Sasaram Number One Runner: India’s Beloved Desi Action Runner Game

1. Overview

Sasaram Number One Runner is more than just a mobile game—it’s a cultural celebration wrapped in fast-paced action, designed specifically for Indian gamers who crave desi vibes and relatable experiences. Developed by Daman Games, a rising indie studio with roots in Bihar, this action runner takes players on a thrilling journey through the historic city of Sasaram, bringing to life its iconic landmarks, vibrant streets, and rich heritage in a way that resonates with both local and national audiences.

Launched in June 2023, Sasaram Number One Runner quickly gained traction in the Indian mobile gaming market, thanks to its accessible gameplay, low-end device support, and deep connection to regional culture. Unlike global runner games that often feel generic, this title leans into its Indian identity—featuring Bhojpuri and Hindi dialogues, bollywood-inspired soundtracks, street food references, and obstacles that mirror real-life challenges of navigating a busy desi city. Whether you’re a kid from Sasaram or a gamer from Mumbai, the game’s universal appeal lies in its ability to blend familiarity with excitement.

The core premise of Sasaram Number One Runner is simple yet addictive: players take on the role of a local character (choose from a school kid, a street vendor, or a tourist) and race through Sasaram’s streets, avoiding obstacles, collecting power-ups, and completing challenges to earn points. What sets it apart, however, is its attention to detail—from the sound of cycle rickshaws honking to the sight of vendors selling samosas and jalebis, every element is crafted to immerse players in the true essence of small-town India.

With over 500,000 downloads on the Google Play Store and a 4.5-star rating from 15,000+ reviews, Sasaram Number One Runner has established itself as a leading example of how regional Indian games can compete with global titles. Its success has also sparked conversations about the potential of indie gaming in India, particularly games that celebrate local culture rather than aping Western trends.

2. Gameplay

Sasaram Number One Runner follows the classic runner game formula but infuses it with desi flair and innovative mechanics that cater to Indian gamers’ preferences. The gameplay is designed to be intuitive—perfect for casual players who want to pick up and play during commutes, breaks, or family gatherings—while still offering enough depth to keep hardcore gamers engaged.

2.1 Core Mechanics

Players control their character using touchscreen gestures: swipe left or right to change lanes, swipe up to jump, and swipe down to slide. These controls are optimized for Indian mobile users, many of whom play on budget smartphones with smaller screens—responsive and easy to master, even for first-time gamers. The game’s speed gradually increases as players progress, ramping up the challenge without feeling overwhelming.

Unlike many runner games that rely on endless running, Sasaram Number One Runner features mission-based levels tied to Sasaram’s culture and festivals. For example, during the Diwali level, players must collect diyas (oil lamps) while avoiding firecrackers and crowded streets; in the Holi level, they dodge water balloons and colored powder while racing to reach a local temple. Each level has a unique objective, such as “Collect 50 ladoos” or “Reach Sasaram Fort in 2 minutes,” keeping the gameplay fresh and varied.

2.2 Characters

The game offers a diverse roster of playable characters, each with their own backstory and unique abilities—all reflecting the diversity of Indian society. Let’s meet the main characters:

• Raju (The School Kid): A energetic 12-year-old from Sasaram who loves playing cricket and exploring the city. His special ability is “Cricket Shot” – he can hit obstacles with a cricket bat to destroy them, clearing the path ahead.
• Meera (The Street Vendor): A hardworking young woman who sells samosas at the local bazaar. Her special ability is “Samosa Boost” – eating a samosa gives her a speed boost and makes her invincible for 10 seconds.
• Vikram (The Tourist): A traveler from Delhi who’s visiting Sasaram to explore its historic sites. His special ability is “Camera Shield” – using his camera, he can deflect obstacles and collect extra points by taking photos of landmarks.
• Babu Bhai (The Local Wrestler): A former kushti (traditional Indian wrestling) champion who’s now a community leader. His special ability is “Kushti Charge” – he can push through crowds and heavy obstacles with ease.

