Nigerian game Rasta Santa claims victory with Fak’ugesi 2025 Rising Star win
Deluxe Creation Studios earns continental acclaim for its Afro-futurist action game celebrating African humour, art and innovation.
Nigeria.- The Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival, Africa’s premier celebration of creativity, technology and digital culture, has crowned Rasta Santa the winner of its 2025 Rising Star Award in the Animated Game Category, recognising the Nigerian-developed game for its originality, artistry and cultural impact.
Developed by Deluxe Creation Studios, a Lagos-based independent game studio, Rasta Santa blends humour, vibrant Afro-futurist aesthetics and fast-paced gameplay into a uniquely African narrative. The award marks a major milestone for Nigeria’s growing game development scene and highlights the continent’s expanding influence in global digital arts.
“Thanks to the Fak’ugesi Festival team for this recognition and for celebrating African creativity and innovation,” said Edushola Shobowale, the developer, according to Games Industry Africa. “Big congratulations to my super team at Deluxe Creation Studios and to everyone who supported the journey. The best is yet to come.”
A bold step for African gaming
The 2025 Fak’ugesi Festival, held in South Africa under the theme Power Surge, spotlighted emerging creators in gaming, animation, design and immersive tech across Africa. The Rising Star Award celebrates innovative creators driving the future of African digital culture.
Rasta Santa has drawn attention for its playful yet socially grounded storyline, in which a reggae-inspired hero takes on traffickers in Lagos. The game combines Nigerian slang, reggae music and bold Afro-futurist visuals with fast-paced, side-scrolling action.
The studio’s newest instalment, Rasta Santa: Retribution, is planned for PC release later this year, according to Deluxe Creation Studios. The title is currently available on iOS (free with in-app purchases) and listed on the Google Play Store for Android users.
With Nigeria’s indie gaming ecosystem rapidly maturing, Deluxe Creation Studios’ win underscores how African developers are shaping a distinctive digital entertainment identity, defined by local storytelling and global appeal.
