Ghostly Abode Delhi

Introduction

Ghostly Abode Delhi is not just another horror game—it’s a love letter to India’s rich cultural heritage, wrapped in the spine-chilling外衣 (veil) of survival horror. Launched in March 2024 by Delhi Folklore Studios, a team of five passionate indie developers from Delhi NCR, and published in collaboration with Daman Games, this title has redefined what “desi horror” means for gamers across India and beyond. Unlike Western horror games that rely on jump scares and supernatural tropes foreign to Indian audiences, Ghostly Abode Delhi draws its terror from the very fabric of Indian life: haunted chawls with creaky wooden staircases, tantriks chanting mantras under moonlit skies, spirits bound to historical landmarks, and the eerie stillness that descends on Old Delhi’s bustling markets after midnight.

Set in the labyrinthine lanes of Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, and the forgotten bylanes of Shahjahanabad, Ghostly Abode Delhi follows Mira Patel, a 30-year-old historian specializing in Mughal-era architecture. Mira’s journey begins when she inherits a tattered diary from her great-grandmother, a renowned archaeologist who disappeared in Old Delhi in 1957 while researching “the curse of the forbidden princess.” What starts as a quest to uncover her ancestor’s fate soon evolves into a battle for survival, as Mira discovers that the curse is very much alive—and she’s next in line to be consumed by it.

“Ghostly Abode Delhi isn’t just about scaring players—it’s about making them feel the weight of Delhi’s history. Every spirit has a story, every chawl has a secret, and every corner of Old Delhi has witnessed something that refuses to be forgotten.” — Rajiv Mehta, Lead Developer, Delhi Folklore Studios

What sets Ghostly Abode Delhi apart from other horror games is its unwavering commitment to authenticity. The developers spent over two years researching Delhi’s history, interviewing local elders, and documenting urban legends from Old Delhi’s residents. They even hired a team of cultural consultants—including historians, folklore experts, and religious scholars—to ensure that every ritual, every reference to Indian mythology, and every detail of Old Delhi’s architecture is portrayed accurately. The result is a game that feels less like a work of fiction and more like a journey through the haunted underbelly of a city that’s seen centuries of love, loss, betrayal, and tragedy.

For Indian gamers, Ghostly Abode Delhi is a revelation. It’s the first horror game that speaks to their lived experiences: the fear of walking through dark chawls alone, the childhood tales of spirits haunting ancient monuments, the respect for puja rooms as sanctuaries, and the familiarity of hearing Hindi and Urdu phrases in dialogue. The game’s audio design is a masterclass in immersion: the distant call to prayer from Jama Masjid, the honking of auto-rickshaws fading into the night, the rustle of leaves in a forgotten courtyard, and the whispered mantras of a tantrik echoing through narrow lanes. Every sound, every visual, and every gameplay mechanic is designed to transport players to the heart of Old Delhi—and keep them on the edge of their seats.

Ghostly Abode Delhi has also struck a chord with international gamers, who are drawn to its unique cultural perspective and fresh take on horror. Unlike generic horror games that rely on tired tropes, Ghostly Abode Delhi offers a window into Indian culture, introducing players to concepts like tantra, puja, chawl life, and Mughal history—all while delivering heart-pounding scares. As one international reviewer put it: “Ghostly Abode Delhi doesn’t just scare you—it teaches you something, and that’s a rare feat in the horror genre.”

Development

Conceptualization: From a Late-Night Conversation to a Gaming Phenomenon

The story of Ghostly Abode Delhi began in 2021, during a late-night chat between five friends—Rajiv Mehta (lead developer), Priya Chauhan (art director), Aryan Khan (gameplay designer), Sneha Sharma (writer), and Vikram Singh (audio designer)—who had all grown up in Old Delhi. “We were sitting in a dhaba near Chandni Chowk, eating parathas and talking about how there’s no horror game that truly represents Indian culture,” recalls Rajiv. “All the horror games we played were either Western or Japanese, with ghosts and monsters that didn’t resonate with us. We wanted to create something that felt like our own—something that would make a desi gamer go, ‘Yaar, this is exactly what my nani used to warn me about!’”

The team’s initial idea was simple: a horror game set in Old Delhi, where players navigate haunted chawls and historical landmarks while uncovering a mystery tied to Indian folklore. But as they delved deeper into research, the concept evolved. “We started interviewing local elders, and every person had a story to tell,” says Sneha, the game’s writer. “One uncle told us about a spirit that haunts the lanes near Jama Masjid, another aunt spoke of a tantrik who cursed a family in the 1940s, and a historian told us about a Mughal princess who was buried alive for falling in love with a commoner. We realized that Old Delhi itself is a character—one with a dark, rich history that’s perfect for a horror game.”

