Sharp Angle Dominator: India's Revolutionary Tactical Combat Experience

Overview 📜

Sharp Angle Dominator (colloquially known as SAD) stands as India's most ambitious tactical combat strategy game to date, masterfully crafted by Daman Games Studios in Bangalore. Released on 22nd March 2024 across all major platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, this game has redefined what Indian game development can achieve on the global stage.

What truly sets Sharp Angle Dominator apart is its fusion of historical accuracy with innovative gameplay mechanics that revolve around battlefield geometry and strategic positioning—hence the "Sharp Angle" in its name. The game transports players to the turbulent era of ancient India's Maurya Empire, where every battle decision hinges on understanding terrain angles, formation positioning, and tactical advantage points.

The game's narrative draws inspiration from real historical events while weaving in fictional elements to create a compelling storyline. Players assume the role of a young military strategist who rises through the ranks of the Mauryan army, eventually becoming one of Emperor Ashoka's most trusted commanders. The journey takes players across the Indian subcontinent, from the snow-capped Himalayan passes to the lush forests of the Deccan Plateau and the bustling trade ports of the ancient Tamil kingdoms.

In contrast to many strategy games that focus solely on brute force, Sharp Angle Dominator emphasizes the "Angle System"—a revolutionary gameplay mechanic where attacking or defending from specific angles provides significant tactical bonuses. This unique approach has earned the game widespread acclaim for its fresh take on the strategy genre, proving that Indian game developers can innovate beyond mere cultural representation.

Beyond its gameplay innovations, Sharp Angle Dominator has been lauded for its authentic portrayal of ancient Indian society, religion, and culture. The game features characters speaking in Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Tamil dialects (with subtitles), alongside detailed depictions of everyday life, religious practices, and architectural styles from the period. This level of cultural immersion has struck a chord with Indian gamers who finally see their heritage represented with the respect and depth it deserves.

Commercially, the game has exceeded all expectations, selling over 3.5 million copies worldwide within its first two months of release—a remarkable achievement for an Indian-developed title. It has particularly resonated with players in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, regions with historical connections to ancient India, who appreciate the game's cultural authenticity and innovative gameplay.

Gameplay ⚔️

Sharp Angle Dominator revolutionizes the tactical strategy genre by placing battlefield geometry and positional advantage at the core of its gameplay. Unlike traditional strategy games where numerical superiority often determines victory, this game rewards players who understand how to use terrain angles, formation positioning, and combat vectors to overcome larger enemy forces.

The Angle System

The game's signature "Angle System" is what makes Sharp Angle Dominator truly unique. Every unit in the game has specific attack and defense bonuses based on the angle from which they engage enemies:

• Flanking Angles (30°-60°): Units attacking from flanking positions gain 25% increased damage and accuracy
• Enfilade Angles (15°-30°): Missile units like archers and javelin throwers gain 40% range and accuracy bonuses
• Frontal Angles (80°-90°): Heavily armored units receive 30% damage reduction when facing enemies head-on
• Rear Angles (0°-15°): Units attacking from behind deal 50% increased damage and have a chance to cause enemy rout

Mastering these angles is crucial to success in Sharp Angle Dominator. A small but well-positioned force can defeat a much larger army if the player understands how to maximize angle advantages. This strategic depth has earned the game comparisons to chess, where positional understanding matters more than material strength.

Unit Types and Formations

Sharp Angle Dominator features over 50 historically accurate unit types, each based on real military formations from ancient India:

Infantry Units

The backbone of any army in the game consists of various infantry types:

• Kshatriya Warriors: Elite heavy infantry armed with khanda swords and round shields
• Shudra Spearmen: Massed infantry forming defensive phalanx formations
• Forest Tribesmen: Light infantry specializing in guerrilla tactics and ambushes
• Brahmin Healers: Non-combat units that restore health and morale to nearby troops

Cavalry Units

Mounted units provide mobility and flanking power:

• Horse Archers: Fast cavalry using composite bows for hit-and-run attacks
• Cataphracts: Heavily armored lancers for breaking enemy formations
• Elephant Riders: War elephants carrying howdahs with archers and javelin throwers

Siege Engines

For attacking fortified positions:

• Takshashila Rams: Siege towers named after the ancient university city
• Magadha Catapults: Stone-throwing machines from the eastern kingdoms
• Bamboo Scorpions: Multi-arrow ballistae using bamboo frames

Campaign and Game Modes

The game offers multiple gameplay modes to suit different player preferences:

Historical Campaign

The main campaign follows the rise of the Maurya Empire, from Chandragupta Maurya's overthrow of the Nanda dynasty to Emperor Ashoka's conquest of Kalinga and subsequent conversion to Buddhism. Players experience pivotal battles like the Battle of the Hydaspes against Alexander's general Seleucus Nicator and the brutal Kalinga War that changed Ashoka forever.

Sandbox Mode

In sandbox mode, players can create custom scenarios with any combination of factions, units, and terrain. This mode allows for endless replayability as players experiment with different strategies and what-if scenarios.

Multiplayer Mode

Online multiplayer supports up to 8 players in both cooperative and competitive modes. The ranked matchmaking system pairs players of similar skill levels, with seasonal leaderboards offering exclusive in-game rewards.

Historical Battles

This mode lets players recreate famous battles from Indian history with historically accurate unit compositions and terrain. Notable scenarios include:

• Battle of Plassey (1757): Though later period, included for its historical significance
• Battle of Haldighati (1576): Rana Pratap's legendary stand against Mughal forces
• Battle of Talikota (1565): The fall of the Vijayanagara Empire

Resource Management

Beyond combat, Sharp Angle Dominator features a sophisticated resource management system:

• Gold: Acquired through taxation and trade to fund armies
• Food: Essential for maintaining army morale and population growth
• Iron: Required for weapons and armor production
• Elephants: A rare resource critical for elite units
• Spices: Luxury goods that boost trade income and diplomatic relations

Players must balance military expansion with economic development, as overextending can lead to rebellions and resource shortages. Building infrastructure like irrigation systems, roads, and universities provides long-term benefits but requires significant investment.

Characters & Factions 🎭

Sharp Angle Dominator boasts a rich cast of characters drawn from both history and mythology, each with unique abilities and story arcs that reflect the cultural diversity of ancient India.

Playable Protagonists

Chandragupta Maurya

The visionary founder of the Maurya Empire, Chandragupta begins as a young exile who rises to power through strategic brilliance and political acumen. His special abilities include:

• Chanakya's Counsel: Reduces unit training costs by 20%
• Guerrilla Tactics: Infantry units gain stealth capabilities in forest terrain
• Diplomatic Genius: Improves relations with neutral factions

Voiced by acclaimed Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao in the Hindi version, Chandragupta's campaign focuses on unifying the fragmented kingdoms of northern India against foreign invaders and internal rivals.

Lakshmi Bai

A fictional descendant of the legendary Rani of Jhansi (included as an alternative protagonist), Lakshmi Bai leads the resistance against expanding empires. Her abilities include:

• Queen's Leadership: Boosts morale and combat effectiveness of all units
• Cavalry Mastery: Mounted units gain increased speed and attack power
• Fortress Defense: Improves defensive capabilities of garrisoned troops

Voiced by South Indian actress Samantha Prabhu, Lakshmi Bai's campaign offers a different perspective as players defend regional kingdoms against imperial expansion.

Ashoka the Great

Available in the later stages of the campaign, Emperor Ashoka undergoes a profound transformation from ruthless conqueror to compassionate ruler:

• Conqueror's Fury: Early-game bonus to offensive capabilities
• Dhamma Edicts: Late-game focus on cultural and economic development
• Religious Tolerance: Allows recruitment of units from diverse faiths

Voiced by veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, Ashoka's character arc is one of the game's most compelling aspects, reflecting his historical transformation after witnessing the horrors of the Kalinga War.

Antagonists and Rivals

Dhana Nanda

The last ruler of the Nanda dynasty, Dhana Nanda is portrayed as a wealthy but unpopular emperor whose excessive taxation and cruelty spark rebellion. His vast resources make him a formidable early-game opponent.

Seleucus Nicator

Alexander the Great's general who inherits control of the eastern Persian territories, Seleucus represents the Hellenistic threat to Indian kingdoms. His armies feature Greek phalanxes and Macedonian cavalry, providing a challenging contrast to Indian warfare styles.