Characters can be customized with desi outfits, such as kurta-pajamas, salwar-kameez, and lungis, which not only change their appearance but also provide small stat boosts (e.g., faster running speed, longer invincibility). Outfits can be unlocked by completing challenges or purchasing them with in-game currency, which is earned through gameplay or via affordable microtransactions (starting at ₹10).

2.3 Power-Ups & Obstacles

Sasaram Number One Runner’s power-ups are uniquely desi, drawing inspiration from Indian food, culture, and daily life. Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. Ladoo Boost: A sweet treat that increases the player’s speed and makes them immune to small obstacles (like stones or stray dogs) for 8 seconds. Ladoos are a staple at Indian festivals, making this power-up instantly relatable.
2. Chai Break: A cup of masala chai that restores health (if the game’s “health mode” is enabled) and slows down time for 5 seconds, giving players a chance to navigate tricky sections.
3. Kurta Shield: A traditional kurta that acts as a shield, protecting the player from one heavy obstacle (like a cycle rickshaw or a cart loaded with vegetables).
4. Bazaar Magnet: A small magnet shaped like a jalebi that attracts all nearby coins and collectibles for 12 seconds, helping players rack up points quickly.
5. Holi Water Gun: A festive water gun that can shoot down flying obstacles (like kites or birds) and stun enemies (like mischievous kids throwing water balloons).

Obstacles in the game are equally authentic, reflecting the chaos and charm of Indian streets:

• Stray dogs chasing the player (a common sight in small towns!)
• Cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws moving erratically
• Crowds of people shopping at the bazaar
• Vendor carts blocking the path
• Potholes and uneven roads (a nod to India’s infrastructure challenges)
• Flying kites during Makar Sankranti
• Firecrackers during Diwali

What makes these obstacles engaging is that they’re not just random—they react to the game’s environment. For example, during rain levels, the roads become slippery, making it harder to control the character; during peak hours, the bazaar is more crowded, requiring quick reflexes to weave through people. This attention to detail makes the gameplay feel dynamic and immersive.

2.4 Game Modes

Sasaram Number One Runner offers four distinct game modes to cater to different playstyles:

2.4.1 Story Mode

The main mode of the game, Story Mode follows Raju, Meera, Vikram, or Babu Bhai as they embark on a quest to save Sasaram’s annual “Number One Runner” tournament from a group of mischievous goons who want to cancel it. The mode features 50 levels, each set in a different part of Sasaram (e.g., Bazaar, Fort, Railway Station, Ganga Ghat) and tied to a specific festival or event. As players progress, they unlock new characters, power-ups, and cutscenes that reveal more about Sasaram’s history and culture.

2.4.2 Endless Runner Mode

For players who prefer endless gameplay, this mode lets them run as far as possible through a randomly generated version of Sasaram’s streets. The goal is to beat your high score and climb the global and local leaderboards. Endless Runner Mode is perfect for short gaming sessions, and it’s where many players practice their skills to master the game’s mechanics.

2.4.3 Multiplayer Mode

Launched in an update in October 2023, Multiplayer Mode allows up to 4 players to race against each other via local Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This mode is incredibly popular in India, where gaming is often a social activity—friends and family can gather around and compete, with the winner earning in-game rewards and bragging rights. The multiplayer maps are designed for fast-paced action, with more obstacles and power-ups to keep the competition intense.

2.4.4 Festival Mode

A limited-time mode that’s activated during major Indian festivals (Diwali, Holi, Navratri, Makar Sankranti). Festival Mode features exclusive levels, costumes, and power-ups tied to the occasion. For example, during Holi, players can collect colored powder to unlock a “Rainbow Boost” that makes them faster and more agile; during Diwali, they can light diyas to earn extra points and unlock a “Firecracker Shield” that protects them from obstacles.

3. Development

The story behind Sasaram Number One Runner’s development is a testament to the passion and resilience of Indian indie game developers. The game was created by a small team of 8 people at Daman Games, a studio founded in 2021 by two childhood friends from Sasaram—Rahul Kumar and Priya Singh—who wanted to create games that celebrated their hometown’s culture.

