Welcome to Sasaram Vanguard Runner 🎮

Introduction to Sasaram Vanguard Runner

Launched on 15th August 2023—India’s Independence Day—Sasaram Vanguard Runner is more than just a mobile game; it’s a cultural celebration packaged into an addictive endless runner experience. Developed by Desi Game Studios, a rising indie team based in Patna, and published in partnership with Daman Games (one of India’s leading gaming platforms), this game was crafted with a simple yet powerful mission: to put Bihari culture on the global gaming map while delivering a gameplay experience that’s accessible, fun, and Paisa Vasool for every desi gamer.

Set in the picturesque city of Sasaram—a historical gem in Bihar famous for being the birthplace of Sher Shah Suri, the visionary ruler who built the Grand Trunk Road—the game takes players on a thrilling journey through the city’s iconic landmarks, bustling villages, and lush countryside. Unlike generic endless runners that rely on international themes or fictional worlds, Sasaram Vanguard Runner draws inspiration from real-life Bihari culture, folklore, and traditions, making it a truly unique offering in the Indian mobile gaming scene.

At its core, Sasaram Vanguard Runner is an endless runner game where players control one of several desi characters, navigating through a series of obstacles while collecting coins, power-ups, and cultural artifacts. But what sets it apart is its unwavering focus on authenticity: from the Bhojpuri dialogues spoken by characters to the Madhubani art-inspired visuals, from the Chhath Puja-themed power-ups to the sound of traditional Bihari folk music in the background, every element of the game is designed to immerse players in the heart and soul of Bihar.

Since its release, the game has taken the Indian gaming community by storm, amassing over 5 million downloads in its first six months and earning a 4.5/5 rating on the Google Play Store. It has resonated particularly strongly with gamers from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, who have praised its accurate representation of their culture, but its appeal isn’t limited to regional audiences—players from across India and even the global desi diaspora have fallen in love with its charm, simplicity, and cultural depth.

The game’s map features iconic Sasaram landmarks, bringing the city’s history to life!

Gameplay: Thrills with a Desi Twist

Sasaram Vanguard Runner builds on the classic endless runner formula that has made games like Temple Run and Subway Surfers global hits, but infuses it with a distinct desi flavor that makes it stand out. The gameplay is easy to learn but hard to master—perfect for casual gamers who want quick sessions and hardcore players who crave high scores and bragging rights among friends.

Core Mechanics 🏃

The controls are intuitive and designed for mobile play, making it accessible to gamers of all skill levels. Players can swipe up to jump over obstacles like bullock carts, potholes, and fallen branches; swipe down to slide under low-hanging structures like village huts or railway bridges; and swipe left or right to switch lanes and avoid oncoming traffic (including rickshaws, cycles, and even grazing cows—true to Bihar’s rural and urban landscapes!).

In addition to swiping, players can tap the screen to activate power-ups, which are scattered throughout the levels. Unlike generic power-ups in other runner games, Sasaram Vanguard Runner’s boosts are inspired by Bihari culture and daily life: the Cycle Rickshaw Boost gives players a speed burst while making them invulnerable to obstacles; the Chhathi Thali Shield protects players from collisions for 10 seconds; the Madhubani Coin Magnet attracts all nearby coins; and the Ladoo Speed Boost (inspired by Bihar’s famous sweet) makes the character run faster, allowing them to cover more distance and collect more rewards.

The game’s difficulty increases gradually as players progress: obstacles become faster and more frequent, lanes switch unexpectedly, and new challenges (like avoiding rain during monsoon levels or navigating through Holi celebrations with colorful crowds) are introduced to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. There’s no “game over” in the traditional sense—players can revive themselves by watching a short ad or using in-game currency, ensuring that even casual players can keep running without getting frustrated.

Level Design: A Tour of Sasaram & Bihar 🕌

One of the game’s biggest strengths is its level design, which serves as a virtual tour of Sasaram and the surrounding Bihari countryside. Each level is inspired by a real-life location or cultural event, allowing players to explore the region’s beauty and history while playing.

