Sony plans Ramayan game based on 3392 AD comic series

Sony Online Entertainment is developing a multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) based on the Virgin Comics series Ramayan 3392 AD.

Ramayan 3392 AD, developed in part by Deepak Chopra and Shekar Kapur and launched in 2006, places stories based on some of India’s epic myths in a futuristic setting.

The game is a post-apocalyptic reinterpretation of the renowned Indian epic poem Ramayana.

Ramayan 3392 AD is already a popular comic series in India. Written by Shamik Dasgupta, with art from Abhishek Singh, the comic series was created based on a story developed by Deepak Chopra and Shekhar Kapur.

The story revolves around the battles fought by the last kingdom of humans with the demons (called Asuras) in a post-apocalyptic world. The prime protagonist of the series is the human prince Rama who, alongside his brothers, aims to bring down the demon-lord Ravan.

Sony’s massively multiplayer online (MMO) game based on the Ramayan 3392 AD series will initially be offered for the personal computer, and will feature input from the same creative team which developed the comic.

Sony’s move marks what may be called a cultural shift in gaming content. Till now, MMO games have typically been based in Western-derived science fiction universes or fantasy worlds.

A game based on Ramayan 3392 AD would offer many gamers a chance to explore an entirely new mythos, touching on universal themes, but also uniquely Indian elements.

John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment, said: “Virgin Comics approached us with a portfolio of amazing comic properties based on Indian lore. We particularly love Ramayan 3392 AD as we feel Virgin Comics’ telling of The Ramayana is particularly gripping, graphically brilliant, and lends itself extremely well to an MMO.”

The exclusive multi-year, worldwide agreement lets Sony develop and publish an MMO game based on the Ramayana lore.

The complete development of the MMO game is expected to take a year or two.

According to Sharad Devarajan, CEO and co-founder of Virgin Comics, Ramayan will offer gamers a chance to experience a whole new universe of characters and archetypes derived from one of the oldest cultures on Earth.

“Our mission at Virgin Comics,” Devarajan added, “has always been to allow this generation of Indian youth to have a creative platform through which to speak to the world. Through this collaboration with like-minded visionaries at Sony Online Entertainment, our young Indian creators will make gaming history worldwide.”