African game developers called to redefine continent’s global image
The continent’s developers are using gaming, animation and XR to transform the continent’s global image.
Nigeria.- African game developers, storytellers and animators are stepping into the spotlight, tasked with reshaping how the continent is seen globally as gaming and interactive media take a leading role in Africa’s creative revolution.
The call to action was made at the Africacomicade Gamathon 2025 in Nigeria, which followed regional editions in Ghana and Kenya. The event featured studios from across Africa showcasing groundbreaking projects in gaming, animation, comics and extended reality (XR). It highlighted that Africa is not just a consumer of technology but a hub of innovation, creativity and cultural storytelling.
Oluwatosin Ogunyebi, Co-founder of Africacomicade, said, according to the Guardian: “Today’s event is the main showcase to get people to see what other creatives are building across Africa. We have creative studios from different parts of Africa here to showcase what they are making and get people to see what Africans are doing within the game, XR, animation and comic spaces.”
He emphasised unity and visibility for the sector: “It’s very important for government and ministries to see us as a unit. When there’s a single body they can relate with, it helps everyone as a collective.”
Ogunyebi also highlighted the educational potential of gaming: “Gaming isn’t just entertainment, it’s being used in education, research and training. I work in a virtual reality studio where we use VR to train university students and researchers. Parents need to see the value in that.”
The event also included the Ark Pitch competition, providing funding to creative studios to improve production quality and help them reach international standards. Ogunyebi announced that the Gamathon will become a biennial event to give developers more time to produce fully realised projects.
Victor Mark-Onyegbu, Director of Community and Grantmaking at Africa No Filter, stressed the broader significance: “The future of Africa is in the hands of storytellers. The way you tell Africa’s story determines how the rest of the world sees us.”
He added: “For centuries, Africa has been projected as small, poor and chaotic. It’s time to challenge that.” Africa No Filter also provides tools like Bias Booster and the MAPS Campaign to help creators tell authentic stories without reinforcing stereotypes.
The growing African gaming industry is proving that the continent’s creative potential is limitless. By combining innovation, collaboration and institutional support, developers are not only advancing gaming and esports but also rewriting Africa’s image on the world stage, one game at a time.