The team spent six months researching Mughal history, Indian folklore, and Delhi’s urban legends. They visited libraries, museums, and historical sites, and even spent nights in Old Delhi to experience the city’s atmosphere after dark. “We’d wake up at 4 AM to avoid the crowds and take photos of chawls, lanes, and monuments,” says Priya, the art director. “We wanted every detail in the game to be authentic—from the design of the puja rooms to the street vendors’ carts. We even measured the width of lanes and the height of chawl ceilings to ensure our 3D models were accurate.”

One of the key challenges during conceptualization was balancing horror with cultural sensitivity. “We didn’t want to trivialize Indian traditions or religious practices,” explains Rajiv. “For example, puja rooms are sacred spaces, so we made sure they’re portrayed as sanctuaries in the game—places where players can find safety from spirits. We also consulted religious scholars to ensure that the tantra and mantra references are accurate and respectful.”

Funding: Crowdfunding, Grants, and the Support of Desi Gamers

As first-time indie developers, the team faced significant funding challenges. “We approached several major publishers, but they weren’t interested,” says Aryan. “They told us that desi horror is a niche market and that Indian gamers prefer action or battle royale games. But we knew they were wrong—we’d seen the demand for authentic Indian content on social media.”

Undeterred, the team launched a crowdfunding campaign on Ketto in January 2022, with a target of ₹30 lakhs (approximately $36,000) to cover development costs. The campaign featured a teaser trailer, concept art, and a detailed breakdown of the game’s features. To their surprise, the campaign gained traction within days, thanks to shares from Indian gaming influencers and social media users who were eager to support a homegrown horror game.

“The response was overwhelming,” recalls Sneha. “Within the first week, we raised ₹10 lakhs from over 2,500 backers. People were donating as little as ₹100 and leaving comments like ‘Make us proud’ and ‘Finally, a game that represents our culture.’ It was humbling.”

By the end of the campaign, the team had raised ₹38 lakhs—surpassing their target by 27%. The backers included gamers from across India, as well as members of the Indian diaspora in the US, UK, and Canada. “Many NRIs donated because they wanted their kids to experience Indian culture through gaming,” says Rajiv. “That’s when we realized that Ghostly Abode Delhi is more than just a game—it’s a cultural bridge.”

In addition to crowdfunding, the team secured a ₹15 lakh grant from the Ministry of Electronics and IT’s “Digital India” initiative, which supports indie game developers and digital content creators. They also partnered with Daman Games in mid-2022, which provided additional funding and distribution support. “Daman Games believed in our vision from the start,” says Rajiv. “They didn’t try to change our concept—they just gave us the resources to make the game we wanted to make.”

Team & Local Talent: Keeping It Desi, Inside and Out

The team made a conscious decision to hire local talent for every aspect of development—from voice actors to artists to musicians. “We wanted Ghostly Abode Delhi to be a truly Indian product,” explains Priya. “We didn’t want to hire Western voice actors or use generic assets—we wanted everything to feel like it came from Old Delhi.”

The voice cast includes some of Delhi’s most talented theatre actors. Mira Patel, the protagonist, is voiced by Swara Bhaskar, a Delhi-based actor known for her work in independent films. “Swara grew up in Old Delhi, so she brought a lot of authenticity to the role,” says Sneha. “She knew exactly how a Delhi girl would talk—using phrases like ‘arre yaar’ and ‘chalo chalo’—and she understood the emotional weight of Mira’s journey.”

The antagonist, Tantrik Bhairav, is voiced by Pankaj Tripathi, a veteran stage actor from Delhi’s National School of Drama. “Pankaj has a deep, gravelly voice that’s perfect for Bhairav,” says Aryan. “He added nuances to the character—moments of vulnerability mixed with menace—that made Bhairav more than just a one-dimensional villain.”

The art team, led by Priya, consists of five local artists who spent months photographing and sketching Old Delhi’s landmarks. “We’d go to Chandni Chowk every weekend, armed with cameras and sketchbooks,” says Priya. “We took thousands of photos of chawls, street vendors, temples, and mosques. We even hired a local craftsman to make traditional Indian furniture, which we then scanned into the game using 3D scanning technology.”

