Why Indian-Made Board Games Are Winning Hearts — and Tables

As featured in Deccan Herald

Board games in India are no longer just Ludo and Snakes & Ladders. As highlighted in a Deccan Herald piece on the rising cultural and commercial relevance of Indian-made board games, Bengaluru is fast becoming a vibrant hub for creators reimagining play with homegrown stories and designs. Deccan Herald

The renewed interest spans games that tackle themes from migration and street culture to heritage and ecology — demonstrating how play is being used to spark conversation and imagination in ways that go far beyond simple entertainment. Deccan Herald

Tacit Games: Crafting Indian Stories into Play

One of the standout voices in this movement is Tacit Games, a Bengaluru-based design studio that brings Indian narratives and aesthetics to the tabletop. Rather than merely creating replicas of Western classics, Tacit Games designs new experiences rooted in local culture — from strategic tile games like Hampi & the Sun Jewel to narrative-rich puzzles and board games that celebrate the land’s history. Tacitgames

At the heart of Tacit’s creative vision is Kiran Kulkarni — who leads game design and rules creation. Alongside co-founder Sindhu Murthy Kulkarni, Kiran has helped shape games that are not just fun but thoughtfully crafted with meaningful themes and quality mechanics. Their work reflects a belief that Indian stories, art and heritage can inspire gameplay that resonates with players of all ages. Tacitgames

Tacit’s approach is meticulous: ideas go through extensive playtesting and refinement to ensure mechanics are engaging, components are beautiful, and the final product feels uniquely Indian. This emphasis on design integrity and cultural resonance is a big part of why Indian-made games are attracting attention from local enthusiasts and collectors alike. Tacitgames

A Wider Trend: Play With Purpose

What makes this trend exciting isn’t just nostalgia — it’s innovation. India’s rich heritage of board games, from ancient classics like Pachisi and Chaupar to regional strategy games, forms a deep well of inspiration for modern creators. Designers are now crafting games that educate, connect and promote cultural pride — bridging generations and rediscovering traditions through play.

For players and families, these games provide a refreshing alternative to screen-time, inviting shared experiences that feel both familiar and new. With pioneers like Tacit Games and visionaries like Kiran Kulkarni at the forefront, the renaissance of Indian board games feels less like a trend and more like a movement in play.