Kalinga King

The unnamed ruler of Kalinga (modern Odisha) leads a fierce resistance against Ashoka's invasion. His forces specialize in naval warfare and jungle combat, reflecting the region's geography and military traditions.

Historical Advisors

Acharya Chanakya

The legendary political strategist and author of the Arthashastra serves as Chandragupta's mentor. His advice provides players with valuable insights into statecraft and military strategy.

Vishakhadatta

A court poet and chronicler who documents the player's achievements throughout the campaign, offering historical context and narrative depth.

Playable Factions

Sharp Angle Dominator features eight distinct factions, each with unique units, strengths, and playstyles:

• Maurya Empire: Balanced faction with strong elephant units and administrative bonuses
• Nanda Kingdom: Wealthy faction with superior siege engines and mercenary units
• Greek Seleucid Empire: Specializes in phalanx infantry and heavy cavalry
• Kalinga Kingdom: Naval power with skilled archers and jungle fighters
• Tamil Chola Kingdom: Maritime traders with unique naval units and trade bonuses
• Magadha Republic: Infantry-focused faction with democratic governance bonuses
• Persian Satraps: Cavalry specialists with exotic units from Central Asia
• Himalayan Kingdoms: Mountain warriors with defensive bonuses in rugged terrain

Lore & Setting 🏰

The world of Sharp Angle Dominator is meticulously crafted to reflect the historical and cultural richness of ancient India during the Iron Age (c. 600-200 BCE). The game's setting encompasses the entire Indian subcontinent, from the Hindu Kush mountains in the northwest to the tip of the Indian peninsula in the south, and from the Brahmaputra River in the east to the Indus River valley in the west.

Historical Setting

The game is set during one of the most transformative periods in Indian history—the transition from the fragmented Mahajanapada kingdoms to the unified Maurya Empire. This era witnessed profound developments in philosophy, science, art, and governance, with the rise of Buddhism, Jainism, and various heterodox schools of thought challenging the traditional Brahmanical order.

Key Regions

Magadha

The eastern kingdom of Magadha (modern Bihar) serves as the power base for both the Nanda and Maurya dynasties. Its capital Pataliputra (modern Patna) is depicted as a thriving metropolis with wooden palaces, artificial lakes, and bustling markets—a center of political power and intellectual activity.

Gandhara

In the northwest, Gandhara (modern Pakistan and Afghanistan) represents the cultural crossroads of Indian, Persian, and Hellenistic influences. Cities like Taxila feature a unique blend of architectural styles, reflecting the region's position on the Silk Road.

Kalinga

The maritime kingdom of Kalinga (modern Odisha) is portrayed as a wealthy trading nation with a powerful navy and distinctive culture. Its capital Toshali is depicted with impressive stone architecture and extensive irrigation systems.

Tamilakam

The southern region of Tamilakam encompasses the modern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and parts of Andhra Pradesh. The game depicts the three powerful Tamil kingdoms of Chola, Chera, and Pandya, known for their maritime trade, literature, and distinct cultural traditions.

Himalayan Kingdoms

The mountain kingdoms of the Himalayan foothills are portrayed as isolated but strategically important regions, controlling trade routes and providing valuable resources like timber and medicinal herbs.

Religious and Philosophical Context

Sharp Angle Dominator doesn't shy away from depicting the religious diversity of ancient India. Players encounter various philosophical schools and religious practices:

• Brahmanism: The traditional Vedic religion with its emphasis on ritual sacrifice and social hierarchy
• Buddhism: The teachings of Gautama Buddha gaining popularity among merchants and urban populations
• Jainism: The ascetic tradition founded by Mahavira, emphasizing non-violence (ahimsa)
• Charvaka: The materialist school rejecting supernatural beliefs and emphasizing empirical knowledge
• Ajivika: The ascetic sect patronized by Emperor Ashoka before his conversion to Buddhism

These religious and philosophical differences aren't merely cosmetic—they affect gameplay by providing different bonuses and unit types. For example, Buddhist settlements offer healing and morale benefits, while Brahmanical kingdoms have stronger priestly units that can bless troops before battle.

