Gaming
Obelisk Studio raises $2M from The Games Fund for the development of ‘Displacement
Mumbai: Obelisk Studio, an established AAA co-development company with a decade of experience working on household name franchises and independent games, today announces it has secured $ 2 million from The Games Fund, a specialist early-stage VC fund that invests in innovative video game developers and GameTech companies.
The raise will fund Obelisk’s pivot into the development of independent first-party titles. Displacement, the studio’s first IP, is a psychological action-horror game that explores the dark side of human nature in an atmosphere of isolation and madness and spiced with intense violent melee combat.
Over the past decade, the 20-strong Cyprus-based Obelisk Studio has been a major co-development partner for Sons of the Forest, which sold over 2 million copies in the first 24 hours, and other iconic IPs, including Call of Duty, Dota 2, Fallout 76, New World and David Fincher’s episode for Love, Death & Robots. Following the new investment, Obelisk is reinforcing the handpicked Displacement team with top-tier developers and designers who previously played key roles in the development of critically acclaimed games like Pioneer.
Obelisk Studio co-founder and CEO Artem Dorokhin commented, “We’re so happy to see the excitement that ‘Displacement’ sparks in people when we recruit and tell them about the game we work on! They see the potential even at this early stage and share our vision that the market and players are waiting for a true hardcore horror game. The Games Fund has placed a lot of trust and support in Obelisk. Thanks to their resources and extensive connections in the industry, we’ve built all the critical infrastructure, made key hires, and kickstarted the company in record time.”
Obelisk Studio co-founder and creative producer Alexander Vershinin said, “While humour and drama may be culturally specific, fear is universally understood, tapping into our most primal instincts as human beings. The action-horror genre, once considered niche, has grown to the point where it can hardly be classified as niche anymore. In collaboration with specialists in the psychology of extreme survival, we are making the ‘Displacement’ the most authentic psychological horror experience possible, full of raw emotions and literally driving players crazy.”
This investment aligns with The Games Fund’s approach of funding unique and innovative gameplay experiences. The Games Fund co-founder and managing partner Ilya Eremeev, added:
“We believe that a well-crafted AA game, one that honours and builds upon the legacy of classic horror titles with soul and grit, is a clear opportunity. With one of the most experienced teams in the region, ethical management practices, and exciting original IP, the Obelisk team is attracting the best talent on the market and developing an inspiring and beautiful but truly chilling horror game. We are committed to continuing our support and investment in the growing gaming industry of Cyprus, one of our key regions, ensuring that the incredibly talented game developers will not be left alone in the dark.”
The Games Fund’s inaugural fund raised $50 million to invest in gaming companies and founders from emerging markets in central and eastern Europe, such as KEK Entertainment, Jarvi Games, and Red Rover Interactive.
Gaming
Skyesports, GodLike Esports sign MoU with Maharashtra Cyber
Partnership promotes esports growth and cyber hygiene across the state.
MUMBAI: Skyesports and Godlike Esports just teamed up with Maharashtra Cyber because when you’re levelling up gaming in India, even the police want to join the squad. Skyesports, India’s leading esports and gaming IP builder, and premier organisation Godlike Esports have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra Cyber, the state’s nodal cyber security office, to foster esports development while embedding cyber hygiene and online safety practices across Maharashtra.
The agreement, formalised during a closed-door meeting in Mumbai, aligns with the state’s push to grow the orange economy and positions Maharashtra as a rising hub for digital gaming and esports. It emphasises responsible participation, cyber awareness and safe digital conduct among gamers and youth.
Under the MoU, Skyesports will organise and promote tournaments and community initiatives infused with cyber hygiene messaging. GodLike Esports will contribute through professional player mentorship, community engagement and awareness programmes encouraging positive behaviour. Maharashtra Cyber will support safety campaigns and promote responsible online practices within the ecosystem.
Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy said, “The growth of esports requires strong collaboration between the industry and government stakeholders. This MoU with Maharashtra Cyber represents an important step toward strengthening Maharashtra’s esports ecosystem through responsible gaming initiatives and grassroots engagement.”
Maharashtra Cyber additional director general of police Yashasvi Yadav added, “As esports continues to grow rapidly among young audiences, it is equally important to promote safe and responsible digital practices within the gaming ecosystem.”
Godlike Esports, founder Chetan “Kronten” Chandgude noted, “The true growth of esports in India lies in strengthening its roots at the grassroots level. This collaboration will support the state’s vision of building a strong and sustainable esports ecosystem.”
Eyrie Entertainment will cover and amplify Maharashtra Cyber’s cyber awareness activities across events and campaigns.
The partnership reflects a forward-looking effort to nurture Maharashtra’s esports talent pipeline while ensuring rapid growth is matched by strong digital safety guardrails. Further initiatives, tournaments and outreach programmes are expected to be announced soon.
In a state where gaming is levelling up faster than broadband speeds, this MoU isn’t just paperwork, it’s a power-up that turns players into safer, smarter pros, one secure headshot at a time.