• Sher Shah Suri Tomb Level: Set around Sasaram’s most famous landmark—the mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri—this level features intricate Mughal-style architecture, lush gardens, and stone pathways. Obstacles include tourists, maintenance workers, and falling flower petals (a nod to the tomb’s status as a popular tourist spot).
• Village Countryside Level: A scenic route through Bihari villages, with green fields, mud huts, and rivers. Obstacles here include bullock carts, grazing animals, and farmers carrying crops. The background music features traditional Bihari folk tunes played on the dholak and harmonium.
• Chhath Puja Special Level: Available only during the Chhath Puja season, this level is decorated with rangoli, diyas, and Chhath ghats. Players can collect special “Chhath Prasad” power-ups and navigate through crowds of devotees offering prayers to the sun god.
• Rohtasgarh Fort Level: Inspired by the ancient Rohtasgarh Fort (located near Sasaram), this level features steep slopes, stone staircases, and historical ruins. Obstacles include falling rocks, wild animals, and narrow pathways that require precise lane switching.
• Sasaram City Level: A bustling urban level with busy streets, markets, and railway tracks. Obstacles include rickshaws, cars, cyclists, and vendors selling street food (like litti chokha and sattu paratha—Bihar’s famous delicacies).

The Chhath Puja level brings the festival’s spirituality and joy to the game!

Character Customization: Dress Your Desi Hero 🎨

Sasaram Vanguard Runner offers a diverse cast of playable characters, each with their own backstory and personality—all inspired by Bihari people from different walks of life. Players start with Raju, a young village boy who loves running and exploring Sasaram’s landmarks. As they progress, they can unlock other characters using in-game currency or by completing specific missions:

Each character can be customized with a variety of traditional Bihari outfits and accessories, allowing players to express their desi style. Outfits include Madhubani print saris for female characters, kurta-pajama with gamcha (traditional scarf) for male characters, and special festival attire (like Chhath Puja sarees and Holi-colored clothes). Accessories range from traditional jewelry (like mangalsutras and bangles) to hats (like topis and gamcha turbans) and even props (like a small Chhath thali or a paintbrush for Mala).

Objectives & Progression 🎯

Sasaram Vanguard Runner offers multiple objectives to keep players engaged beyond just running as far as possible. Daily missions (like “Collect 500 Madhubani Coins” or “Run 5km in the Village Level”) reward players with extra currency and power-ups. Weekly challenges (like “Complete 10 Chhath Puja levels” or “Beat 5 friends’ high scores”) offer rare skins and ad-free experience for a week.

The game also features a tiered progression system, where players earn “Sasaram Stars” by completing missions and achieving high scores. As they collect stars, they unlock new levels, characters, and power-ups. The tiers range from “Village Runner” (beginner) to “Sasaram Legend” (expert), with each tier offering unique rewards and bragging rights. Players can also climb the global and regional leaderboards, competing with other desi gamers to see who can run the farthest or collect the most coins.

In-game currency comes in two forms: Madhubani Coins (earned through gameplay) and Sher Shah Shields (premium currency, available through in-app purchases or by completing special challenges). Madhubani Coins can be used to unlock basic characters, outfits, and power-ups, while Sher Shah Shields are required for rare skins, ad-free experience, and revives during tough runs.

Development: Crafting a Desi Gaming Masterpiece

The journey of Sasaram Vanguard Runner began in 2021, when a group of five gaming enthusiasts from Patna—all graduates of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Patna—decided to create a game that celebrated their Bihari heritage. Tired of seeing Indian games that either copied Western formulas or relied on generic “desi” tropes without any real cultural depth, the team set out to build something authentic, respectful, and fun.

The Development Team: Passionate Desi Gamers

Desi Game Studios, the team behind Sasaram Vanguard Runner, consists of five core members: Ravi Kumar (Lead Developer), Priya Singh (Art Director), Aman Verma (Game Designer), Neha Yadav (Sound Designer), and Rajesh Kumar (Marketing Lead). All five are from Bihar, and their personal connection to the state’s culture played a crucial role in shaping the game.

