Dirtcube Interactive, a pioneering game and game-tech studio based out of Navi Mumbai has officially announced the launch of Specter, India’s first-of-its-kind backend platform designed to revolutionise the gaming ecosystem. This fully integrated solution combines all essential backend services such as player progression, game economy management, automated achievement and rewards systems, leaderboards, LiveOps, real-money features and much more into a unified platform that empowers developers and marketers to create immersive and scalable gaming experiences.

With a portfolio that includes hyper-casual games, game development and art services, and innovative products like Capshot, a social media app for memes and videos, and GameStarz, a mobile-based virtual world blending gaming and social interactions, Dirtcube Interactive has consistently pushed boundaries. The development of Specter stems from their experience and a keen understanding of the need for integrated backend tools in game development.

Consolidating multiple tools into a single solution, Specter enables developers to streamline operations and focus on creativity. Comprising features like dynamic achievements, currency and store systems, real-time competitions, and LiveOps, the platform enhances engagement while reducing complexity. The product is currently rolling out some early AI features, and over the next few months, it aims to completely transform how games manage Live Ops, respond to player behaviour, and generate new in-game content.

Specter’s USP lies in offering customisable backend services to meet the diverse needs of the gaming industry. It enhances cost and time efficiency, accelerating development timelines by up to four times, allowing teams to focus more on creating impactful gaming experiences. The platform’s cross-platform support unifies player communities across devices, creating a seamless and integrated experience for users.

Co-founder Pravan Parikh brings a wealth of experience from financial services, market research, and product development. His background in data analysis and market strategy has been instrumental in shaping Specter’s vision as the go-to backend platform for developers and studios.

Sharing his excitement on the launch of Specter, Pravan Parikh, Co-Founder & Product Lead, Dirtcube Interactive LLP expressed, “We are delighted to officially launch Specter, a platform that represents years of dedicated effort, learning, and innovation. While India’s gaming and esports industry is experiencing rapid growth, significant gaps persist in the game development ecosystem. Specter is designed to bridge these gaps by empowering creators across industries with the tools they need to make game development more accessible, efficient, and rewarding. Our vision is for Specter to become the invisible hand that powers truly immersive gaming experiences.”

While Pravan focuses on shaping the product vision, his co-founder, Mikhail Bhuta, brings the technological backbone to Specter. As a seasoned technology innovator, Mikhail has been instrumental in crafting the platform’s high quality and scalable infrastructure, ensuring it meets the complex needs of today’s game developers.

“Specter is designed to address the challenges game developers face, from scalability to real-time operations and seamless cross-platform integration. We’ve focused on delivering a backend solution that simplifies the development process while enhancing the player experience. Our goal is to create a platform that evolves with the rapidly changing gaming industry, featuring cutting-edge tools that keep developers ahead of the curve. With Specter, we aim to help developers all over the world lay the foundation for the next generation of immersive gaming experiences,” said Mikhail Bhuta, Co-Founder & Tech Lead, Dirtcube Interactive LLP.

Specter empowers multiple industries with its tailored solutions. For traditional video game development, it supports indie developers, hyper-casual publishers, and casual game studios with cost-efficient infrastructure and dynamic features. In gamification and consumer apps, the platform boosts engagement through leaderboards and rewards, benefiting fitness apps, social platforms, and loyalty programs.

In esports, Specter simplifies tournament management with dynamic leaderboards, match data handling, and secure prize distribution. Additionally, it also enables marketing and brand engagement by powering gamified campaigns, community challenges, and live events to create interactive brand experiences.

Looking ahead, Specter will focus on building a thriving developer community through collaborations with indie developers and midsize studios to shape new features. The platform is also pioneering the use of AI in LiveOps, aiming to revolutionise player engagement and revenue models by leveraging predictive and responsive AI systems. Additionally, Specter is expanding its reach by forging strategic partnerships with leading gaming engines and service providers to further enhance its ecosystem.

John Gordon, CEO of Incentive Games, has officially joined the HotTakes team as a strategic advisor, ahead of their highly anticipated US launch.

HotTakes, a leading B2C Free-to-Play sports prediction app with a strong affiliate network, has achieved rapid growth in the Canadian market and is poised for major expansion with their upcoming launch in the United States.

Incentive Games, an investor in HotTakes, has consistently supported the company throughout their journey, participating in the past two funding rounds. John Gordon has been actively involved in providing strategic guidance on product development and overall business strategy, and HotTakes has now formalised this valuable relationship.

John Gordon said, “I am incredibly proud to be part of the HotTakes journey. Their growth trajectory is genuinely outstanding and collaborating with Tyler, James, and Kevin has been a joy over the last few years. Their understanding of product development, technology, and how to build something special is evident in their success. At Incentive Games, we excel in player retention, and I firmly believe that the HotTakes team possesses unrivalled expertise in user acquisition.”

James White, COO and Co-Founder of HotTakes, added, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to formally announce John as our strategic advisor. His rare blend of product, relationship building and leadership skills is unparalleled in the space – he has had a monumental impact on our company. John and Incentive Games’ expertise in retention, combined with our focus on acquisition, has been a match made in heaven.”