Detective Dotson: The Movie — the animated film companion piece to the eponymous and upcoming cosy mystery game for PC and Xbox Series X|S — will premiere at AniMela. India’s first International Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics & XR Festival, AniMela is created and run by Aniverse and Visual Arts Foundation (AVAF).
Made by Masala Games, Detective Dotson: The Movie will be screened in its entirety on March 8 at 6pm at PC Saxena Lecture Theatre, IDC, IIT-Bombay campus. This will be followed by a Q&A session with Masala Games CEO and co-founder, Shalin Shodhan.
The premiere represents the first time ever a film adaptation of a video game will be showcased at AniMela which returns to Mumbai for its second year from March 7 to 9. The inaugural edition of the festival took place from January 18 to 21, 2024 at the NFDC’s Films Division premises in Mumbai.
Made in Unreal Engine 5, Detective Dotson: The Movie focuses on the titular Dotson, a grieving amateur detective thrust into a deadly conspiracy involving a corrupt corporate empire, a mysterious assassin, and a shocking family secret, as he races to stop a catastrophic attack during a high-stakes cricket match and more importantly, find out who he really is. It also features an original, authentic OST made in collaboration with Nikhil Rao of Indian Ocean.
“While Detective Dotson the game is slated for an April 3 launch, Detective Dotson: The Movie will give you a first in-depth look at its world and characters,” says Shalin, “And there’s no better place than India’s first International Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics & XR Festival. This is our labour of love. We’re thankful that AniMela has partnered with us to bring the adventures of Dotson and friends to you.”
“AniMela provides a platform for Indian talent from the AVGC-XR industry to exhibit their work to a large international audience and Detective Dotson: The Movie is a perfect fit,” says Anne Doshi, Artistic Director, AniMela. “Detective Dotson: The Movie is the first time a video game to movie adaptation caught our eye. Hopefully we see more such passion projects from the Indian games industry.”
As for the game itself, Detective Dotson takes place after the events of the movie. It is a mystery adventure game set in a stylised rendition of modern-day India that puts players in the role of Dotson, a reluctant detective. Players can wishlist the game from the Steam store page right now.
Disclaimer: This press release was submitted directly to Story Mode. Barring minor edits for style, the copy has been published as is.
