Mahesh Babu backs Shortgun Games as a strategic investor
The actor joins the Mumbai-area studio as it develops Project Takedown for international PC and console audiences.
Mahesh Babu has joined Shortgun Games as a strategic investor, backing the studio’s plan to build original Indian gaming franchises for global PC and console audiences. The investment amount was not disclosed.
Co-founder Jeet Chandan said the backing would help expand the company’s technical capabilities and creative talent. Fellow co-founder Vidhit Mehta described the partnership as a step towards producing games that can compete with international studios.
A cinematic project at the centre of the partnership
The announcement centres on Project Takedown, a narrative-driven action adventure intended for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Shortgun is targeting overseas audiences as well as the Indian market.
The studio has brought in action director Vicky Arora to lead combat design, including motion-capture choreography, pre-visualisation and physical stunt work. That work feeds into the game’s animation and action systems.
The partnership gives Shortgun an investor with experience in large-scale screen storytelling as it builds a business around original intellectual property.
Use of funds
Technical team expansion
Creative talent recruitment
PC and console game development