The game’s music and sound design were created by Vikram Singh, a Delhi-based composer who specializes in Indian classical music. “I wanted the soundtrack to blend traditional Indian instruments with modern horror elements,” explains Vikram. “The main theme uses a sitar and tabla, but I added eerie sound effects like the creaking of wooden doors and the rustle of leaves to create a sense of unease. The result is a soundtrack that feels both familiar and haunting.”

Technology & Optimization: Making the Game Accessible to All Desi Gamers

The team chose Unity Engine for development, due to its flexibility and affordability. “Unity is perfect for indie developers,” says Rajiv. “It’s easy to use, and it allows us to optimize the game for a wide range of devices—from low-end PCs to mid-range smartphones.”

One of the team’s top priorities was optimizing the game for Indian gamers, many of whom use budget hardware. “In India, not everyone has a high-end gaming PC or console,” explains Aryan. “We wanted Ghostly Abode Delhi to be accessible to as many people as possible—whether they’re playing on a ₹15,000 laptop or a ₹10,000 smartphone.”

To achieve this, the team implemented several optimizations:

• Adjustable Graphics Settings: The game offers four graphics presets—Low, Medium, High, and Ultra—so players can tailor the visuals to their device’s capabilities.
• Reduced Polygon Counts: For mobile devices, the team reduced the polygon count of 3D models without compromising on visual quality. “We focused on the details that matter—like the texture of chawl walls and the design of puja rooms,” says Priya.
• Compressed Textures: The team used texture compression technology to reduce the game’s file size. The mobile version of the game is just 1.8GB, making it easy to download even with limited data.
• Performance Modes: The console versions (PS5 and Xbox Series X/S) offer two performance modes—“Performance Mode” (60 FPS at 1080p) and “Quality Mode” (30 FPS at 4K with ray tracing).

The team also tested the game on a wide range of devices, from budget Android phones to high-end gaming PCs. “We borrowed devices from friends and family, and we even set up a testing lab in our office,” says Rajiv. “We wanted to make sure the game runs smoothly on every device—no lag, no crashes, no frame rate drops.”

Beta Testing & Feedback: Listening to the Desi Gaming Community

Beta testing began in December 2022, with over 15,000 players across India participating. The team organized beta testing events in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, where players could try the game and provide feedback. “We wanted to get feedback from real Indian gamers—not just critics,” says Aryan. “Their input helped us make the game better.”

The beta testers provided a wealth of valuable feedback. Some of the most common suggestions included:

• Adding more Hindi dialogue options (the game initially had only English voice acting).
• Making the stealth mechanics more intuitive for mobile players.
• Adding more puzzles based on Indian festivals and rituals.
• Balancing the difficulty (some players found the later levels too hard, while others found the early levels too easy).

The team incorporated all of these suggestions into the final game. They added full Hindi voice acting (in addition to English), redesigned the mobile controls for better intuitiveness, and added three new puzzles inspired by Diwali, Holi, and Eid. They also added two difficulty modes: “Desi Mode” (easier, with more hints and resources) and “Tantrik Mode” (harder, with fewer resources and more aggressive spirits).

“The beta testing phase was crucial,” says Sneha. “It helped us understand what Indian gamers want. For example, many players told us that they wanted the game to be scary but not gory—so we focused on psychological horror and atmospheric scares instead of blood and guts.”

One of the most popular additions from beta feedback was the “Folklore Database”—a collection of stories and facts about Indian folklore, Mughal history, and Old Delhi’s urban legends that players can unlock as they progress through the game. “Many players said they wanted to learn more about the culture behind the game,” explains Rajiv. “The Folklore Database allows them to do that—while still enjoying the horror experience.”

Launch Preparation: Marketing, PR, and Building Hype

As the launch date approached, the team focused on marketing and PR—with a emphasis on social media and influencer partnerships. “We knew that traditional marketing wouldn’t work for us,” says Sneha. “Indian gamers trust influencers more than ads, so we partnered with 20+ gaming influencers across India to promote the game.”

The influencers, who had access to early copies of the game, posted gameplay videos, live streams, and reviews on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. “The response was incredible,” recalls Aryan. “Within a week of the first gameplay videos being posted, our pre-registration numbers crossed 500,000. Gamers were excited to play a horror game that feels like it’s made for them.”

