Hyderabad, 4th September 2024: Hitwicket, a rapidly growing strategy-based cricket gaming startup, has appointed Anand Ramachandran as its new Creative Director. A stalwart in game development, interactive entertainment, and storytelling, Anand brings over two decades of experience to the table. His expertise will play a pivotal role in enhancing the user experience and shaping the game design, pushing Hitwicket further toward its ambitious goal of global prominence.
Anand’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture as Hitwicket continues to gain momentum, surpassing 10 million downloads. With a target to 5X this figure in the next two years, the Hyderabad-based startup is scaling its operations and game experience. Anand will collaborate closely with Hitwicket’s co-founders, Keerti Singh and Kashyap Reddy, to innovate new gameplay experiences and solidify the company’s presence in the international gaming industry.
A Veteran’s Vision for the Future
Anand Ramachandran’s illustrious career includes roles like Creative Director at Disney Byju’s Early Learn App, Director of Design at Hike Messenger, and Lead Designer for Zynga’s first India-launched game, Hidden Shadows. His creative portfolio also includes iconic titles such as Mafia Wars, Hidden Chronicles, and Yoville. Now, as he joins Hitwicket, Anand is eager to blend his extensive experience with new ideas to shape the cricket gaming space.
“I am thrilled to become a part of India’s leading cricket gaming franchise. As a kid, I was always creating cricket games—with dice, playing cards, and pen and paper—but my rough designs and prototypes rarely saw the light of day. Now, with Hitwicket, I get the chance to bring those childhood actions to life. My goal is to push the boundaries of what’s possible in cricket gaming, infuse new creative ideas to gameplay, and ensure that every player, whether a seasoned pro or a newcomer, finds something exciting and engaging,” shared Anand.
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Hitwicket’s Path to Global Leadership
Since its inception in 2020, Hitwicket has established itself as a significant player in mobile gaming, capturing attention both locally and globally. Recognized by Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, as the Most Innovative Mobile Cricket Game globally, Hitwicket also boasts the Prime Minister’s Award for the #1 Mobile Game in India.
Hitwicket co-founders, Keerti Singh and Kashyap Reddy, expressed their excitement about Anand’s addition to the team, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Anand to the Hitwicket team. His wealth of experience and creative vision will undoubtedly open new horizons for us in game creativity and design. Together we are set to explore new creative possibilities and push the boundaries of what a cricket game can achieve.”
With over 10 million downloads and $3 million in Seed funding secured from Prime Venture Partners, Hitwicket is on a growth trajectory, aiming to become a global cricket gaming brand from India. Anand’s leadership will undoubtedly be instrumental in propelling the game’s next phase of evolution.
A New Chapter in Cricket Gaming
As Hitwicket looks toward the future, Anand’s creative expertise will be key in shaping the game’s journey, enhancing user engagement, and expanding its reach in an industry dominated by international giants. His appointment signals a new chapter for Hitwicket, one that promises creativity, innovation, and excitement for millions of players worldwide.