African history comes alive as ‘Rise of Fearless’ mobile game showcases battle heroes
Ethiopian entrepreneur Kanessa Muluneh’s mobile game brings African heroes and culture to the forefront, challenging stereotypes and inspiring players across the continent.
Ethiopia.- Africa’s mobile gaming market is set to welcome Rise of Fearless, a battle-royale game inspired by the historic 1896 Battle of Adwa, which brings African history and culture to the forefront of gameplay. The game was created by Ethiopian-born entrepreneur Kanessa Muluneh.
Muluneh, who is based in the UAE, describes the Battle of Adwa as a defining moment: “This wasn’t just any moment in history; it was the moment Ethiopia fought off colonisation and won. It was the only African country that was never colonised. So for me, this battle isn’t just a story, it’s THE story. I want African youth to see themselves as heroes.”
Players journey through lush forests, quaint villages and scenic savannas, inspired by Ethiopia and the wider African continent. The game launched in the UAE as a free-to-play mobile experience and was downloaded by 3,000 users within its first two months, and it will gradually make its way to Africa.
Designed to challenge stereotypes and highlight African stories, the game features non-Western characters based on African history, giving representation to players who rarely see themselves in mainstream games. “We made sure the game represents people who are usually left out. We fixed that, finally,” said Muluneh.
Muluneh added that Africa’s global image has been damaged for decades. She said: “Rise of Fearless is African. But more than that, it’s something positive that comes from Africa, and represents Africa in a way we can actually be proud of. It’s organised. It’s beautifully built. And it’s rooted in powerful history. No suffering, no stereotypes – just power, pride and purpose.”
African market poised for launch
The game has already attracted $700,000 in initial funding, with plans to raise $5m to $10m later in 2025 to scale across Africa and Asia.
Africa’s gaming industry is growing rapidly, driven by smartphone adoption and a young, tech-savvy population. The continent’s market was valued at $1.8bn in 2024, with mobile games accounting for most of the growth. Rise of Fearless taps into this momentum while showcasing the region’s creative and technological potential.
Muluneh’s personal journey influenced the game’s vision. Born in Ethiopia and raised in the Netherlands, she says moving to Dubai allowed her to reconnect with her roots: “Africa isn’t foreign in this region. Africans know the Middle East, and Middle Easterners know Africa. Our histories are deeply intertwined. There’s mutual respect,” she said.
The game also integrates Web3 and play-to-earn mechanics, letting players own in-game assets, earn rewards and participate in a secure digital economy.
Muluneh said: “My biggest vision for Rise of Fearless is huge: I don’t just want it to be one of the biggest play-to-earn games out there; I want it to be the biggest, period. This game is not just for entertainment; it’s meant to add real value. It can become a real income stream for players. It can build community, both here in the UAE and across the world. And that community is for everyone.”
