The Game: You Never Play Alone (2025) s01e01 Episode Script

1
[video game sounds]
Listen, stop playing your video games now.
Hurry up.
Go on. Quick, go help your father.
[indistinct chatter]
-Papa!
-What's the matter?
-What happened?
-Papa, look over there.
-Hey, don't touch that lady.
-Hey, you, keep quiet.
-What happened, Papa?
-Come here.
[upbeat music playing]
[woman singing in Tamil]
[inaudible conversation]
There are no journeys without obstacles.
For instance, on my way
from home to office,
I faced many roadblocks.
But I managed to get past all of them.
And my journey was still a very happy one
because of the people I met.
The kind of people who always wear
a smile on their face.
And live with a positive attitude.
[singing continues]
-[Anne] Kavya.
-What?
-I'm late for the meeting.
-I know.
-What is this, Kavya?
-I had a flat tyre.
Hey, don't give me
these lame excuses, okay?
Please, hurry up now.
[Roshan] Anyway, we must show some
progress to our investors by month-end.
Anoop.
Will the Mask Mayhem upgrade
be ready before Game Fest?
Yes, Roshan. At the event venue,
we are going to unveil the White Whale.
It's definitely going to become popular.
Also, the Mask Mayhem mask is ready.
And I've asked them to display it
in malls, theatres, and cafes.
So, I think it's going
to excite the players.
Good. And keep pushing it
and keep following it up.
-Sure. Thank you.
-You guys can leave.
Kavya, Anne, stay back.
Kavya, you've got an interview
with Indian Gamer Online.
-It's a live interview.
-Oh! Indian Gamer Online, live?
-Yeah, really. It's a big deal, dude.
-Wow!
It's not a child's play.
It's a big exposure.
This can be a boost
to our company's promotion.
So, let's not mess this up, okay?
And the gaming community should
recognise you as a big thing.
Everybody should be excited
for the release of our next game.
Keerthi will be taking care
of complete marketing.
So, take her with you.
Hmm, okay.
Any update on Glass Ceiling?
Can you get it ready in time
for the Game Fest?
Yes, Roshan. The trailer is ready.
You can watch it whenever you want to.
And I suggest you also check out
the game demo.
And Roshan, one more thing.
We're still working on the final level.
The thing is,
we're falling short on funds.
If we could just get a little more,
we can make…
Kavya, all the funds are given
to Mask Mayhem.
So manage with the funds you've got.
I'll give you more funds
for your game when I can.
-But, Roshan…
-Kavya, let it go.
Come. Okay, Roshan.
Guys.
[clicks tongue] Guys.
-Dani, will you go outside and wait?
-But I just started playing.
The Glass Ceiling team stays and the rest
of you, please wait outside.
-Karan, can you go that side, please?
-Yeah, sure.
Okay, we have some good news.
This weekend at the Game Fest event,
we're going to release
The Glass Ceiling trailer.
The final level is still pending.
How will you release it?
Final level? All the detailing is left.
I know, Karthik, but we have to do it.
Yeah, so let's start immediately
and finish it by noon.
Because Roshan needs to see it today.
So, Karthik, you're on the trailer
and the rest on The Glass Ceiling.
Hey, hey, wait one second!
You're pulling my leg, right?
How can we complete it today, Kavya?
You can do it, Karthik.
"I perform well under pressure."
That's what you said
during the appraisal meeting.
-So prove it.
-[Keerthi] That's right.
You can do it.
Let Dani assist you on this.
All right, let's get on with it.
Thank you.
Seriously? Hmph.
What happened?
Nothing.
Um, Kavya.
I just wanted to tell you that
I've installed a new spyware
-to your system.
-Oh, thanks, Dani.
-You're such a darling.
-Hey, get back to work now.
-Go. Come on, Kavya.
-Bye.
You're too nice to him.
He forgets he's an intern sometimes.
This should be fine, I guess.
Hey, are you crazy?
-What if somebody sees us?
-Guess what?
The Glass Ceiling is going
to be announced at the Game Fest.
Wow, that's huge. Awesome.
But when I asked for funds,
they said it's only available
for Mask Mayhem.
-Hmm.
-Yep.
Just wait till the launch.
Then they're going to tell you
all the funds are going only to you.
I'm so happy for you.
There's already a rumour going around
that I got this job because of you.
Those fools don't know your value yet.
What time did you leave home?
I didn't see you today.
I had an early morning presentation.
I came to see you,
but you were sleeping like a baby.
So I left home without disturbing you.