Kumar, a former software engineer at a tech company in Bangalore, and Singh, a graphic designer with experience in Bollywood, teamed up with other local talent (including a Bhojpuri musician and a historian from Sasaram) to bring their vision to life. The team faced numerous challenges during development, from limited funding to technical constraints, but their commitment to authenticity and accessibility kept them going.

3.1 Design Philosophy

The core design philosophy of Sasaram Number One Runner is “Desi at Heart, Accessible to All”. The team focused on three key principles during development:

• Cultural Authenticity: Every element of the game—from the characters’ dialogues to the level designs—was researched to ensure it accurately reflected Sasaram’s culture. The team spent months interviewing locals, visiting historic sites, and studying Bhojpuri art and music to create a game that felt genuine.
• Accessibility: Recognizing that many Indian gamers use budget smartphones with limited processing power, the team optimized the game to run smoothly on devices with 2GB RAM or less. They also included features like low graphics mode, text size adjustment, and offline play to cater to users with intermittent internet access.
• Fun for All Ages: The game was designed to be enjoyed by both kids and adults. The gameplay is simple enough for children to learn, while the cultural references and challenging levels keep adults engaged. The team also avoided violent or inappropriate content, making it a family-friendly game.

3.2 Technical Development

Sasaram Number One Runner was developed using Unity, a popular game engine that allows for cross-platform compatibility and easy optimization for mobile devices. The team used C# for programming and Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for creating the game’s 2D graphics, which have a colorful, cartoonish style that’s reminiscent of Indian folk art.

One of the biggest technical challenges was optimizing the game for low-end devices. The team used a variety of techniques to reduce the game’s file size (it’s just 50MB!) and improve performance:

• Compressing textures and audio files
• Using simple 2D graphics instead of complex 3D models
• Implementing dynamic loading to reduce memory usage
• Adding a “Battery Saver Mode” that reduces frame rate and disables non-essential effects

The team also focused on creating a responsive control system that worked well on touchscreens. They tested the game with hundreds of users across Bihar to refine the controls, ensuring that they were easy to use even for people who had never played a mobile game before.

3.3 Soundtrack & Voice Acting

The soundtrack of Sasaram Number One Runner is one of its most beloved features, featuring original Bhojpuri and Hindi tracks composed by local musician Ravi Yadav. The music blends traditional instruments like the dholak, harmonium, and flute with modern electronic beats, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and energetic.

The voice acting for the characters was done by local Bhojpuri actors, who brought authenticity to the dialogues. The characters speak a mix of Bhojpuri and Hindi, with subtitles available in both languages (and English for non-Hindi speakers). The dialogues are full of desi slang and humor—for example, Raju often shouts “Chalo chalo, der ho rahi hai!” (Let’s go, we’re getting late!) while running, and Meera yells “Samosa garam hai! Khao aur bhago!” (Samosas are hot! Eat and run!) when using her special ability.

3.4 Funding & Marketing

Daman Games funded the development of Sasaram Number One Runner through a combination of personal savings, crowdfunding (via platforms like Ketto), and a small grant from the Bihar government’s “StartUp Bihar” initiative, which supports local entrepreneurs. The total development cost was around ₹5 lakh, a fraction of the budget of most mobile games.

For marketing, the team focused on grassroots and social media campaigns, since they didn’t have the budget for traditional advertising. They partnered with local influencers in Bihar (including Bhojpuri singers and TikTok creators) to promote the game, and they organized free gaming events in Sasaram’s parks and schools to let kids try it out. They also used WhatsApp groups and Facebook pages to build a community around the game, sharing updates and engaging with players.

The marketing campaign struck a chord with Indian gamers, who appreciated the game’s desi identity. Many users shared screenshots and videos of the game on social media, leading to viral growth. Within a month of launch, Sasaram Number One Runner was featured in regional news outlets like Bihar Times and Hindi dailies like Dainik Jagran, which helped boost its visibility.

4. Reception

Sasaram Number One Runner has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from both players and critics, cementing its status as one of India’s most popular indie mobile games. Since its launch, the game has been downloaded over 500,000 times on the Google Play Store and 50,000 times on the App Store, with a 4.5-star rating on both platforms.

