Detective Dotson

Detective Dotson

Released Apr 2025

A mystery adventure game about an aspiring actor turned detective. Dotson comes across a case where each clue unravels new details about his father’s sudden passing. Engage in a riveting story, explore vibrant modern India, and use your wits to uncover the truth.

81% positive · 169 reviews
Not yet
Released, content planned but development status unclear
Low confidence
Content Planned
Development Uncertain
Not yet
Released, content planned but development status unclear
Low confidence
Content Planned
Development Uncertain

Where to buy

Steam $14.99
Can't confirm — worth a look
We couldn't confirm these stores carry this game.
Green Man Gaming Steam key Search IndieGala Steam key Search
Prices in USD, as listed by each store.
Buying through an affiliate store helps support the site

Evaluation

Detective Dotson launched on April 24, 2025 as a cozy mystery adventure set in modern India, featuring four interconnected cases about the protagonist's father's passing. Since launch, the developer shipped several updates: bug fixes, new language support (Traditional Chinese, German, Spanish, French on May 7, 2025; Korean and Russian on August 3, 2025), character bios, achievements, controller improvements, and Steam Deck optimizations and verification. The key outstanding item is a free story expansion. On August 3, 2025, the developer explicitly announced that a "Chapter 2" update — teased under the name "Amma is coming" — was actively in development, with new story twists and turns described as being added. The last developer communication of any kind was on August 23, 2025, a patch post addressing fixes. As of October 1, 2026, over 13 months have passed since that last post, and the announced Chapter 2 update has not appeared in the news feed or DLC listings. The developer had maintained a regular cadence of communications from launch through August 2025 (roughly monthly), making this extended silence a meaningful break from the established pattern. The promised content has not shipped, no release date was ever given, and no explanation for the delay has been published.
Evidence
Developer explicitly announced a free Chapter 2 update called 'Amma is coming' is in development, with new story twists and turns being added.
news post · Aug 3, 2025 source content planned
high
Last developer communication: a patch post addressing Steam Deck and achievement fixes. No update on Chapter 2 since then.
news post · Aug 23, 2025 source development ongoing
medium

Media

Details

Publisher
Masala Games Private Limited
Achievements
10
Platform
Windows, macOS, Linux
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player

About this game

A Cozy Mystery Game

Explore the colorful streets of modern India while you’re on the job! As you dive deeper into what seems to be a normal case for Detective Dotson, more unfolds and you learn how it all connects to your father’s sudden passing.

Solve cases, one clue at a time.

Investigate four unique cases, starting simple and building toward a thrilling final mystery that ties everything together. Trade, bargain, and uncover hidden clues from a cast of over 50 characters — each with their own secrets, needs, and personalities.

Explore a hand-crafted world.

Wander through a lively city where 2D and 3D art styles blend seamlessly. Stroll past food carts, dance stages, and busy bazaars, soaking up the sights, sounds, and spirit of India. Every street corner holds a potential lead, a valuable item, or an unexpected encounter.

Barter, bargain, and buy your way to the truth.

Nothing comes easy in Dotson’s world — you’ll need to haggle like a pro to get what you need. Buy incense sticks, street food, Bollywood memorabilia and more, and trade them smartly to open up new conversations, gather intel, and move closer to solving each case.

Play mini-games and earn your keep.

Jump into fun mini-games scattered around the city, including street cricket and Bollywood dance-offs. Winning games means better bargaining power — and sometimes, vital clues.

Meet an unforgettable cast.

From mischievous shopkeepers to notorious gangsters, the city is full of colorful characters waiting to help (or hinder) Detective Dotson. Charm them, outwit them, or catch them red-handed — how you interact can change the outcome.

A mystery with heart (and a lot of samosas).

As you crack each case, a deeper, more personal story begins to unfold — one connected to Detective Dotson himself. Expect surprises, laughs, and a love letter to the rich culture and chaotic charm of India.

Last evaluated Oct 1, 2026
Something about this evaluation looks wrong Report illegal or harmful content