Shortgun, a game development studio, has raised $1 million in a seed funding round from angel investors.
The fresh funds raised will be used to support pre-production and development of the game’s Minimum Viable Product (MVP), which includes delivering a “vertical slice”, a polished, playable 5–8 minute experience that showcases the title’s unique mechanics, narrative depth, and visual direction.
The funding will also enable strategic, need-based hiring to further strengthen Shortgun’s lean but high-caliber team, which operates largely out of India with a select group of international collaborators.
Founded in 2021 by Jeet Chandan and Vidhit Mehta, Shortgun Games is a game development studio founded by the original creators of Rogue Heist. With a vision to build India’s first genre-defying third-person shooter (TPS) title for PC and console, the studio brings together expertise from interactive storytelling, cinematic action, and high production standards.
The studio is currently working on its debut title, which explores themes of identity, instinct, and transformation, crafted to resonate with global audiences while rooted in immersive design and bold storytelling.
The studio plans to raise an additional $5 million in the next round to transition the project from a polished vertical slice to full-scale production.
Recently the studio had collaborated with Vicky Arora, an acclaimed Bollywood action director known for popular movies like URI, RRR, TANAAV, and now the most anticipated Ramayan Part.
The studio operates with a strong player-first philosophy, prioritizing high-impact design and immersive storytelling from the earliest stages of development.
Vidhit Mehta, Founder of Shortgun Games, said, “This funding will allow us to go beyond prototypes and deliver a polished vertical slice that encapsulates the heart of our game. We’re deliberately focusing on quality-first development, taking time to refine systems, narrative tone, and gameplay depth. This proof of concept will be key to attracting publishing partners and setting new benchmarks for what an Indian studio can achieve on a global stage.”
Jeet Chandan, Managing Director at Shortgun Games, said, “We’re not just building another shooter game. Our vision is to craft a flagship IP that blends cinematic storytelling, emotional decision-making, and tight gameplay mechanics, a top-notch experience on a mid-sized studio budget. This investment allows us to take calculated risks, experiment boldly, and innovate in ways the market here hasn’t seen before. Our long-term goal is to establish Shortgun as a globally respected name from India, proving we can deliver games with both commercial appeal and artistic depth.”
Ashish R. Beuria, Game Director at Shortgun Games, said, “What’s interesting about this phase is the freedom to experiment. We’re not just scaling up production, we’re exploring new mechanics, testing bold ideas, and shaping a player experience that feels truly different. This investment gives us the space to build a game that surprises players and challenges expectations of what an Indian-made shooter can be.”