The team also organized a launch event in Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk in March 2024, which was attended by over 1,000 gamers, influencers, and members of the media. The event featured a live performance of the game’s soundtrack, a cosplay contest, and a Q&A session with the development team. “It was surreal to see so many people excited about our game,” says Priya. “We had gamers coming up to us and saying that they’ve been waiting for a game like this their entire lives. That’s the greatest compliment we could ask for.”

Gameplay of Ghostly Abode Delhi

Ghostly Abode Delhi blends survival horror, stealth, puzzle-solving, and exploration to create an immersive experience that feels both familiar and fresh. The game’s core mechanics are designed to make players feel vulnerable—like a real person stuck in a dangerous situation—while its puzzles and environmental design draw on Indian culture to keep the experience authentic. Whether you’re hiding from a vengeful spirit in a chawl’s puja room, solving a puzzle based on Mughal-era architecture, or navigating the crowded streets of Chandni Chowk at night, Ghostly Abode Delhi’s gameplay is deeply rooted in its setting and themes.

Gameplay snapshot of Ghostly Abode Delhi, showing protagonist Mira Patel hiding in a wooden cabinet to escape a vengeful spirit in a 19th-century chawl in Old Delhi 🕵️♀️👻

Core Mechanics: Stealth, Survival, and Vulnerability

At its heart, Ghostly Abode Delhi is a stealth-based survival horror game. Players control Mira Patel from a third-person perspective, which allows them to see Mira and her surroundings clearly—essential for avoiding detection. Movement is smooth and intuitive, with controls optimized for both keyboard/mouse (PC) and touch (mobile).

Unlike many Western horror games, which rely on combat, Ghostly Abode Delhi emphasizes evasion. “Mira is a historian, not a soldier,” explains Aryan Khan, gameplay designer. “She can’t fight spirits or tantriks head-on—her only weapons are her wits and her knowledge of Indian culture. We wanted to make players feel like a regular person stuck in a terrifying situation, not a superhero.”

To survive, players must:

• Stay in the Shadows: Spirits are attracted to light, so players must avoid well-lit areas and stick to dark corners and alleyways.
• Move Quietly: Running or making loud noises will alert spirits to Mira’s presence. Players must walk slowly when spirits are nearby.
• Hide: Mira can hide in cabinets, behind barrels, under beds, or in puja rooms—safe spaces where spirits can’t reach her.
• Use Distractions: Players can throw objects like chappals, laddoos, or stones to lure spirits away from their path.

A key feature of the game is the “Fear Meter,” which appears at the top of the screen. If Mira is in a dark area, near a spirit, or witnesses something terrifying, her fear level rises. As fear increases, Mira’s movements become slower and more erratic, and she may even start hyperventilating—making it harder to avoid detection. To reduce fear, players can:

• Enter a puja room and light a diya (oil lamp) or offer flowers to a deity.
• Drink chai (tea) from a thermos that Mira carries—chai is her comfort drink, and it calms her nerves.
• Find a “safe spot” (like a well-lit street or a crowded market during the day) where spirits can’t follow.

“The Fear Meter adds a layer of psychological horror to the game,” says Aryan. “It’s not just about avoiding spirits—it’s about managing your own fear. Players have to make tough choices: do they risk staying in a dark alley to avoid a spirit, or do they run into the light, even though it will attract more spirits?”

Survival Elements: Scavenging, Resource Management, and Desi Resources

Resources are scarce in Ghostly Abode Delhi, and players must scavenge for items to survive. The game’s inventory system is limited—players can carry only 6 items at a time—forcing them to make tough choices about what to keep and what to discard.

Common items include:

• Batteries: For Mira’s flashlight, which is essential for navigating dark areas. Batteries are rare, so players must use the flashlight sparingly.
• Tulsi & Neem Leaves: Used to create “protective pouches” that repel low-level spirits. These herbs are found in chawls’ puja rooms and have healing and protective properties in Indian folklore.
• Laddoos & Chana: Distractions for spirits. Throwing a laddoo on the ground will attract spirits, giving players time to sneak past. Chana (roasted chickpeas) can be used to create noise distractions.
• Chappals: Flip-flops that can be thrown to break small objects (like windows) or distract spirits. A nod to desi households, where chappals are often used as impromptu tools!
• Historical Artifacts: Mughal coins, British-era stamps, and old manuscripts that unlock entries in the Folklore Database. These items don’t have a practical use but add depth to the story.
• Chai Thermos: A reusable item that can be refilled with chai at street vendors. Drinking chai reduces Mira’s fear level and restores her stamina.
• Mantra Scrolls: Rare items that can be used to temporarily stun powerful spirits. Each scroll contains a sacred mantra that Mira can recite to ward off evil.