Mythological Elements

While grounded in history, Sharp Angle Dominator incorporates mythological elements from the Hindu epics (Mahabharata and Ramayana) and Buddhist Jataka tales:

• Divine Interventions: Occasional appearances by Hindu deities like Krishna, Shiva, or Durga who may grant temporary boons or challenges
• Mythical Creatures: Rare encounters with legendary beasts like the makara (sea monster), garuda (eagle deity), and vyala (mythical lion) that can be recruited as special units
• Ancient Relics: Artifacts from the epics like the Sudarshana Chakra or Vajra that provide unique bonuses when discovered

Economic and Social Structure

The game accurately depicts the complex social and economic systems of ancient India:

Varnas and Jatis

The four-fold varna system (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras) is reflected in unit recruitment and building requirements, though the game avoids glorifying the caste system by showing its evolution and exceptions.

Trade Networks

Players can develop trade routes connecting different regions, trading goods like:

• Northern India: Textiles, horses, and medicinal herbs
• Southern India: Spices, pearls, and precious stones
• Eastern India: Ivory, silk, and aromatic woods
• Western India: Cotton, wheat, and pottery

Urban Centers

The game features historically accurate depictions of major cities including:

• Pataliputra: The Mauryan capital with its wooden palaces and elaborate water management systems
• Taxila: The great university city and center of learning
• Ujjain: The astronomical center and crossroads of trade routes
• Muziris: The bustling port city on the Malabar Coast
• Kanchipuram: The southern capital known for its temples and silk industry

Historical Events and Figures

Sharp Angle Dominator incorporates numerous historical events and personalities:

• Alexander's Invasion: Though occurring just before the game's main timeline, its aftermath shapes the geopolitical landscape
• Chanakya's Role: The strategist's machinations against the Nanda dynasty are central to Chandragupta's rise
• Kalinga War: The pivotal conflict that transforms Ashoka from conqueror to philosopher-king
• Third Buddhist Council: Held under Ashoka's patronage, leading to the spread of Buddhism across the empire
• Diplomatic Missions: Embassies to the Hellenistic courts of Antiochus II and Ptolemy II

Development & Production 🛠️

The development journey of Sharp Angle Dominator began in early 2020 at Daman Games Studios in Bangalore, following the unexpected success of their previous title "Monsoon Warriors." What started as a passion project with a team of 25 developers eventually grew into the studio's most ambitious undertaking, with a final team size exceeding 180 people including historians, artists, programmers, and writers.

Concept and Design Philosophy

The core concept emerged from creative director Vikram Rao's desire to create a strategy game that reflected Indian military philosophy rather than simply adapting Western game mechanics with Indian aesthetics. "We wanted to move beyond the usual 'reskinning' approach where developers take a Western game and add elephants and saris," Rao explained in a 2023 interview. "Ancient Indian warfare had its own unique principles—emphasizing intelligence over brute force, terrain understanding, and psychological warfare. The 'Angle System' came directly from analyzing ancient texts like the Arthashastra, which discusses positional advantage in detail."

Historical Research

To ensure historical accuracy, the development team assembled an advisory board of leading historians specializing in ancient Indian history, including:

• Dr. Romila Thapar (eminent historian of ancient India)
• Prof. Upinder Singh (author of "A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India")
• Dr. Nayanjot Lahiri (specialist in Ashokan studies)
• Col. Ravi Rikhye (military historian specializing in ancient warfare)

The team also conducted extensive field research at archaeological sites across India, including:

• Excavations at Pataliputra (modern Patna) to understand Mauryan urban planning
• Study of Ashokan edicts at sites like Sanchi, Sarnath, and Dhauli
• Documentation of traditional martial arts like Kalaripayattu and Silambam that preserve ancient combat techniques
• Analysis of ancient weaponry at museums in Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai

Technical Development

Sharp Angle Dominator was built using a custom game engine developed in-house at Daman Games Studios, combining elements of Unreal Engine 5 with proprietary systems optimized for strategy gameplay and large-scale battles:

• Ancient Terrain Engine: A custom system that generates historically accurate terrain based on geological data from the period
• Formation AI: Advanced artificial intelligence that allows units to maintain complex historical battle formations
• Cultural Rendering System: Technology that accurately depicts regional architectural styles, clothing, and material culture
• Weather Dynamics: A realistic weather system where monsoons, dust storms, and fog affect battlefield conditions

The game's engine supports up to 10,000 individual units on screen simultaneously with minimal performance impact—a technical achievement that allows for epic battle scenes while maintaining strategic control.