“We’re all gamers first, but we’re also proud Biharis,” says Priya Singh, the Art Director. “When we started brainstorming ideas, we knew we wanted to highlight Sasaram because it’s a city with so much history and culture, but it’s often overlooked in mainstream media. We wanted to put Sasaram on the map—one game download at a time!”

The team started small, working out of a shared apartment in Patna and funding the project with their own savings. They spent months researching Sasaram’s history, visiting the city multiple times to photograph landmarks, interview locals, and learn about Bihari traditions. They also collaborated with Bhojpuri language experts to ensure that the game’s dialogues and text were accurate and respectful, and with folk musicians to create original soundtracks that captured the essence of Bihar’s music.

Inspirations: From Sasaram’s Streets to Bihari Folklore

The development team drew inspiration from every aspect of Bihari life, from the bustling markets of Sasaram to the quiet villages of the countryside, from the grandeur of Sher Shah Suri’s tomb to the simplicity of Chhath Puja rituals. They wanted the game to feel like a love letter to Bihar, so they included even the smallest details that would resonate with locals.

For example, the game’s village level features mud huts with thatched roofs, a common sight in rural Bihar. The city level includes vendors selling litti chokha and sattu paratha, two of Bihar’s most famous dishes. The Chhath Puja level shows devotees standing in water with chhathi thalis (plates filled with fruits, sweets, and flowers), a key ritual of the festival. Even the obstacles are inspired by real-life—bullock carts, rickshaws, and grazing cows are all common sights in Sasaram and other Bihari cities.

The team also drew inspiration from Bihari folklore and history. The character Sher is named after Sher Shah Suri, the 16th-century ruler who was born in Sasaram and built the Grand Trunk Road. The Rohtasgarh Fort level is based on the ancient fort that Sher Shah Suri used as a military base. The game also includes trivia cards that pop up during loading screens, sharing interesting facts about Sasaram’s history and Bihari culture (like “Sher Shah Suri introduced the rupee as India’s currency!” or “Chhath Puja is one of the oldest Hindu festivals, dating back to the Vedic period”).

Technical Development: Optimized for Desi Mobiles 📱

One of the biggest challenges the team faced was optimizing the game for low-end mobile devices—a crucial consideration in India, where many gamers use budget phones with limited processing power and storage. The team chose to develop the game using Unity, a game engine known for its flexibility and ability to run on a wide range of devices.

They spent months optimizing the game’s graphics and code to ensure that it would run smoothly on phones with 2GB RAM or less. They reduced the size of the game to under 100MB (most mobile games are 200MB or more) by compressing textures and using simple yet visually appealing art styles (like Madhubani-inspired 2D graphics). They also added a “Data Saver Mode” that reduces the amount of data used for online features like leaderboards and updates—another important feature for gamers in rural areas with limited internet access.

The game was also localized for Indian users, with support for three languages: Hindi, Bhojpuri, and English. This was a deliberate choice, as Bhojpuri is widely spoken in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and Hindi is understood across most of India. The team worked with native speakers to ensure that the translations were accurate and natural, avoiding the awkward “Google Translate” feel that plagues many localized games.

Beta Testing & Feedback: Listening to Desi Gamers

Before launching the game, the team conducted an extensive beta testing phase with over 10,000 users across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. They wanted to get feedback from the people who would be playing the game most—regional gamers who could spot cultural inaccuracies and provide insights on gameplay.

The beta testers provided valuable feedback that helped the team refine the game. For example, many testers suggested adding more Bhojpuri dialogues to the characters, so the team hired local voice actors to re-record the lines. Others mentioned that the initial levels were too easy, so the team adjusted the difficulty curve to make the game more challenging for experienced players. Some testers also requested more festival-themed levels, which led the team to add the Holi and Diwali levels as post-launch updates.

The team also used the beta testing phase to gather data on how the game performed on different devices. They identified and fixed bugs that were causing crashes on certain budget phones, and optimized the game’s battery usage to ensure that it wouldn’t drain users’ phone batteries too quickly—a common complaint with mobile games.

The Desi Game Studios team during the beta testing phase of Sasaram Vanguard Runner.