Resource management is crucial, especially in the later stages of the game. For example, players may have to choose between keeping a battery for their flashlight or a mantra scroll to stun a powerful spirit. “We wanted to create tough choices that make players think,” explains Rajiv. “Do you use your last laddoo to distract a spirit now, or save it for a more dangerous situation later?”

The game also features a “crafting system” that allows players to combine items to create more powerful tools. For example:

• Combining tulsi leaves and neem leaves creates a “super protective pouch” that repels all spirits for 5 minutes.
• Combining a battery and a diya creates a “portable light source” that doesn’t attract spirits (unlike the flashlight).
• Combining chana and a piece of cloth creates a “noise bomb” that can distract multiple spirits at once.

Puzzle Design: Desi Rituals, Historical Clues, and Cultural Knowledge

Puzzles in Ghostly Abode Delhi are one of its most unique features, as they’re inspired by Indian culture, history, and rituals. Unlike generic puzzles found in many horror games, these challenges require players to use their knowledge of Indian traditions to progress.

“We wanted puzzles that feel like they belong in Old Delhi,” says Sneha Sharma, the game’s writer. “Each puzzle tells a small part of the city’s story, and solving them requires players to engage with the culture—whether it’s arranging puja items in the correct order or decoding a Mughal-era script.”

Examples of puzzles include:

• Puja Room Arrangement Puzzle: Players must arrange puja items (diya, flowers, prasad, incense, and a bell) in the correct order to open a hidden door in a chawl. The order is based on the traditional Hindu puja ritual, with clues found in a handwritten note from a local resident. The note reads: “First light the diya to chase away darkness, then offer flowers to honor the deity, then place prasad as an offering, then light incense to purify the air, and finally ring the bell to call the gods.”
• Mughal Script Decoding Puzzle: Players find a Mughal-era letter written in Urdu script. To decode it, they must use a Hindi-Urdu dictionary and a Quran (found in a nearby mosque) to translate the text. The letter, written by a Mughal nobleman, reveals the location of a hidden treasure—and a warning about a curse. The decoding process requires players to recognize common Urdu words and understand the context of Mughal-era correspondence.
• Diwali Diya Puzzle: During a Diwali-themed level, players must light diyas in a specific pattern to ward off a powerful spirit. The pattern is based on a rangoli design commonly seen during Diwali, with clues found in a child’s drawing. The rangoli design represents the “Lakshmi Yantra,” a sacred symbol that is believed to attract prosperity and ward off evil.
• Holi Color Puzzle: In a Holi-themed level, players must collect colored powder (red, blue, yellow, green, and purple) and throw it on specific symbols in a temple. The symbols represent the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether) in Hindu philosophy, and the colors correspond to each element (red for fire, blue for water, etc.). Solving the puzzle requires players to know which colors are associated with which elements.
• Eid Sweet Puzzle: During an Eid-themed level, players must help a Muslim family prepare sheer khurma (a traditional Eid sweet) by finding missing ingredients (vermicelli, milk, sugar, dates, and cardamom). The family rewards players with a key that unlocks a hidden chamber in Jama Masjid. The puzzle not only requires players to find items but also teaches them about Eid traditions.

The puzzles are challenging but not impossible, and they often require players to explore their surroundings and interact with NPCs. “We wanted puzzles that reward curiosity,” explains Aryan. “If you take the time to talk to locals or examine objects, you’ll find clues that make the puzzles easier. For example, an old man in Chandni Chowk might tell you about the correct order of puja items, or a child might show you a rangoli design that helps you solve the Diwali puzzle.”

Festival Integration: Delhi’s Festivals as Gameplay Mechanics

One of the most innovative aspects of Ghostly Abode Delhi is its integration of Indian festivals into gameplay. The game’s story is set over the course of a year, and each season features a major Indian festival that affects the environment, enemies, and objectives.

“Festivals are a big part of Delhi’s culture, so we wanted to make them a big part of the game,” says Rajiv. “Each festival changes the game in unique ways—from the way spirits behave to the types of puzzles players face. It’s like playing a different game during each festival.”

