Masala Games, an indie studio with a mission to bring Indian culture to the global gaming stage, has unveiled Detective Dotson, a cozy mystery adventure set in the heart of modern-day India. Slated for release in April 2025, the game promises to deliver a unique blend of humor, intrigue, and cultural richness, offering players a chance to explore the vibrant streets, colorful temples, and bustling festivals of India like never before. With its inclusion in the Steam Co-Op Fest and a playable demo now available, Detective Dotson is already turning heads in the gaming community.
At its core, Detective Dotson is a story-driven adventure where players step into the shoes of Dotson, a reluctant detective with dreams of Bollywood stardom. Dotson never wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps as a detective—he aspires to be an actor, and his knack for costumes and disguises proves he’s got the talent. But when his father dies under mysterious circumstances, Dotson is thrust into a world of puzzles, clues, and quirky characters, forcing him to play the part of a detective.
The game is set in a beautifully stylized version of modern India, where every corner of the map is brimming with life. From cozy alleys behind colorful temples to lively family weddings and bustling festivals, Detective Dotson captures the essence of India in all its vibrancy. Players will solve mysteries by exploring the world, interacting with an array of eccentric characters, and piecing together clues on an evidence board. Each case revolves around completing a “sentence” by finding missing “nouns” (clues), adding a unique twist to traditional puzzle-solving mechanics.
One of the game’s standout features is its emphasis on player freedom. Dotson can go anywhere, talk to anyone, and use disguises to blend into different scenarios. The world is interactive, with objects scattered everywhere that players can pick up and use creatively. Need to chase away a pesky dog? Throw a nearby object. Want to disable a security camera? Find the right tool. You can even pick up trash and throw it at a litterer for some quick cash and a dose of catharsis!
The game also shines in its co-op mode, allowing players to team up with friends via Steam’s Remote Play Together or enjoy couch co-op with a controller. Whether you’re solving mysteries together or engaging in Bollywood-style dance-offs, Detective Dotson offers a fun and social gaming experience.
Masala Games, the team behind Detective Dotson, brings a wealth of experience from studios like Pixar, Electronic Arts, and Prana. Their goal is to fill a glaring gap in the gaming world—the lack of representation for India, home to 20% of the world’s population. With Detective Dotson, they aim to celebrate Indian culture, from its food and festivals to its family dynamics and humor, while delivering a polished and engaging adventure.
The playable demo, available now, introduces players to two intriguing cases: The Mystery of Mrs. Sengupta’s FOMO-mergency and Parth’s Pigeon Predicament. These cases offer a taste of the game’s witty writing, charming visuals, and innovative gameplay. The full release in April 2025 will feature even more cases, characters, and surprises, ensuring that players stay hooked.
Detective Dotson is more than just a game—it’s a celebration of India’s rich culture and a step toward greater representation in the gaming world. With its unique blend of mystery, humor, and heart, this is one adventure you won’t want to miss. Wishlist it on Steam today and join Dotson on his journey to uncover the truth, one clue at a time!
