Detective Dotson is an exploration-driven mystery game set in a vibrant, stylized version of modern-day India, featuring colorful streets, markets, cricket pitches, and Holi festivals, all depicted through retro 2D pixel art over 3D backgrounds.

Players assume the role of Dotson, a detective who transitions from aspiring Bollywood star to solving mysteries after his father's suspicious death, aiming to bring positive narratives about India to a global audience.

The game includes four interconnected cases that increase in difficulty, culminating in a grand mystery that ties all the stories together, with each case involving quirky elements like a pink dog and lost jewelry.

Players can trade items such as street food and incense sticks with over 50 characters to gather clues and solve cases, utilizing a clue board for deductions.

Mini-games, including Bollywood dancing, cricket, and bargaining in street shops, are integrated into gameplay, allowing players to earn in-game currency.

A distinctive bargaining system highlights Indian culture, described as the 'most Indian feature ever,' alongside mini-games like cricket and Bollywood dancing.

The game combines retro 2D pixel art with 3D environments, showcasing the vibrant culture of small-town India.

An original soundtrack enhances the immersive experience, complementing the colorful visuals and engaging gameplay.

Masala Games, founded by BAFTA and Oscar-winning developer Shalin Shodhan, announced that Detective Dotson will be released later in 2025 on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

This debut title from Masala Games aims to provide a fresh, accurate representation of modern India, countering stereotypes, and is set to launch on a global scale.

Rainy Frog, a Japanese publisher known for over 100 console games, will publish Detective Dotson, having joined the Forever Entertainment group in 2022.

The game's story follows Detective Dotson, who becomes a detective after his father's mysterious death, trading Hollywood dreams for sleuthing to uncover the truth.