Here’s how festivals are integrated into the game:

• Diwali (October/November): The “Festival of Lights” transforms Old Delhi into a sea of diyas and rangoli. The lights make it easier to see but also attract more spirits (who are drawn to the brightness). Players must navigate crowded streets filled with revellers while avoiding spirits that hide among the crowds. The level includes a side quest: helping a local vendor find his stolen diya molds, which are needed for his business. Completing the quest rewards players with a “blessed diya” that can repel powerful spirits for 10 minutes. The level also features a unique enemy: the “Diwali Spirit,” a ghost of a child who died in a fire during Diwali and now wanders the streets, searching for her family.
• Holi (March): The “Festival of Colors” covers Old Delhi’s streets in colored powder and water. The colored powder can be used to mark paths or hide from spirits (who can’t see players covered in powder). Spirits are weakened by colored water, so players can collect water balloons and throw them to temporarily stun spirits. The level’s main objective is to find a hidden temple where a holy man can help Mira break a curse. To reach the temple, players must solve puzzles involving colored powder and water. The level also features a side quest: helping a group of children find their lost Holi colors. Completing the quest rewards players with a “color bomb” that can stun all spirits in a 10-meter radius.
• Eid-ul-Fitr (May/June): The “Festival of Breaking the Fast” fills Old Delhi’s streets with food vendors selling sheer khurma, seviyan, and other traditional sweets. Players can use these sweets to distract NPCs and spirits (who are attracted to the smell of food). The level includes a puzzle where players must help a Muslim family prepare for Eid by finding missing ingredients for sheer khurma. Completing the puzzle rewards players with a key that unlocks a hidden chamber in Jama Masjid, where they can find a powerful mantra scroll. The level also features a unique enemy: the “Eid Spirit,” a ghost of a vendor who was murdered during Eid and now wanders the streets, selling cursed sweets that can increase Mira’s fear level.
• Navratri (September/October): The “Festival of Nine Nights” is celebrated with puja, dance, and music. During this level, puja rooms are more powerful—lighting a diya in a puja room during Navratri will repel all spirits in the area for 15 minutes. The level’s main objective is to collect nine sacred items (one for each night of Navratri) to unlock a powerful weapon that can defeat the final boss. The level also features a side quest: helping a group of women prepare for a Garba dance by finding their lost bangles. Completing the quest rewards players with a “Garba bell” that can stun spirits when rung.

Day-Night Cycle: Delhi’s Dual Personality

The game’s day-night cycle lasts 25 minutes in real time, and each phase offers a different gameplay experience. The cycle is not just a cosmetic feature—it affects the game’s mechanics, enemies, and atmosphere.

During the day:

• The streets are crowded with vendors, pedestrians, and animals (cows, dogs, goats), making it easier to blend in but also limiting movement (players can’t run through crowds without attracting attention).
• Spirits are less active—most hide in dark corners or abandoned buildings.
• NPCs are more likely to help Mira, providing clues and items in exchange for small favors (like finding a lost child or returning a stolen purse).
• The Fear Meter decreases slowly, even in dark areas.
• Players can visit markets to buy items like batteries, laddoos, and chai.

During the night:

• The streets are empty, and spirits are more active—they roam freely and are more aggressive.
• The darkness makes it harder to see, so players must rely on their flashlight (which uses batteries) or diyas (which are more common but less powerful).
• The Fear Meter increases faster—staying in a dark area for more than a minute will cause Mira’s fear level to rise significantly.
• NPCs are rare—most are at home, and those who are out are suspicious of Mira.
• Players can explore areas that are closed during the day, like locked chawls, abandoned temples, and hidden alleys.

“The day-night cycle reflects Delhi’s dual personality,” says Priya Chauhan, art director. “During the day, it’s a bustling, vibrant city—full of life, noise, and color. At night, it’s quiet and eerie—full of secrets and shadows. We wanted to capture that contrast in the game, so players experience both sides of Delhi.”

The transition between day and night is seamless, with the sky changing color from bright blue to deep purple, and the sounds of the city shifting from honking and chatter to crickets and distant prayers. “We spent months perfecting the transition,” explains Vikram Singh, audio designer. “The music changes too—during the day, it’s upbeat and folk-inspired; at night, it’s slow and haunting. We wanted the transition to feel natural, like you’re really watching the sun set over Old Delhi.”

Platform-Specific Features: Optimized for Every Device

Ghostly Abode Delhi is available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Android, and iOS, with platform-specific features to enhance the gameplay experience.

