In this episode, we take a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of gaming with Vaibhav Mahajan, the visionary behind Abracadabra Software Solutions. From growing up in Nashik to developing games based on Indian history and legends like Tanaji Malusare, Vaibhav’s journey is a testament to the power of combining culture with technology.
From Nashik to the World of Tech
Vaibhav’s roots trace back to Nashik, where his family has a historical legacy as financiers to the Peshwas. Growing up surrounded by the rugged forts and mountains of Maharashtra, his childhood was filled with trekking and a budding passion for gaming.
After gaining experience at major firms like Philips and Saskan Technologies, and even a stint at an IIT Delhi startup, Vaibhav’s career took an unexpected turn during the 2009 global recession. Losing his job in Europe became the catalyst for his return to India and the eventually birth of Abracadabra .
Why Indian Heroes in Gaming?
One of the most compelling parts of the conversation was Vaibhav’s motivation for moving away from the standard “aliens and zombies” trope. He noticed a gap: while the younger generation is obsessed with games like Dota and Call of Duty, they are often disconnected from their own cultural history.
“If we don’t bring our culture and history to Gen Z through the mediums they love, like gaming, we risk losing that connection entirely.” — Vaibhav Mahajan
By gamifying the stories of Indian heroes—like the legendary Tanaji Malusare—Vaibhav is ensuring that history isn’t just something found in textbooks, but an interactive experience that inspires valor and patriotism.
The Evolution of Abracadabra
Abrakadhabra didn’t start with high-end historical RPGs. The journey began with utility and cultural apps:
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Cultural Preservation: Developing apps for legendary artists like Zakir Hussain and Bhimsen Joshi to bring classical music to a digital platform.
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Educational Innovation: Creating “Book Index to Video” apps to help students navigate educational content more efficiently.
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The Gaming Pivot: A project for John Deere involving a hydraulic tractor simulator introduced Vaibhav to Unity, the game engine that changed everything.
Developing ‘Tanaji: The Great Maratha Warrior’
The success of the Tanaji game was a turning point. Released around the time the Tanhaji movie was gaining popularity, the game struck a chord with both Marathi and non-Marathi audiences.
Vaibhav discusses the immense responsibility of handling a historical figure. “There is no room for error,” he explains. “The sentiment and respect people have for Maharaj and his Mawalas is so deep that we had to ensure every detail—from the visuals to the audio—was of the highest quality”.
The Future: Beyond Tanaji
Vaibhav and his team have ambitious plans for the future:
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Battle of Jhansi: A multiplayer game where players can fight alongside Rani Lakshmi Bai.
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Hampi Treasure Hunt: An exploration game set in the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.
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Gamifying Education: Using the “reward system” of gaming to teach traditional subjects and skills.
Why Gaming is the Next Big Frontier in India
India is currently one of the largest consumers of mobile games globally, yet we contribute only about 1% of the global gaming revenue. Vaibhav predicts this will change drastically in the next few years as the middle class grows and gaming becomes more mainstream.
Watch the full episode on YouTube to hear more about:
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The technical challenges of porting games to consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.
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How AI is disrupting the software service industry but creating new opportunities for products.
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Vaibhav’s vision for a “Made in India” gaming ecosystem.
