The game uses food to navigate the evolving dynamics of Venba’s family. From welcoming a new sibling to navigating conversations on identity and belonging, the kitchen is where it begins and unfolds. Displaying familiar tools and utensils one would often find in a Tamil kitchen, the game provides a unique insight into immigrant life. For instance, the recipes are found documented in a tattered book that seems to be passed down from generations. The gameplay requires the player to then piece recipes together from incomplete or missing instructions to ultimately make the final dish.
The game draws inspiration from Abhi, the lead developer, who was motivated to tell the often-overlooked stories of first-generation immigrants, particularly the experiences of parents who relocate later in life. For Abhi, the use of food was both symbolic and literary. It became a conduit to explore difficult emotions and nuanced experiences as an immigrant. The gameplay in many ways represents the cultural displacement, rediscovery and preservation immigrants often experience. To make the game more authentic, Neha Patel, the sound designer (3), recreated the traditional dishes in her kitchen, to capture the sequences of sounds and pitches that reflect a dynamic ambience. Venba prioritises an immersive design, and plays on the sensory elements to draw the player in.
Launched in 2023, Venba was met with enthusiastic reviews from both players and critics, marking a powerful entry into the world of narrative-driven games. Notable awards and nominations received by Venba include the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at the Independent Games Festival and Best Debut at the Game Developers Choice Awards. It also secured the BAFTA Games Award for Debut Game in 2024 along with other key nominations. Venba continues to collect a host of awards, reflecting its significance as a socially resonant and artistically rich game that brings underrepresented immigrant narratives to the forefront.
Venba’s widespread acclaim reflects the importance of storytelling through interactive media. More than just a game, it invites the player to an introspective journey, one that explores intergenerational tension, sacrifice and cultural preservation. Through its innovative mechanics and sensory-rich depictions of South Indian cuisine, Venba offers a deeply personal narrative that reflects the complexities of identity, memory, and belonging. Venba is an important contribution to the gaming industry, one that takes an innovative approach to sharing South Asian immigrant experiences that resonate across cultural lines.