Cultural Impact: Celebrating Bihar on the Gaming Stage

Since its launch, Sasaram Vanguard Runner has had a profound cultural impact, not just on the Indian gaming scene but also on how Bihari culture is perceived and celebrated. In a country where gaming is often dominated by Western or Japanese titles, and regional cultures are underrepresented in mainstream media, the game has emerged as a powerful symbol of desi pride and cultural preservation.

Representation of Bihari Culture: Breaking Stereotypes 🇮🇳

One of the most significant contributions of Sasaram Vanguard Runner is its accurate and respectful representation of Bihari culture. For too long, Bihar has been stereotyped in Indian media as a backward state, with little focus on its rich history, vibrant traditions, and contributions to Indian civilization. Sasaram Vanguard Runner challenges these stereotypes by showcasing Bihar’s beauty, diversity, and cultural heritage in a positive and engaging way.

The game’s portrayal of Chhath Puja, for example, highlights the festival’s spirituality, community spirit, and environmental consciousness (Chhath Puja is a eco-friendly festival that emphasizes cleanliness and respect for nature). The Madhubani art-inspired visuals showcase one of India’s most famous folk art forms, which originated in Bihar. The inclusion of Bhojpuri dialogues and folk music helps preserve and promote the Bhojpuri language, which is often marginalized in mainstream media.

Many Bihari gamers have expressed their joy and pride at seeing their culture represented in a popular game. “I grew up in Sasaram, and seeing my city’s landmarks in a mobile game made me so proud,” wrote one user on the Google Play Store. “Finally, a game that doesn’t make fun of Bihari culture but celebrates it! My kids now ask me about Sher Shah Suri and Chhath Puja because they want to learn more about the game’s levels.”

The game has also helped raise awareness about Sasaram as a tourist destination. Since its launch, there has been a noticeable increase in searches for “Sasaram tourist places” and “Sher Shah Suri Tomb” on Google, with many users mentioning that they discovered the city through the game. Local tourism officials in Sasaram have even partnered with the developers to promote the game as a way to attract young tourists to the city.

Boosting the Regional Gaming Scene 🚀

Sasaram Vanguard Runner has also had a positive impact on India’s regional gaming industry. For years, most Indian mobile games have been developed in major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi, with little representation from smaller cities and states. The success of Sasaram Vanguard Runner—developed by a team from Patna—has inspired other indie developers from regional areas to create games that celebrate their own cultures.

“We’ve received messages from developers in Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan who say that our game has inspired them to create games based on their own regional cultures,” says Ravi Kumar, the Lead Developer. “That’s the biggest compliment we could ask for. We want India’s gaming industry to be as diverse as our country, with games that represent every state and every culture.”

The game has also helped put Bihar on the map as a hub for indie gaming. Desi Game Studios has received funding from investors to expand their team and develop more games, and they have even launched a mentorship program for young Bihari gamers who want to pursue careers in game development. The success of Sasaram Vanguard Runner has shown that regional games with authentic cultural themes can be commercially viable, opening up new opportunities for indie developers across India.

Community Engagement: Building a Desi Gaming Family 🏆

Sasaram Vanguard Runner has built a strong and active community of gamers, united by their love for the game and their pride in desi culture. The developers have fostered this community through social media, in-game events, and real-life meetups.

On social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, the game has a dedicated following of over 200,000 users. The developers regularly post updates about new levels and characters, share fan art and gameplay videos, and interact with users through Q&A sessions. They also host online tournaments with cash prizes (sponsored by Daman Games), where players compete to see who can run the farthest or collect the most coins. These tournaments have become extremely popular, with thousands of players participating each month.

The game also has a strong fan art community, with users creating and sharing drawings of their favorite characters, levels, and moments from the game. Many fans have even cosplayed as Raju, Meera, and other characters at gaming events across India. The developers often feature fan art on their social media pages, which has helped build a sense of belonging among the community.

In addition to online engagement, the team has also organized real-life meetups in Patna, Sasaram, and other Bihari cities. These meetups allow fans to interact with the developers, play the game together, and share their feedback and ideas. The first meetup in Sasaram attracted over 500 fans, many of whom traveled from nearby villages to attend. “It was amazing to see so many people come together because of our game,” says Neha Yadav, the Sound Designer. “The meetups remind us why we do what we do— to bring people together through gaming and culture.”

