Despite the current geopolitical situation, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia is ongoing. This has put video game developers from both countries in a very difficult situation, especially those who are even slightly critical of the Putin government. That’s why many studios are having to close their doors, cancel their projects, or move to other countries. This is the case for one of the most interesting games that has been announced recently.
INDIKA is a narrative adventure game developed by Odd Meter that takes place in a parallel 19th-century Russia. In this game, players assume the role of Indika, a nun embarking on a journey where she discovers that good and evil are not absolute, blending platforming and environmental puzzles. The game explores themes such as sin, guilt, and various moral dilemmas, all set within the backdrop of Russian history and the Russian Orthodox Church.
This is also the reason why Odd Meter, a Russian studio, had to relocate to Kazakhstan. They stated that the themes addressed in their game could potentially lead to legal persecution by the Russian state. Following the beginning of the Ukraine invasion, they began to consider that staying in Russia was “both physically unsafe and, even more importantly, morally challenging.” These are the words of the game director and founder of Odd Meter, Dmitry Svetlow.
Indeed, Svetlow has wanted to ensure that the game is a well-founded critique of what the Russian state has been doing for more than a century. Emphasizing how most of the problems in today’s Russia stem from centuries of sociopolitical immaturity ingrained in its citizens, coupled with the power traditionally attributed to the Orthodox Church, he believes the game portrays all these issues plaguing modern Russia. It explains why the country’s public opinion doesn’t rebel against the injustices of its government.
INDIKA will be published by 11 bit studios for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC sometime in 2024. Part of the game’s profits will be donated to help children affected by the war in Ukraine.
