Tendulkar launches mobile game featuring him

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday launched a mobile game featuring himself, developed by JetSynthesys, a digital entertainment and gaming firm backed by Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan.

Unlike other games which are in the name of cricketers, Sachin Saga Cricket Champions game helps to relive moments from Tendulkar's journey as a cricketer.

The game, available on Google Play store and Apple store for free download, is divided into two modes - legendry and events. There are more than 100 scenarios of each of them and a gamer will have to score certain points to reach the next level.

Launching the game, Tendulkar said that though coming from a pre-digital phase in his early life, he loves digital games.

"During my stint with Yorkshire in 1992 and during 2003 World Cup in South Africa, I used to visit video parlours along with team-mates," he said.

The cricket legend said the company worked on the project for two years and shot his batting in a high-tech studio in London where a James Bond movie was filmed.

"I had to wear a special suit with 26 to 27 receptors, which captured my body movements and footwork. Thirty-six cameras were used for the shooting," he said.

He said besides the 100 centuries he scored, the game has legendary innings played during his career, even the first Ranji Trophy match.

JetSynthesys vice chairman and managing director Rajan Navani said the company expects to get five million downloads in the next 60 to 90 days.

"We have received one million pre-registrations already and it indicates people's great interest in this. Through the game, the player gets a chance to step into Tendulkar's shoes and relive his innings from some of the most memorable matches he played for India," said Navani.

JetSynthesys non-executive chairman Kris Gopalakrishnan said the gaming industry is $100 billion and is gaining a foothold in India.

"I have invested in this venture from my personal capacity. Our endeavour is to reach out to a large number of users, especially to low-end smartphone users," said Gopalakrishnan.