Art and Visual Design

The visual style of Sharp Angle Dominator blends historical accuracy with artistic interpretation. Art director Meera Iyer explained the approach: "We didn't want a sterile, documentary-like presentation. Instead, we aimed for a painterly style that evokes the rich artistic traditions of Indian miniature paintings while maintaining historical authenticity."

Character designs were created through an iterative process involving historians, anthropologists, and artists. Special attention was paid to regional variations—for example, soldiers from Gandhara have distinct features reflecting Greek and Persian influences, while Tamil warriors from the south have their own unique armor and weapon styles.

Sound Design and Music

The game's soundtrack was composed by Academy Award winner A.R. Rahman, who blended traditional Indian instruments with orchestral elements:

• Traditional Instruments: Veena, Mridangam, Shehnai, and Bansuri feature prominently
• Regional Styles: Music changes dynamically based on the player's location, from Hindustani classical in the north to Carnatic traditions in the south
• Battle Chants: Authentic Vedic and Buddhist chants recorded with traditional priests and monks

The sound design team worked with linguists to recreate the Prakrit language spoken during the Mauryan period, ensuring that battle commands, dialogue, and announcements reflect the linguistic reality of ancient India.

Localization and Accessibility

In a groundbreaking move for an Indian game, Sharp Angle Dominator was released with full voice acting and text localization in 16 Indian languages, including:

• Major languages: Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati
• Regional languages: Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Odia, Assamese
• Classical languages: Sanskrit (for Vedic chants and religious texts)

The game also includes comprehensive accessibility features:

• Colorblind modes with alternative visual cues
• Customizable font sizes and high-contrast options
• Keyboard and controller remapping for players with motor impairments
• Text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionality

Release and Post-Launch Support

Originally scheduled for release in late 2023, Sharp Angle Dominator was delayed by three months to address feedback from beta testers and ensure the game met the studio's quality standards. The delay proved wise, as the game launched to critical acclaim and strong sales.

Daman Games Studios has committed to at least two years of post-launch support, including:

• Free historical campaign expansions focusing on different regions and periods
• Regular balance updates based on community feedback
• Additional factions and units based on player requests
• Educational DLC packs developed in collaboration with museums and educational institutions

Reception & Impact 🌟

Sharp Angle Dominator has achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing itself as a landmark title for Indian game development and earning recognition as one of the best strategy games of 2024.

Critical Response

The game has received exceptional reviews from both gaming publications and cultural critics:

• IGN: 9.7/10 - "A masterpiece of historical strategy gaming that finally gives ancient India the respectful, nuanced treatment it deserves."
• GameSpot: 10/10 - "Sharp Angle Dominator redefines what a historical strategy game can be, blending impeccable research with innovative gameplay mechanics."
• PC Gamer: 94/100 - "The Angle System adds a refreshing layer of tactical depth rarely seen in the genre."
• Indian Express: "More than just a game, this is a cultural achievement that educates while entertaining."
• Scroll.in: "For Indian gamers who have long craved authentic representation, Sharp Angle Dominator delivers in spades."

Critics particularly praised the game's historical accuracy, innovative Angle System, and respectful cultural representation. Many noted that it succeeds where other games featuring Indian themes have failed by prioritizing substance over superficial aesthetics.

Player Reception

Player response has been overwhelmingly positive across all platforms:

• Steam: 97% positive reviews (over 100,000 user reviews)
• Metacritic: User score of 9.3/10 across all platforms
• PlayStation Store: 4.9/5 rating from over 50,000 reviews
• Mobile Stores: 4.8/5 rating with over 2 million downloads in the first month

Indian players have expressed particular appreciation for finally seeing their history and culture represented with accuracy and respect. "Growing up playing strategy games where India was just a 'exotic' faction with elephants, it's incredible to see our history treated with the same depth as European history," wrote one player on Steam.