Educational Elements: Learning Through Gaming 📚

Beyond entertainment, Sasaram Vanguard Runner also serves an educational purpose, teaching players about Bihari history, culture, and traditions. As mentioned earlier, the game includes trivia cards that pop up during loading screens, sharing interesting facts about Sasaram’s landmarks, Bihari festivals, and historical figures.

The game has also been embraced by schools in Bihar, who have started using it as a teaching tool to introduce students to local history and culture. “Many teachers have told us that their students are more interested in learning about Sher Shah Suri and Chhath Puja after playing the game,” says Rajesh Kumar, the Marketing Lead. “Gaming makes learning fun, and we’re happy that our game is helping students connect with their heritage.”

The developers have also partnered with the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) to create a special “Educational Mode” for the game, which includes more detailed trivia, videos about Sasaram’s landmarks, and interactive quizzes about Bihari culture. This mode is available for free to schools and educational institutions, and has been downloaded by over 500 schools across Bihar.

Reception: Critical Acclaim & Desi Love

Sasaram Vanguard Runner has received widespread acclaim from both critics and gamers since its launch, cementing its position as one of India’s most popular mobile games. Its unique blend of addictive gameplay, cultural authenticity, and accessibility has resonated with audiences across the country, making it a commercial and critical success.

Critical Acclaim: Praise for Cultural Authenticity 🎉

Indian gaming publications and critics have showered the game with praise, highlighting its cultural authenticity, engaging gameplay, and technical excellence. GamingBolt India, one of the country’s leading gaming websites, gave the game a 9/10 rating, calling it “a landmark achievement for Indian mobile gaming.”

“Sasaram Vanguard Runner isn’t just a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon,” wrote GamingBolt’s reviewer. “The attention to detail in the level design, the accurate representation of Bihari culture, and the addictive gameplay make it a must-play for every desi gamer. It’s rare to see a mobile game that’s both fun and meaningful, but Sasaram Vanguard Runner pulls it off beautifully.”

TechGig, another popular Indian tech and gaming website, praised the game’s optimization for low-end devices, calling it “a masterclass in mobile game development.” “In a country where most gamers use budget phones, Sasaram Vanguard Runner’s ability to run smoothly on low-end devices is a game-changer,” the review stated. “The developers have proven that you don’t need cutting-edge graphics to create a great game—you just need passion, creativity, and an understanding of your audience.”

The game has also been praised for its inclusive representation. The Hindu, one of India’s leading newspapers, wrote: “Sasaram Vanguard Runner is a refreshing change from the usual mobile games that cater to Western tastes. By celebrating Bihari culture and giving voice to a region that’s often overlooked, the game sets a new standard for inclusive gaming in India.”

User Reviews: Love from Desi Gamers ❤️

The game’s user reviews have been equally positive, with over 150,000 ratings on the Google Play Store and a 4.5/5 score. Users have praised everything from the gameplay and graphics to the cultural representation and technical performance.

“This game is jhakaas! I love how it shows Bihari culture in such a fun way,” wrote one user. “The levels are challenging but not frustrating, and the characters are so relatable. I especially love the Chhath Puja level—it reminds me of celebrating the festival with my family.”

Another user praised the game’s optimization: “I have an old Redmi phone with 2GB RAM, and this game runs perfectly! No lag, no crashes, and it doesn’t drain my battery. Finally, a mobile game that’s made for desi gamers with budget phones.”

Many users have also highlighted the game’s educational value: “My 8-year-old son loves this game, and now he’s always asking me about Sher Shah Suri and Sasaram. It’s great that he’s learning about our culture while having fun. Thank you, Desi Game Studios!”

While most reviews are positive, some users have pointed out minor flaws, such as the frequency of ads (a common complaint with free mobile games) and the limited number of levels at launch. The developers have addressed these concerns by reducing ad frequency in updates and adding new levels regularly.

Commercial Performance: A Desi Hit 💰

Sasaram Vanguard Runner has been a commercial success, exceeding the developers’ expectations. The game has amassed over 5 million downloads in its first six months, with 70% of downloads coming from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. It has also performed well in other states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, where it has been featured in the “Top Indian Games” section of the Google Play Store.