-Hey.
-Mmm.
-I'll leave for home early today.
-Yeah, you get some rest.
Also, you said you have
an interview, right? All the best.
You should say that to the interviewers.
What's up, friends?
Hello and welcome to the world of gaming.
Thanks for joining this episode
of Indian Gamer Online.
As a child, my parents always yelled at me
for wasting my time on video games.
But today, here with me,
I have three very special guests
who have spent their time wisely
and efficiently and made video games
their livelihood, let's chat with them.
They are the nominees of Game Game Fest's
New Wave Game of the Year Award:
Vikram Raj, the creator of the game
Black Ravine,
Dilip Sina, who created the game Illusion.
Hi.
And here's the gorgeous
female game designer,
Kavya Rajaram, nominated for Honey Ruin.
They're both quite gorgeous
as well, Mohit.
-Compliments to them too.
-I agree.
They look great too.
Anyway, as individual game designers,
-is this your first time?
-Yes, Mohit.
-Yes.
-Mr. Dilip, you're working in
-game tech, right?
-That's right, bro.
I've worked in this company for 10 years.
Now I've finally got a chance
to work on my own game.
Hey, Kavya, didn't you work on
the launch version
of the Mask Mayhem previously?
Hey, guys, for the uninitiated,
she is the wife of the great Anoop
who created the rage, Mask Mayhem.
So Kavya, did he make
any contribution to your game?
No. We are both in different teams.
My producer Anne and I created this game.
Kavya, tell us about Honey Ruin.
-What is it about?
-Most girls, at least once in their life,
have faced a dangerous
or toxic situation and…
The game is about escaping them.
So, this is one of those
girls-beating-up-guys games?
-[laughs]
-Yes, Dilip. It's designed by girls.
And there are no models
running around in bikinis.
-Does that upset you?
-No, no, no, no, no.
He didn't mean that at all.
Anyway, Moon Bolt's success seems to be
driven by your household.
You are nominated, your game is nominated.
And your husband's game
is trending on top.
If you don't mind telling our viewers,
do you guys discuss this at home
or do you argue about the games?
-Has it ever affected your personal life?
-[whispers] All okay.
-So, there's no escape for the husband?
-Mohit!
-[laughs]
-Mohit! Is this really necessary?
Aren't we here to discuss games?
Why is her personal life being discussed?
Our personal life is absolutely great.
And it has nothing to do
with this interview.
Absolutely no connection.
But unfortunately,
this is all about my bedroom,
my husband, and sexist jokes
about how husbands are helpless.
The internet is flooded
with deadbeat dudes posting comments.
I see no difference between them
and this interview.
Is it really that hard to accept
a woman succeed in this field?
There has to be a husband behind it.
How could she do it all by herself?
We are all game designers here.
Gender has nothing to do with it.
Thank you for the interview.
We'll meet again at the awards night.
-Thank you and goodbye.
-What was that?
-It was tough to get that slot, Kavya.
-Then why didn't you give the interview?
-Just admit that you made a mistake.
-Did you watch the interview, Roshan?
Especially the questions they…
That interview was not about changing
people's mindset, Kavya.
It's not all about you.
You are representing Moon Bolt
to the gaming community.
-I was in control, Roshan.
-You screwed it up.
-Find a way to fix this.
-Sure.
Roshan, we have a problem.
Good evening. In Annanagar,
a car has met with an accident.
Let's get more details about it.
Yes, Tamilselvi, go ahead.
[Tamilselvi] Good evening, Ram.
We have been informed that the accident
happened because the driver was playing
Mask Mayhem while driving.
Mask Mayhem? Isn't that the game
that has become a sensation
among youngsters?
-What happened exactly?
-It's truly shocking, Ram.
Both the driver as well as
the young pedestrians were playing
this treasure hunt-based game Mask Mayhem
on the road before the crash took place.
And to play this game, players
are supposed to use each other's GPS
and arrive at a common location.
[Ram] Is it safe for strangers
to have access to each other's location?
[Tamilselvi] Certainly not, Ram.
This is what makes Mask Mayhem--
Guys, get back to your work.
Okay. Thank you, sir. Thank you.
Okay, so they've agreed to not mention
the name of the game.
We can't do much about the news
that has already been leaked,
but they will remove the name
in the upcoming bulletins.
Let me check with the legal team.
In the meantime,
I'll talk to the other channels also.
-Where is Anoop?
-He's left already.
I'm just texting him.
Shit.
Excuse me.
What happened, ma'am? A flat tyre?