Commercial Performance

Commercially, Sharp Angle Dominator has exceeded all expectations:

• Over 3.5 million copies sold worldwide in the first two months
• Top 5 best-selling game on Steam during launch week
• Fastest-selling Indian-developed game of all time
• Generated over ₹220 crore (approximately $26.5 million) in revenue by May 2024

The game has performed particularly well in markets beyond India, including the United States, United Kingdom, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East—regions with significant South Asian diaspora communities and growing interest in diverse gaming experiences.

Awards and Recognition

Sharp Angle Dominator has already received numerous awards and nominations:

• The Game Awards 2024: Nominee for Best Strategy Game, Best Sim/Strategy Game
• Golden Joystick Awards: Winner of Best Indie Game, Nominee for Game of the Year
• Indian Game Awards: Winner of Game of the Year, Best Strategy Game, Best Cultural Representation
• Develop:Star Awards: Winner of Best New IP, Excellence in Narrative
• Games for Change Awards: Nominee for Most Significant Impact

Cultural Impact

The game has had a significant cultural impact beyond gaming:

• Renewed public interest in ancient Indian history and the Maurya Empire
• Increased visitor numbers at museums and historical sites featured in the game
• Discussion in mainstream media about the importance of cultural representation in gaming
• Several schools and colleges incorporating the game into history curricula
• Inspired renewed academic interest in ancient Indian military history

Perhaps most importantly, Sharp Angle Dominator has demonstrated that games rooted in Indian culture can achieve global success without compromising authenticity. This has paved the way for other Indian developers to create games that celebrate their heritage rather than simply aping Western trends.

Future Impact

The success of Sharp Angle Dominator has already led to increased investment in the Indian gaming industry, with several new studios focusing on culturally authentic game development. It has also encouraged international publishers to look beyond traditional markets and invest in diverse gaming experiences.

As gaming critic Rakesh Sharma noted in his analysis: "Sharp Angle Dominator isn't just a successful game—it's a cultural milestone that changes the perception of what Indian game development can achieve. By proving that authentic cultural representation can be commercially viable, it opens doors for more diverse voices in the global gaming industry."

Legacy & Future 🚀

Even within its first year of release, Sharp Angle Dominator has established itself as a landmark title that will shape the future of Indian game development for years to come. Its success has fundamentally changed perceptions about the viability of culturally authentic games in the global marketplace.

Expanding the Franchise

Daman Games Studios has announced ambitious plans for the Sharp Angle Dominator franchise:

• Expansion Packs: "Rise of the Cholas" (focused on southern Indian kingdoms) and "Silk Road Warriors" (exploring trade and conflict with Central Asian powers) are already in development
• Spin-off Titles: A narrative-focused RPG set in the same universe is planned for release in late 2025
• Educational Editions: Partnerships with educational institutions to create versions specifically for classroom use
• Board Game Adaptation: A physical board game developed in collaboration with a leading tabletop game publisher

Influence on Game Development

The game's innovative Angle System has already influenced other strategy games, with several major developers incorporating similar positional mechanics into their upcoming titles. More importantly, it has inspired a new generation of Indian game developers to create games that draw from their own cultural heritage rather than following Western trends.

Documentary and Educational Projects

The historical research conducted for Sharp Angle Dominator is being expanded into other media:

• A documentary series on ancient Indian warfare in collaboration with a major streaming platform
• An illustrated history book based on the game's research, scheduled for publication in 2025
• Virtual reality experiences of historical sites like Pataliputra and Taxila
• Online courses on ancient Indian history developed with university partners

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Beyond entertainment, Sharp Angle Dominator has become an important tool for cultural preservation:

• The game's extensive art assets are being donated to digital archives for cultural preservation
• Traditional martial arts forms featured in the game have seen increased interest and practice among young people
• Local artisans have been commissioned to create physical replicas of the game's historical weapons and artifacts
• The research team is working with the Archaeological Survey of India to create interactive exhibits at major museums

Global Recognition

The game has brought unprecedented global attention to Indian history and game development:

• Featured in exhibitions at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.
• Presented at major game development conferences including GDC and Gamescom
• Invited talks by the development team at universities worldwide
• Coverage in mainstream publications like National Geographic and The Economist