The Palace on the Hill Blends India’s Culture, Storytelling, and Art

Experience The Palace on the Hill on Xbox

In The Palace on the Hill, now available on Xbox, players delve into the narrative of a teenager residing in a 90s rural Indian village. The protagonist, Vir, immerses himself in farming and odd jobs during the summer break to aid his father who is facing agricultural setbacks.

This adventure RPG with life-simulation features requires players to explore various locations, gather resources, craft items, run errands, and even whip up dishes at the local tea shop to earn income.

With a backdrop inspired by rural India, the game spotlights the socio-economic challenges faced by a teenager, aiming to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Additionally, players can discover cultural nuances through collectible plants, crafting options, and cooking recipes, offering a delightful surprise as they uncover unique in-game items.

The artwork, crafted by Niku Games’ artist Mala Sen, infuses a handcrafted style into the game’s backgrounds, drawing from her background in textile art. The vibrant watercolors contribute to a warm and inviting game environment.


The game’s narrative intertwines with art, as Vir, the player character, harbors aspirations of attending a prestigious art school. By collecting special items known as References, players reveal insights about locations, characters, or legends, which aid in creating paintings. These collectible artworks draw inspiration from India’s historical miniature art forms.


Forge a friendship with Savi, an urban friend who fuels Vir’s passion for art and helps unveil hidden gems across the game’s terrain. Together, they explore ancient ruins scattered throughout the village, translating centuries-old tales into captivating paintings.


Immerse in the evocative musical ambiance of the game by composer Srikant Krishna, who employs Indian instruments like the Bansuri Flute and Tabla to craft soothing tracks for each game area and time cycle. Discover the blend of beauty, culture, art, and adventure in The Palace on the Hill, now accessible on Xbox.