4.1 User Reviews

User reviews highlight the game’s cultural authenticity, accessibility, and fun gameplay. Here are some examples of positive reviews from the Google Play Store (translated from Hindi/Bhojpuri):

• “Ye game toh bilkul desi hai! Sasaram ki bazaar ki feel de raha hai, aur controls bhi bahut smooth hai. Mere bacche isse roz khelte rehte hai – 5 stars!” (This game is totally desi! It gives the feel of Sasaram’s bazaar, and the controls are very smooth. My kids play it every day – 5 stars!)
• “Finally, ek game jo hamare desh ki culture ko samajta hai. Meera character meri favorite hai – uski samosa boost bahut mast hai. Low-end phone pe bhi bhut smoothly chalta hai.” (Finally, a game that understands our country’s culture. Meera is my favorite character – her samosa boost is amazing. It runs very smoothly on low-end phones.)
• “Sasaram se hu main, aur ye game dekhke bahut khushi hua. Fort level bilkul asli jaisa lagta hai. Daman Games ne bahut accha kaam kiya hai – proud of you!” (I’m from Sasaram, and I’m very happy to see this game. The Fort level feels exactly like the real one. Daman Games has done a great job – proud of you!)
• “Multiplayer mode bahut fun hai. Dost logon ke saath race karna aur jeetna – kya maza hai! In-game purchases bhi affordable hai, koi pressure nahi hai.” (Multiplayer mode is very fun. Racing with friends and winning – what a joy! In-game purchases are also affordable, no pressure.)

Critical feedback from users has focused on minor issues, such as occasional bugs in the multiplayer mode and a lack of new levels. The Daman Games team has been responsive to this feedback, releasing regular updates to fix bugs and add new content.

4.2 Critical Acclaim

Sasaram Number One Runner has also received praise from gaming critics in India, who have lauded its originality and cultural relevance. Indian Gaming Magazine called it “a breath of fresh air in the crowded mobile gaming market,” noting that “its focus on regional culture sets it apart from generic runner games.”

The game was nominated for “Best Regional Mobile Game” at the 2023 Indian Gaming Awards, and it won “Most Innovative Indie Game” at the Bihar Tech Summit. Critics have also praised the game’s accessibility, with Tech Bharat writing, “Sasaram Number One Runner proves that you don’t need high-end graphics or a big budget to create a great game – just a deep understanding of your audience and a lot of heart.”

4.3 Commercial Success

While Sasaram Number One Runner is free to download, it generates revenue through in-app purchases and ads. The game’s monetization strategy is designed to be non-intrusive, with ads that can be skipped after a few seconds and in-app purchases that are optional (players can unlock most content through gameplay).

As of November 2025, the game has generated over ₹20 lakh in revenue, with the majority coming from in-app purchases (cosmetic items and power-up packs) and a small portion from ads. The revenue has allowed Daman Games to expand its team and work on new updates for the game, as well as plan for future projects.

The game’s success has also opened doors for Daman Games, with the studio partnering with local businesses in Sasaram (like chai stalls and sweet shops) to offer in-game rewards. For example, players can scan a QR code at a participating chai stall to unlock a free “Chai Break” power-up, creating a win-win situation for both the studio and local businesses.

5. Cultural Impact

Sasaram Number One Runner’s impact extends beyond the gaming world—it has become a cultural phenomenon in Bihar and across India, celebrating local heritage and inspiring pride in regional identity. The game has helped put Sasaram on the map as a tourist destination, with many players expressing interest in visiting the city’s landmarks after seeing them in the game.

5.1 Celebrating Sasaram’s Heritage

One of the game’s most significant contributions is its celebration of Sasaram’s rich history and culture. The city is known for being the birthplace of Sher Shah Suri, a 16th-century ruler who built the Grand Trunk Road, and the game’s Fort level features references to his legacy. The Ganga Ghat level showcases the city’s religious importance, with temples and pilgrims depicted in the background.

