risks—breaking away from the traditional portrayal of Indian women in gaming as damsels in distress. “Riya is such an inspiration,” wrote a 18-year-old female gamer. “She’s smart, brave, and passionate about her work. It’s great to see a female protagonist who isn’t just there for eye candy.”

Tourists Exploring Agrasen Ki Baoli - Inspired by Supernatural Place Delhi

Future Impact

The cultural impact of Supernatural