Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) Aurona Technologies, part of Pyramid Saimira Group, has entered into an agreement with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) to develop a console game based on the story of Hanuman for Sony’s PlayStation 2 platform. The Hanuman game will be Sony’s foray into launching country-specific titles for India’s fast-growing market for PlayStation 2 games.

Commenting on the agreement, Jim Ryan, co-chief operating officer of SCEE, said: “We are committing significant resources to growing the market for console games in India. We have chosen the Hanuman game as our first title specifically developed for the Indian market as the theme is an ever-popular one across the country.”

Santosh Pillai, CEO of Aurona said: “We are selected by Sony to develop their first game for the Indian market. The game will be developed in our Hyderabad studios, which has an impressive track record in shipping several PC and console games. Hanuman, as a character, offers infinite possibilities for game play development.”

As part of the agreement, the game will be distributed in markets outside India where there are significant Indian communities. The two companies might develop possible sequels to the title.

India’s console game market is growing at a fast pace and recent reductions in the price of PlayStation units have increased affordability significantly. This is expected to accelerate the growth further in the next twelve months.