In collaboration with India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), the E-Gaming Federation (EGF) has launched “CityQuest: Shades of Bharat,” a digital educational experience that celebrates and educates players about India’s urban achievements. Released as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge’ for WAVES 2025, this game turns learning into play.
Announced by EGF CEO Anuraag Saxena, “CityQuest: Shades of Bharat” is an interactive game designed to showcase the vibrant urban developments across India. The game embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Amrit Kaal,” emphasizing how urban planning can shape India’s future. Powered by Games24x7, it combines real-time government data with educational elements to make learning engaging for players of all ages.
The game takes inspiration from the classic trump card model, where each “city card” represents a unique urban feature, such as infrastructure, healthcare, or education quality. Drawing on data from the NITI Aayog’s SDG Urban Index (2021), the 56 cities represented reflect 77 key urban indicators across 15 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These data points help players appreciate each city’s strengths in areas like cleanliness, healthcare, and gender equality.
MIB Secretary Sanjay Jaju described the game as a bridge to India’s urban growth journey. “The Create in India Challenge is a platform to showcase the next generation of Indian talent in storytelling, creativity, and innovation,” said Jaju. He explained that this initiative, which will feature 25 unique challenges, aims to nurture the country’s media and entertainment ecosystem while spotlighting urban achievements.
EGF’s Anuraag Saxena highlighted that gaming is a powerful tool for social education. “CityQuest is more than just a game; it’s an interactive journey that allows players to understand the unique qualities of Bharat’s cities,” Saxena explained. Through six categories, such as Hunger Index and Good Health, players explore urban challenges and successes while competing in a single-player format. Each victory uncovers a deeper appreciation for the diversity and progress of Indian cities.
The game is part of a broader effort by the E-Gaming Federation and the Ministry to localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and track urban progress. This initiative reflects India’s commitment to both digital innovation and social responsibility as the country approaches WAVES 2025.
Key Highlights:
- “CityQuest: Shades of Bharat” is an educational game launched by the E-Gaming Federation and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
- The game uses real-time data from 56 cities, promoting India’s SDG progress through interactive gameplay.
- Players engage in a classic trump card-style format, comparing cities across parameters like healthcare and cleanliness.
- The initiative aligns with PM Modi’s “Amrit Kaal” vision, highlighting the importance of urban development in India.