Smite is a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) video game developed and published by Hi-Rez Studios. The game was first released in 2014 and has since gained a massive following worldwide, including in India.

What makes Smite unique among other MOBA games is its third-person perspective, as opposed to the traditional top-down view. This gives players a more immersive experience, making them feel like they're actually embodying the gods they choose to play.

In Smite, players control a god, goddess, or other mythological figure and take part in team-based combat against other players or computer-controlled opponents. The game features various game modes, with the primary one being Conquest, a 5v5 battle where teams attempt to destroy the enemy's base.

Smite draws from a wide range of mythologies, including Greek, Egyptian, Norse, Chinese, Japanese, Mayan, and importantly for Indian players, Hindu mythology. This diverse roster of deities has contributed to the game's global appeal.

The game is constantly updated with new gods, skins, and game modes, ensuring that the gameplay experience remains fresh and engaging for both new and veteran players.

Over the years, Smite has developed a competitive esports scene with regular tournaments and a significant prize pool, attracting professional players from around the world, including India.

Smite gameplay revolves around team-based combat between two teams of gods. Each player controls one god, each with unique abilities and roles.

The primary game mode, Conquest, features a three-lane map with jungle areas between them. Each team has a base with a Phoenix (tower) in each lane and a Titan (the main objective) in the base.

Players earn gold and experience by defeating enemy minions, gods, and jungle monsters. Gold is used to purchase items that increase a god's power, while experience allows gods to level up and strengthen their abilities.

Other popular game modes in Smite include Arena (a 5v5 deathmatch in a closed arena), Joust (3v3 on a single lane), and Clash (5v5 on a two-lane map).

Each god in Smite has four unique abilities, including an ultimate ability that is particularly powerful. These abilities can be upgraded as the god gains levels.

The item system in Smite allows for strategic customization of each god, with different builds suited for different situations and playstyles.

One of the most exciting aspects of Smite for Indian players is the inclusion of several prominent figures from Hindu mythology. These gods have been carefully designed to reflect their traditional attributes and stories.

Other Indian deities in Smite include Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, who serves as a Guardian, and Kali, the goddess of time and change, portrayed as a powerful Assassin.

The inclusion of these gods has been widely appreciated by the Indian gaming community, as it allows players to connect with their cultural heritage while enjoying the game. The developers have worked to ensure these representations are respectful and accurate to traditional stories.

Smite has seen significant growth in India over the past few years, with a dedicated player base that continues to expand. The game's inclusion of Hindu gods has undoubtedly contributed to its popularity in the region.

According to recent statistics, Smite has been downloaded over 5 million times in India alone, with active players numbering in the hundreds of thousands. This makes India one of the fastest-growing markets for the game outside of North America and Europe.

Indian Player Reviews

Localization for India

Smite has introduced several India-specific features to better cater to the local audience:

• Partial Hindi language support in the game interface and subtitles
• Dedicated game servers located in India for improved ping and connectivity
• Support for local payment methods including UPI, Paytm, and PhonePe
• Special in-game items and skins celebrating Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi
• India-exclusive tournaments with local prize pools and recognition

These localization efforts have significantly improved the Smite experience for Indian players, making the game more accessible and culturally relevant.

Indian Smite players have developed unique strategies and playstyles, particularly when using the Hindu gods. Here are some tips from top Indian players:

Team Composition Advice

Indian teams often find success with balanced compositions that include at least one Hindu god. A popular Indian team setup is:

• Shiva as the Warrior (solo lane)
• Ganesha as the Guardian (support)
• Vishnu as the Mage (mid lane)
• Durga as the Assassin (jungle)
• Apollo as the Hunter (carry)

This composition provides a good balance of damage, defense, and crowd control, with the Hindu gods working synergistically with each other's abilities.

Smite has a vibrant event scene in India, with both official and community-organized tournaments happening regularly throughout the year.

Upcoming Events

These events have helped build a strong Smite community in India, with players from different regions coming together to celebrate their love for the game. Many Indian esports organizations have also started recruiting Smite teams, recognizing the game's growing popularity.

The Indian Smite community is active and growing, with numerous online groups, forums, and social media channels dedicated to the game.

These communities provide a platform for players to discuss strategies, find teammates, share fan art, and stay updated on the latest Smite news and events in India.

Community Initiatives

The Indian Smite community has taken several initiatives to grow the game in the country:

• Grassroots tournament organizers hosting local events in major cities
• Coaching programs to help new players improve their skills
• Translation projects to provide more comprehensive Hindi support
• Podcasts and live streams discussing Smite strategies and news

These community efforts have played a crucial role in making Smite one of the most popular MOBA games in India, fostering a welcoming environment for both new and experienced players.

The future of Smite in India looks bright, with several exciting developments on the horizon. Hi-Rez Studios has expressed commitment to growing the game in the Indian market.

According to recent announcements, players can expect more Hindu gods to be added to the roster in upcoming updates, along with enhanced localization efforts for the Indian audience.

There are also plans to expand the esports scene in India, with larger tournaments and more opportunities for Indian players to compete at the international level.

Mobile optimization is another area of focus, as more and more Indian gamers prefer playing on smartphones. The developers are working to improve the mobile version of Smite to provide a seamless experience across all devices.

With its unique blend of mythology and engaging gameplay, Smite is poised to continue its growth in India, potentially becoming one of the top MOBA games in the country in the coming years.