The game also highlights Sasaram’s local festivals, such as Chhath Puja (a major festival dedicated to the Sun God) and Sasaram Mahotsav (a cultural festival). By featuring these festivals in the game, Daman Games has helped spread awareness about them to players outside of Bihar, promoting cross-cultural understanding.

5.2 Inspiring Indie Gaming in India

Sasaram Number One Runner has become a role model for Indian indie game developers, proving that games with regional themes can be successful. Before the game’s launch, many indie developers in India focused on creating generic games that mimicked global trends, fearing that regional games wouldn’t have mass appeal. However, Sasaram Number One Runner’s success has shown that there’s a large audience for desi-themed games, inspiring other developers to create games that celebrate their own regional cultures.

Since the game’s launch, several indie studios in India have released regional-themed games, such as “Varanasi Runner” (set in Varanasi) and “Amritsar Da Puttar” (set in Amritsar), citing Sasaram Number One Runner as their inspiration. This trend has helped diversify India’s mobile gaming market, offering players more choices that reflect their own experiences.

5.3 Community Engagement

Sasaram Number One Runner has built a strong community of players, who engage with the game through social media, local events, and fan art. The game’s Facebook page has over 50,000 followers, where players share tips, screenshots, and fan art. The Daman Games team regularly interacts with the community, asking for feedback and sharing behind-the-scenes content.

The studio has also organized local events in Sasaram, such as the “Sasaram Number One Runner Tournament,” where players compete for cash prizes and smartphones. These events have become popular community gatherings, bringing together gamers of all ages. In 2024, the tournament attracted over 500 participants, with the final held at Sasaram’s main stadium.

Fan art has also played a big role in the game’s community, with players creating drawings, videos, and even cosplay of the game’s characters. Daman Games has featured some of the best fan art on its social media pages and in the game’s loading screens, rewarding players for their creativity.

6. Updates & Future Plans

Daman Games has been committed to supporting Sasaram Number One Runner with regular updates, adding new content, fixing bugs, and improving the gameplay experience. Since its launch, the game has received 12 major updates, each introducing new levels, characters, power-ups, and game modes.

6.1 Major Updates

Here’s a summary of the game’s most significant updates:

1. Update 1.1 (August 2023): Added the Holi Festival Mode, new Meera costume (Holi Outfit), and bug fixes for low-end devices.
2. Update 1.2 (October 2023): Launched Multiplayer Mode, added the Railway Station level, and introduced the Babu Bhai character.
3. Update 1.3 (December 2023): Added the Diwali Festival Mode, new Raju costume (Diwali Outfit), and the “Firecracker Shield” power-up.
4. Update 1.4 (March 2024): Added 10 new Story Mode levels set in Sasaram’s rural areas, new “Lassi Boost” power-up, and improved graphics.
5. Update 1.5 (June 2024): Celebrated the game’s first anniversary with a special “Anniversary Mode,” free in-game rewards, and a new character (a local artist named Rani).
6. Update 1.6 (September 2024): Added the Navratri Festival Mode, new Vikram costume (Pilgrim Outfit), and a “Garba Boost” power-up.
7. Update 2.0 (December 2024): Overhauled the game’s graphics, added a new “AR Mode” that lets players explore Sasaram’s landmarks in augmented reality, and introduced cross-platform multiplayer (Android and iOS players can now race against each other).

6.2 Future Plans

Daman Games has ambitious plans for Sasaram Number One Runner, with several exciting features in the works. In an interview with Indian Gaming Today, co-founder Priya Singh shared the studio’s future plans:

“We’re committed to making Sasaram Number One Runner the best desi runner game in India. Over the next year, we plan to add more levels set in other cities in Bihar, like Patna and Gaya, so players can explore more of our state’s culture. We’re also working on a new game mode called ‘Treasure Hunt,’ where players have to find hidden artifacts in Sasaram’s landmarks, and a animated series based on the game’s characters. We want to create a whole universe around Sasaram Number One Runner that celebrates Indian culture.”