Yeah, it's a mess. And I'm in a rush.
-Can I leave the key with you?
-Of course.
I'll get the mechanic nearby to fix
the tyre for you.
Thank you so much.
-No, it's okay, ma'am.
-No, please keep it.
-Hey, got a flat tyre?
-Hi. Yeah, dude.
If you don't mind,
can you please drop me home?
Of course. Come on in.
[exclaiming]
-Want to come for a coffee?
-Thanks, but I need to get going.
-Okay, see you. Bye.
-Bye.
-[mobile ringing]
-Grandma! Mmm.
Kavya, where are you?
Why aren't you answering my calls?
Mom, you know I don't answer calls
while I'm at work.
Anyway, listen.
There's an award ceremony on Saturday.
So, I was talking to Anoop
about visiting y'all.
-Maybe we could come over.
-Listen to me!
Don't forget, it's her birthday
on Saturday.
After me, it's only you and Anoop
who she has.
-Poor motherless child, you know.
-[Kavya] Don't get emotional, Mom.
Your work keeps you so busy all the time,
but what about…
I heard you, Mom.
-Who's that?
-Who will look after her when I'm gone?
Oh, my God, please just listen
to what I have to say, okay?
I'm listening.
We will come there for lunch on Saturday
and spend the whole day there.
Don't forget the cake!
She has suddenly started hating
chocolate cake.
Buy her another flavour, okay?
Uh, that's Anoop's department.
-Talk to her. I need to go.
-Yes, Mom. Tell me.
Yes, Anoop.
I was telling her about the cake.
I've already ordered it. No chocolate,
red velvet. Tara will love it.
If she brings up work as an excuse,
knock some sense into her
and drag her here.
[chuckles] Sure, sure, Mom.
Tonight is game night. Did you forget?
Game night is fine.
But your friends Meghna and Vikas
are coming over.
-Did you forget?
-Mmm.
Dude, I totally forgot.
I'm going to take a shower.
Wanna join me?
It could be our pre-game event.
-Hey.
-[laughs]
[baby crying]
-No problem. You go and join her.
-Thanks, Anoop.
My, my. Looks like you're ready for this.
Yeah, right.
-She's asleep?
-Already?
Yeah, yeah.
-Watch and learn.
-You're a magician.
-You should teach me.
-Sure.
-Megs…
-Hmm?
Our last girls' night
was like ages ago, right?
Hmm.
Since Maya's birth,
my life has changed completely.
Everything revolves around her.
Work, relaxation, sleeping, eating.
I have to time everything
according to her.
I'm slowly forgetting that
I also have a career.
I need at least a day's break.
Hmm. Okay, done.
My party plan mode is on. Just you and me.
I'll take care of everything.
You'll just have to show up.
Superb. These two guys
can look after Maya.
-Yeah, with pleasure.
-[laughs]
Hey, I watched your interview.
You nailed it.
But your haters list is snowballing.
[clicks tongue] Mmm-hmm.
Don't look at it like that.
-My followers are snowballing.
-Hmm.
[Kavya] How about that?
Meghna read some messages to me.
They're very violent.
Can't you do anything about it?
Why don't you just block those accounts?
It's no use. They'll just come up
with another ID.
She tells me this every time I ask her.
-Can't we do anything legally?
-But she's right about that, Anoop.
Going legal is a very slow process.
We'll have to file a complaint
with cybercrime.
Then CERT needs to give us clearance.
It's a very slow and long process.
But I think you should try for it, Kavya.
God, it's been so long,
since I've played Mask Mayhem.
Mmm?
-How do I leave Maya alone and go out?
-Mmm.
But I think we should all start playing.
After all, your husband created this game.
She doesn't even have Mask Mayhem
on her phone.
Really?
-What the hell, Kavya?
-Hey.
-Guys, guys, on the dinner table.
-Give me.
-Keep it.
-No phone, no games.
-Okay?
-Hmm.
-Good.
-Okay.
Let's eat.
[exclaiming]
-Bro.
-Yeah.
Look at this.
Hmph, she should have just kept quiet
instead of instigating the trolls. Hmph.
Okay, Dani. I'm leaving.
[mobile ringing]
[both] Anne's calling.
These trolls are getting very aggressive.
Even now, your interview
is getting badly trolled online.
Dani saw it,
but he was afraid to send it to you.
So he sent it to me
and I've shared it with you.
Check it out.
I really don't know
if we can take them all down.
Although I've asked Dani
to trace the source
and make sure they all are deleted.
