If it’s not always possible in real life, then let it go digital — from adventure to gluttony — that’s the millennial mantra. While the debates on whether the traditional bull-taming sport jallikattu should be allowed or not ruled the roost in public and political spheres till recently, technology maestros decided they could digitise the sport and allow the experience of the game, even if only virtually.
Aavega Interactive, a gaming studio in Bengaluru, recently created the game ‘Jallikattu Run’, which has been winning the hearts of not just gamers, but many others, even across the borders, who have been intrigued by the game after the debates on the sport in the society. We speak to the game developers on the idea behind it. “Through the game, we wanted to cater to the gaming community, while upholding the traditions. The game allows one to get to know the sport up close and is nowhere intended to hurt any sentiments, but only educate,” explains Lokesh B, producer-gaming, Aavega Interactive of Sun Technologies Inc, on what went into ideating the game.
Through Jallikattu Run, the users can play as the bull and run in the lanes, trying to avoid the tamers. Collect coins as the bull, but remember to avoid letting the men get close to you! According to the developers, it has so far registered around 1,50,000 users, not just from India, but other countries as well. “People were just reading or overhearing about the sport during the protests (asking for jallikattu to be allowed). We wanted to find a way for people to be educated about what the game really is. We have been receiving feedback even from the communities that raise these bulls in TN, on how we can make additions to the game, through the bull breeds etc. We are working on an update where a player can choose the bull’s breed,” concludes Lowell A, the sales and marketing head of the firm.