The game’s revenue comes from two sources: in-app purchases and advertising. In-app purchases (which include premium currency, ad-free experience, and rare skins) account for 30% of revenue, while advertising accounts for 70%. The developers have stated that they are focused on keeping the game free-to-play and accessible to all, so they only show non-intrusive ads and offer most content through gameplay.

The game’s partnership with Daman Games has also contributed to its commercial success. Daman Games has promoted the game through its social media channels, which have over 10 million followers, and has hosted exclusive tournaments with cash prizes, which have helped attract new users. The partnership has also allowed the developers to reach a wider audience beyond Bihar, into states where Daman Games has a strong presence.

Awards & Nominations 🏅

Sasaram Vanguard Runner has won several awards and nominations for its excellence in gaming and cultural representation. In 2023, it won the “Best Regional Game” award at the Indian Gaming Awards, and was nominated for “Best Mobile Game” and “Best Indie Game.”

The game also won the “Cultural Preservation Award” at the Bihar State Tourism Awards, in recognition of its role in promoting Sasaram’s tourism and Bihari culture. The developers were invited to receive the award from the Chief Minister of Bihar, who praised the game for “showcasing Bihar’s rich heritage to the world.”

In 2024, the game was nominated for “Best Cultural Game” at the Global Mobile Gaming Awards, becoming one of the few Indian games to be recognized at an international gaming event. While it didn’t win the award, the nomination helped raise the profile of Indian regional gaming on the global stage.

Sasaram Vanguard Runner has won several awards for gaming excellence and cultural representation.

Updates & Expansions: Keeping the Desi Fun Going

The developers of Sasaram Vanguard Runner have been committed to keeping the game fresh and engaging by releasing regular updates and expansions. Since its launch, the game has received six major updates, each adding new levels, characters, power-ups, and events. The team has also announced plans for future expansions, including a PC port and a multiplayer mode.

Major Updates: Festival Themes & New Content 🎊

The game’s updates have been timed to coincide with major Indian festivals, allowing players to celebrate the seasons with new content. Here’s a breakdown of the major updates released so far:

• Chhath Puja Update (October 2023): The first post-launch update added a new Chhath Puja level, a new character (Meera, the Chhath devotee), and Chhath-themed power-ups (Chhath Prasad and Diya Shield). It also included a limited-time event where players could collect “Chhath Coins” to unlock exclusive outfits.
• Diwali Update (November 2023): This update added a Diwali-themed level with fireworks, rangoli, and illuminated temples. It introduced a new power-up (Lakshmi’s Blessing, which doubles coin collection) and a new character (Lakshmi, a Diwali vendor). The update also included a Diwali tournament with a cash prize of ₹50,000, sponsored by Daman Games.
• Holi Update (March 2024): The Holi update added a colorful Holi level with water balloons, gulal, and dancing crowds. It introduced a new power-up (Holi Gulal Shield, which makes players invisible to obstacles) and a new character (Ramu, a Holi reveller). The update also included a “Holi Challenge” where players could team up with friends to collect colored coins.
• Rohtasgarh Fort Update (May 2024): This update added the highly anticipated Rohtasgarh Fort level, inspired by the ancient fort near Sasaram. It introduced a new character (Sher, the warrior) and a new power-up (Fortress Shield, which provides permanent protection for 15 seconds). The update also included trivia about the fort’s history.
• Summer Update (July 2024): The summer update added a new village level set during the monsoon season, with rain effects, puddles, and green fields. It introduced a new power-up (Raincoat Shield, which protects players from rain-related obstacles) and a new character (Gopal, a farmer). The update also included a “Monsoon Marathon” event with daily rewards.
• Bhojpuri Cinema Update (September 2024): This update was a collaboration with Bhojpuri cinema star Pawan Singh. It added a new character (Pawan Singh’s avatar) with a special ability (Bhojpuri Beat, which makes obstacles dance to folk music), and a new level inspired by Bhojpuri movie sets. The update also included Bhojpuri movie dialogues