But Kavya, we need to do something
about these guys.
Just because we are quiet
and not taking any action,
they think they can come up
with weird stuff.
I'll handle it.
Don't stress about it. Okay. Good night.
[exclaiming]
-Shit. What the hell?
-Just some idiots.
-This is so stupid.
-[Anoop] This is getting too much.
Guys, don't panic.
We're already working on taking them down.
This is nothing.
They're just jobless losers.
I mean, their account name
is Deadbeat Dudes.
Maya's adorable, isn't she?
Yeah. Totally.
She's the spitting image of Meghna's.
Then we'll have twins.
One like you, and one like me.
You know I can't do that right now.
I'm focusing on my career.
You know that I'm here, right?
To support you.
I know. I know you will.
Do you know the only species
to make love for pleasure
and not just to have babies?
Penguins?
And humans.
Let's just do this for our pleasure now.
And just let nature take its course.
Hmm.
[Anne] Hey, Miss Coverpage!
-Hey!
-Guys, look who's finally made it
to the coverpage!
Oh!
-You've got extra copies, right?
-Yeah.
I want to send them to Mom.
At least now she will believe that
I'm doing a real job
and not wasting my life.
[Anne] I've got lots of copies.
Let's frame one for Roshan's cabin
as well.
Guys, I've got some news to share.
First, let's discuss the Mask Mayhem
game accident.
Keerthi, can you explain?
The accident is not our concern
because legally the players read
and signed the terms and conditions
before logging in.
[Roshan] No more negative publicity
for Mask Mayhem.
And Mask Mayhem's name will definitely not
be linked to any accidents in the news.
[Roshan] Good job, Keerthi.
-Thank you.
-And the consequences for Mask Mayhem,
we have got 50K downloads within 24 hours.
[all clapping]
And the people who met with the accident?
That's not our concern.
Anyway, they are fine.
The latest update has helped.
And we will now concentrate on Game Fest.
Everything must be ready by tomorrow.
And I'm pleased to announce,
the Mask Mayhem masks are here.
Anoop, please.
[all clapping]
Let's get back to work.
-Roshan, Kavya's nomination!
-Guys, guys, wait a minute!
I almost forgot! Our own Kavya Rajaram
has been nominated
for her first Game Fest Award!
And Kavya also features
in this month's magazine cover page.
-A big round of applause for her!
-Amazing!
Super!
-Kavya, what's his name?
-Whose name?
Our boss?
-Roshan Kambati?
-No, he's not Roshan Kambati.
-He's Roshan Dumbati.
-[laughs]
-Why would you say that?
-Oh, please.
How dare he forget that?
Unless Keerthi reminds him,
-Kavya.
-…he won't even remember his own name.
-Hey, Dani.
-Superb, Kavya.
-Congrats.
-Thank you.
And I have taken down
most of the troll videos.
-Okay.
-But I'm yet to trace the source
of the trolls.
They've used the dark web to upload it,
I think.
Dark web?
-They're operating at such a deep level.
-Doesn't look like random trolls.
Looks like an organised group
is working on it.
Mmm-hmm. It's a good thing
you're handling it.
You're my one-man army.
-Okay, Kavya.
-[both chuckle]
-Where's Tara?
-Where's the birthday baby?
She's upstairs.
Hi!
-Hi!
-Hi, Aunty!
-Happy birthday!
-Why are you so late?
-Hi, Uncle!
-Happy birthday!
-Now I can download the MM2 game on this.
-Huh?
-What about my game?
-Both of you are spoiling her.
Mom. This is for her to download her apps
for school and for educational purposes.
Only then our games. Now I'll share
my password and we'll start downloading.
Okay.
-She's already on the phone all the time.
-Mom, stop worrying about everything.
Anoop will set parental controls,
location sharing
and safety features on her phone, okay?
Her access will be restricted,
so don't worry.
That's great if she studies well.
All summer long,
she did nothing but watch TV.
Earlier, she would play outdoors.
That's why I made her join
swimming classes.
She's not a kid any more.
She's a teenager.
She won't play outdoor games any more.
Was she okay with the swimming classes?
Yes, yes, she was.
I checked with her before enrolling her.
Instead of TV and video games, at least
she's doing something useful, right?
Yeah.
By the way, I saw Tara's father
in the market.
-You mean Bharath?
-Yes.
-Did you talk to him?
-No.
I was shocked to see him.
I left immediately.
Please call me immediately
if he ever dares to come here.
He won't come near us.