PC Version:

• Supports 4K resolution and ray tracing, which enhances the game’s visuals—making the shadows deeper, the lights more realistic, and the textures more detailed.
• Supports keyboard/mouse and controller input, with customizable key bindings.
• Includes a “Photo Mode” that allows players to take screenshots of Old Delhi’s lanes and share them on social media. Photo Mode includes filters, camera angles, and the ability to hide the UI.
• Features ultra-wide monitor support, allowing players to see more of the environment.
• Includes a “Developer Commentary” mode, where the development team shares insights about the game’s creation, research, and inspiration.

Console Versions (PS5/Xbox Series X/S):

• Features haptic feedback and adaptive triggers (PS5) that make the Fear Meter more immersive—players can feel Mira’s fear through the controller (the controller vibrates more intensely as fear increases).
• Offers two performance modes: “Performance Mode” (60 FPS at 1080p) and “Quality Mode” (30 FPS at 4K with ray tracing).
• Includes exclusive DLC (downloadable content) titled “The Curse of Qutub Minar,” which is set in Delhi’s Qutub Minar and features a new storyline, new puzzles, and new enemies.
• Supports cross-save, allowing players to continue their progress on another console or PC.

Mobile Versions (Android/iOS):

• Features touch-optimized controls with customizable button layouts—players can move the buttons to suit their preferences.
• Includes a “Quick Save” feature, which allows players to save their progress at any time—perfect for gaming on the go.
• Has a reduced file size (1.8GB for Android, 2GB for iOS) to fit on mid-range smartphones.
• Includes “Lite Mode,” which further reduces the game’s graphics quality and file size for low-end devices.
• Features cloud save, allowing players to sync their progress across multiple devices.
• Includes exclusive daily quests that reward players with rare items like mantra scrolls and protective pouches.

The Storyline of Ghostly Abode Delhi

Ghostly Abode Delhi’s storyline is a rich, multi-layered narrative that weaves together Mughal history, Indian folklore, and personal tragedy. It’s a story about love, loss, betrayal, and redemption—set against the backdrop of Old Delhi’s haunted lanes. The game’s narrative is divided into four acts, each set in a different part of Old Delhi and during a different season, and features a cast of memorable characters (both living and dead) who are tied to the city’s past.

Concept art of Princess Zainab’s spirit, the central figure in Ghostly Abode Delhi’s storyline—she haunts Old Delhi’s lanes, searching for her lost love and seeking revenge on those who betrayed her 👑👻

Setup: The Inherited Diary and the Missing Ancestor

The game begins with Mira Patel, a 30-year-old historian specializing in Mughal-era architecture, receiving a package in the mail. The package contains a tattered diary, a rusted key, and a letter from her grandmother, who lives in a small village in Uttar Pradesh. The letter explains that the diary belonged to Mira’s great-grandmother, Kamala Patel, a renowned archaeologist who disappeared in Old Delhi in 1957 while researching “the curse of Princess Zainab.”

“Kamala was obsessed with Princess Zainab’s story,” the letter reads. “She spent years researching the curse, but one day, she vanished. The police searched for her, but they never found her. I always thought she was dead, but last month, I found this diary and key in her old trunk. I think she’s still alive—somewhere in Old Delhi. Please, Mira, go find her. And be careful—the curse is real.”

Intrigued and worried about her great-grandmother, Mira travels to Old Delhi and checks into a small hotel near Chandni Chowk. That night, she reads Kamala’s diary, which reveals the story of Princess Zainab:

“Princess Zainab was the daughter of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and a Hindu noblewoman. Born in 1665, she was known for her beauty, intelligence, and kindness. Unlike her father, who was a devout Muslim and a strict ruler, Zainab believed in religious tolerance—she studied Hindu scriptures, visited temples, and spoke fluent Hindi. As she grew older, she fell in love with a commoner: a weaver named Ravi, who lived in Chandni Chowk. The two would meet secretly in the lanes near Jama Masjid, exchanging letters and promises of marriage. But Aurangzeb disapproved of the relationship. He saw Ravi as a threat to the Mughal dynasty and ordered Zainab to end the affair. When she refused, Aurangzeb hired a powerful tantrik named Bhairav to curse her. Bhairav was a ruthless occult practitioner who had served the Mughal emperors for years. He agreed to curse Zainab, but he had his own agenda: he wanted to use Zainab’s spirit to gain immortality. On the night of Diwali in 1685, Bhairav performed a ritual in the basement of Jama Masjid. He bound Zainab’s spirit to a silver locket and cursed her to wander the lanes of Old Delhi for eternity—unable to rest until she found her lost love, Ravi, and took revenge on those who betrayed her. Ravi, meanwhile, was arrested and executed for “treason against the Mughal Empire.” The locket was hidden in a secret chamber beneath the Red Fort, but it was stolen in 1857 during the Indian Rebellion. Since then, the locket has passed through many hands, and each owner has been cursed—driven to madness or death by Zainab’s spirit. Kamala’s research suggests that the locket is now in the possession of a modern-day tantrik, who calls himself Bhairav II and claims to be the descendant of the original tantrik. He plans to use Zainab’s spirit to fulfill his ancestor’s dream of immortality.”