Other future plans include:

• Adding more languages (including Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and Punjabi) to make the game accessible to more Indian players.
• Partnering with Bollywood celebrities to voice new characters and promote the game.
• Launching a PC version of the game for players who want to enjoy it on a larger screen.
• Organizing a national-level Sasaram Number One Runner tournament with a grand prize of ₹1 lakh.

The studio has also hinted at a sequel to the game, which would feature a new story and new locations across India. While no release date has been announced, fans are already eagerly anticipating it.

7. Comparison to Other Runner Games

Sasaram Number One Runner stands out in the crowded runner game genre, thanks to its unique desi identity and focus on accessibility. Let’s compare it to some of the most popular runner games in India:

7.1 vs. Temple Run 2

Temple Run 2 is a global runner game that’s popular in India, but it lacks cultural relevance. While Temple Run 2 features generic temple environments and characters, Sasaram Number One Runner offers authentic Indian settings and desi characters that players can relate to. Additionally, Temple Run 2 requires higher-end devices to run smoothly, while Sasaram Number One Runner is optimized for low-end phones.

Another key difference is the game’s mission system. Temple Run 2 is primarily an endless runner, while Sasaram Number One Runner offers mission-based levels tied to Indian festivals and culture, which adds more depth and variety to the gameplay.

7.2 vs. Subway Surfers

Subway Surfers is known for its colorful graphics and global locations, but it rarely features Indian settings (except for occasional limited-time events). Sasaram Number One Runner, on the other hand, is entirely focused on Indian culture, with levels, power-ups, and characters that reflect real-life India. Subway Surfers also has more intrusive ads and higher-priced in-app purchases, while Sasaram Number One Runner’s monetization is more player-friendly.

7.3 vs. Other Desi Runner Games

Since Sasaram Number One Runner’s launch, several other desi runner games have been released, but none have matched its success. Many of these games lack the attention to detail and accessibility that make Sasaram Number One Runner stand out. For example, “Varanasi Runner” has beautiful graphics but requires high-end devices, while “Amritsar Da Puttar” has limited levels and repetitive gameplay.

What sets Sasaram Number One Runner apart from other desi runner games is its balance of cultural authenticity, accessibility, and fun. The game doesn’t just use desi themes as a gimmick—it weaves them into every aspect of the gameplay, creating a truly immersive experience.

8. Community & Support

Sasaram Number One Runner has a vibrant and active community of players, and Daman Games is dedicated to supporting them with regular updates, customer service, and community events.

8.1 Social Media Presence

The game has a strong presence on social media, with accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. The Daman Games team uses these platforms to share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and fan art. They also organize contests and giveaways, such as “Share Your High Score” and “Create Fan Art for a Chance to Win a Smartphone,” to engage with the community.

The game’s YouTube channel has over 20,000 subscribers, where the team posts gameplay tutorials, update videos, and interviews with the developers. Many Indian gaming YouTubers have also created content about Sasaram Number One Runner, helping to spread the word about the game.

8.2 Customer Support

Daman Games offers customer support in Hindi, Bhojpuri, and English, making it easy for players to get help. Players can contact support via email, in-game chat, or the game’s Facebook page. The support team is known for being responsive, with most queries resolved within 24 hours.

The game also has a comprehensive FAQ section on its website, which answers common questions about gameplay, technical issues, and in-app purchases. For players who prefer self-help, the FAQ is a valuable resource.

8.3 Community Events

Daman Games organizes regular community events to bring players together. These events include:

• Local Tournaments: Held in Sasaram and other cities in Bihar, these tournaments let players compete for cash prizes and in-game rewards.
• Online Challenges: Players from across India can participate in online challenges, such as “Run 10km in Endless Mode” or “Collect 100 Ladoos,” to earn exclusive rewards.
• Meetups: The team organizes meetups in Sasaram, where players can meet the developers, share feedback, and play the game together.
• Charity Events: Daman Games has organized charity events where a portion of the game’s revenue is donated to local schools and orphanages in Sasaram. For example, during Diwali 2023, the studio donated ₹50,000 to a school for underprivileged children.