He knows
there's a restraining order against him.
That guy.
Ugh, he's not even human.
This Deadbeat Dude's thing
is becoming too vulgar and dangerous.
I think we should lodge
a police complaint.
It's all because of that interview.
I guess my words hurt them too much.
-[laughs]
-Listen to me.
Your bike keeps getting a flat tyre.
They're forming a crew to attack you.
This is mental harassment, Kavya.
Okay.
Monday, we'll lodge a complaint.
Now, cheer up.
It's awards night. Leave it.
Let's not get distracted.
[camera shutters clicking]
There's so much buzz about
a new update on Mask Mayhem.
-Can you tell us more about it?
-Just wait and watch.
Ma'am, we've heard that your husband
has inspired your interest in gaming.
-Is it true?
-Actually, she was the one
-who introduced me to gaming in college.
-Thank you, sir.
Excuse me.
[inaudible]
-Hey, you look pretty, Kavya.
-Fix me a drink, and one for me.
Good evening, everyone,
and welcome to Game Fest 2024.
I request everyone standing outside
to please join us as we start the event.
[woman] Cheers.
[MC] Every year, we conduct
this event for the top 10 creators.
Are you okay? Kavya, what's going on?
-No, nothing.
-[MC] Recognising each creator gives us
immense pleasure. Are you excited?
The first award goes to…
Mark Edwards for Village Run!
Thank you.
Thank you, sir.
The next award is Indie New Wave
Game of the Year.
And the nominees are,
Vikram Raj for Black Ravine,
Dilip Sinha for Illusion,
and Kavya Rajaram for Honey Ruin.
-Yay.
-And the winner is…
-Kavya Rajaram for Honey Ruin.
-[all cheering]
-[man] Come on, Kavya.
-Yay.
-Go, go, go!
-[all whooping]
Come on, Kavya.
-Go, go, go, go. Yeah.
-Can you…
Give it to me, give it to me,
give it to me.
Whoo!
Thank you.
[confetti pops]
Lady, this one's for you.
This game was created so that
we don't have to worry about
what men think of us.
I also want to say thank you
to all the men who supported this game.
And a huge thank you to my team,
without whom
this would not have been possible.
And Roshan.
[laughs] We did it. Cheers, guys.
-[all cheering]
-[upbeat music playing]
I'll be right back.
Everybody make it… ♪
-Baby, come. Let's dance.
-No, no, no.
Why? What happened?
I've got a headache. Shall we go home?
Oh, baby. Okay.
We'll continue the party at home.
[Kavya] Oh, my God! What a night!
Mmm. [kissing]
Hey, beautiful! Hey, beautiful!
Isn't she beautiful?
Isn't she beautiful?
I'm so happy! [whoops]
Oh, God! [giggles]
What is it?
-I was going to tell you about it.
-Don't lie to me, Kavya.
-You know that I want…
-I'm not lying.
But you know I'm not ready for it, right?
It's always about you.
Did it cross your mind that
you should discuss it with me once?
Yeah, I did. But every time
we discuss this,
you always get so excited about
having kids and about my future.
Your future?
At least tell me
if I'm part of that future.
Okay.
Let's not do this now.
We'll go home and talk, please.
We have nothing left to talk at home.
It's your future, your career,
and that you're not ready. Same excuses.
Yeah, Anoop.
Today I won my first award
for the game I developed.
And you had to talk about this right now.
You couldn't wait till tomorrow?
You could have waited till we got home,
but no, you couldn't, right?
So yes, of course, my life and my future,
they're my concerns.
Just like the award matters to you,
this matters to me, Kavya.
-Please stop the car.
-What?
Please stop the car.
Kavya. Kavya, get in.
Kavya, stop.
Wasn't a stable career a priority
before having a baby?
But no. It's not about my stable career.
It's just about yours.
-I realise that now.
-How many more years are we going to wait?
I don't want to talk about this now.
I need some space.
I'm sorry for disappointing you, Anoop.
Kavya, please get into the car.
We'll talk.
Please let me go, Anoop.
I need some space.
Kavya, please listen to me.
-Kavya, where are you going?
-I'll go meet up with Meghna.
You go home. Don't wait for me.
Driver, let's go.
Kavya.
KNK Road.
-[baby crying]
-[mobile ringing]
-[club music playing]
-Yes, ma'am. What can I get for you?
I'll have a glass of wine. Red.
Come with me ♪
So come with me ♪
Come with me ♪
Thank you.
[eerie music playing]
[music distorts]
[eerie whispering]