Kamala’s diary also contains clues about her whereabouts: she was last seen in a chawl near Jama Masjid, where she was interviewing a local elder about the locket. The diary ends with a cryptic entry: “The locket is hidden in the place where love and betrayal meet. The key will unlock the truth. Beware Bhairav—he knows I’m close.”

Determined to find her great-grandmother and uncover the truth about Princess Zainab, Mira sets out to explore Old Delhi’s lanes. Little does she know that Bhairav II is already watching her—he’s been tracking the diary for years, and he believes Mira is the “final piece” in his plan to gain immortality.

Act 1: The Chawls of Chandni Chowk (Diwali)

Mira’s journey begins in the chawls of Chandni Chowk, where Kamala was last seen. The chawls are a maze of narrow staircases, small rooms, and shared courtyards—perfect for hiding secrets (and spirits). As Mira explores, she encounters her first spirit: a small child ghost named Gopal, who died in a fire in the chawl during Diwali 50 years ago.

Gopal doesn’t speak, but he leads Mira to a hidden puja room, where she finds Kamala’s backpack. Inside the backpack, she discovers a map of Old Delhi, a collection of old photographs, and a handwritten note. The note explains that Kamala found a clue about the locket’s location: it’s hidden in a secret chamber beneath Jama Masjid, behind a wall with a carving of Princess Zainab and Ravi.

The note also warns Mira about Bhairav II: “He’s a dangerous man. He’s been following me for weeks, and he’ll stop at nothing to get the locket. He believes that only a descendant of Princess Zainab can unlock the locket’s full power—and he thinks I’m that descendant. But I’m not. I think he’s looking for someone else—someone with a stronger connection to Zainab.”

As Mira explores the chawls, she’s pursued by Bhairav II’s minions—spirits he has controlled using dark magic. These spirits are tied to Old Delhi’s past:

• The British Soldier: A spirit of a British soldier who died in the 1857 Indian Rebellion. He wears a red coat and carries a rifle, and he patrols the streets near the Red Fort. He is sensitive to loud noises, so Mira must move quietly to avoid him. According to the Folklore Database, the soldier was killed by Indian rebels while trying to steal a Mughal artifact—and he now haunts the area, searching for his lost weapon.
• The Street Vendor: A spirit of a golgappa vendor who was murdered for refusing to pay protection money to a local gang in the 1980s. He wanders the streets of Chandni Chowk, calling out “golgappas, pani puri!” He is attracted to food, so Mira can distract him with laddoos. The Folklore Database reveals that the vendor was a kind man who gave free golgappas to poor children—and his spirit now helps those in need (if they offer him food).
• The Chawl Widow: A spirit of a woman who died of a broken heart after her husband left her in the 1960s. She haunts the chawls’ staircases, and she cries loudly when she’s near. She is repelled by tulsi leaves, which Mira can find in puja rooms. The Folklore Database explains that the widow was a devout Hindu who prayed every day—and her spirit now protects the chawl’s residents from harm.

After navigating the chawls and avoiding Bhairav II’s minions, Mira reaches the entrance to Jama Masjid. As she enters the mosque, she hears a voice whisper: “You’re not like the others. You have her blood. The locket will recognize you.” Mira realizes that the voice belongs to Princess Zainab’s spirit—and that she might be the descendant Bhairav II is looking for.

Act 2: Jama Masjid and the Hidden Chamber (Holi)

Mira explores Jama Masjid, one of Delhi’s most iconic landmarks. The mosque’s grand courtyard and towering minarets are a stark contrast to the crowded chawls of Chandni Chowk, but Mira knows that danger lurks within. Using Kamala’s map as a guide, she finds a hidden entrance to a chamber beneath the mosque—once used by Mughal nobles to escape during attacks.

Inside the chamber, Mira finds Kamala’s camera, which contains photos of the locket and Bhairav II performing a ritual. The locket is a silver pendant with a blue gemstone, engraved with the image of Princess Zainab and R