In recent years, the gaming industry has seen a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion in game development and content. As part of its commitment to embracing diverse cultural experiences and fostering inclusivity, Gameloft has actively sought out partnerships with game developers from around the world.

Recognizing the immense creative talent in the African gaming industry, Gameloft has embarked on a mission to collaborate with African game developers to bring their unique visions to a global stage. The inclusion of Sweave, developed by Leti Arts, on Gameloft’s platform, is a testament to this commitment.

“We are excited to partner with Gameloft to bring Sweave to a wider audience,” said Leti Arts CEO Eyram Tawia. “Cultures are not just stories to be told; they are living, breathing legacies waiting to be explored. At Leti Arts, our mission has always been to craft immersive experiences that celebrate the richness and diversity of African heritage. Together, we’re not just creating games; we’re bridging cultures and shaping the future of gaming, and partnering with Gameloft marks a pivotal moment in our journey, as it allows Sweave to transcend borders and connect with over 105M audience.”

The partnership furthermore positions the company as a gateway for other African games to be published. What this means is that we are empowered through the Gameloft partnership to provide publishing opportunities for other African game developers to reach broader audiences and gain recognition on an international scale with high-quality games in over 150 countries.

Sweave’s captivating gameplay, cultural influences, intuitive design, and unique blend of simplicity and excitement make it a perfect fit for Gameloft’s diverse portfolio. What’s new? Sweave delivers an inclusive and engaging gaming experience with improved color schemes designed to address issues faced by players with colorblindness, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the game to its fullest. Additionally, The hypercasual game introduces a new dynamic sound system that switches based on a player’s gameplay for better immersion and a “song library” in settings where players can choose background music from a list of tunes.

Sweave is available on iOS, Android, and now Gameloft’s platform, accessible through telcos such as MTN, and Airtel and on platforms such as Orange, Telefonica, Huawei, and all global partners of Gameloft. Check Sweave’s awesome gameplay here

About Leti Arts

Leti Arts, founded by Eyram Tawia and Wesley Kirinya, is a Ghanaian video game company that develops cross-platform interactive media products based on African history and folklore, including digital comics and mobile games (linkedin.com/leti-arts). As one of a handful of interactive media studios in sub-Saharan Africa with offices in Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya, Leti’s games introduce global audiences to African storytelling. The company uses gaming as a medium to reshape and reclaim African history

About Gameloft:

Gameloft SE is a French video game publisher based in Paris, founded in December 1999 by Ubisoft co-founder Michel Guillemot. The company operates 18 development studios worldwide and has published over 600 games with a special focus on the mobile games market.

The post Announcing A Remarkable Feat: Sweave Joins Gameloft’s Platform first appeared on Leti Arts.

As I navigated through the maze of talents, I stumbled upon a luminary whose journey encapsulates the very essence of breaking even in the intricate world of creativity. A visionary who has not just carved a niche but woven an entire universe within it.

Join me as I unveil the curtain on an extraordinary individual, a game-changer in both the creative and gaming realms of Africa. This is not just a story; it’s a symphony of passion, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit to transcend boundaries.

Hailing from Nigeria, Daniel Orji is a freelance 3D Character Artist with over 5 years of experience. He specializes in character modeling, sculpting, and texturing for animation and games. His journey into digital art commenced in 2016 when he dipped his toes into the world of 3D using Blender. What started as an exploration soon unfolded into a profound love affair with the craft, driven by the sheer joy of transforming ideas and references into visually enchanting creations.

In 2017, the artist embarked on a deeper dive into character creation, honing his skills in sculpting and anatomy. This marked the pivotal moment when Orji discovered his true calling within the vast expanse of 3D artistry. Since then, he has dedicated himself to the art of crafting stylized pieces, infusing a distinctive aesthetic that reflects his unique handwriting in the world of characters.

3D Artwork of Daniel

For Orji, art style is akin to handwriting – a personal signature etched onto each creation. Focused on ensuring his characters align with a given concept, he adds subtle changes that breathe life into his work. The interplay of shapes, proportions, and forms becomes a symphony, resulting in characters that are not only instantly recognizable but irresistibly appealing.

Navigating the unconventional path of a 3D Artist in a region where this pursuit is not commonplace, Orji found solace and inspiration in online communities. These digital havens serve as a wellspring of motivation, connecting him with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for pushing artistic boundaries.

Daniel Orji, 3D artist

The challenges of charting his course in a less-trodden field have only fueled the artist’s determination. The knowledge that others have triumphed in similar pursuits serves as a constant reminder that he too can carve out his niche in the world of 3D artistry.

In the artist’s own words, “Appeal is crucial regardless of the period. Whether stylized or realistic, I believe that creating something attractive is paramount to capturing the attention of players.”

“This philosophy propels me to continually refine my skills, perpetually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of character design,” Orji told Leti Arts.

3D Artwork of Daniel

To aspiring artists, the 3D artist offers sage advice: Keep practicing, embark on personal projects, stay inspired, and embrace constructive criticism. As he works on two personal projects, the anticipation of the joy that follows the technical aspects keeps him motivated and focused on the journey ahead.

Orji is not merely content with honing his craft; he is also eager to engage in the collaborative and professional aspects of the industry. Reflecting on past experiences where casual conversations led to exciting projects, he is determined to be bolder in seeking opportunities and reaching out to contribute his skills to ambitious endeavors.

As he continues to weave his artistic narrative, the world eagerly awaits the unveiling of his latest creations. Stay tuned as he shares the fruits of his labor on social media, promising a visual feast that harmonizes skill, passion, and a touch of the extraordinary. This is the unfolding story of a 3D Character Artist from Nigeria who, against the odds, is leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of digital artistry.

The post The Unique Art Style of a Nigerian 3D Character Artist first appeared on Leti Arts.

Boss Battles Redefined: New Bosses and Animations

Sweave enthusiasts can now brace themselves for an entirely revamped boss battle experience. The update introduces new bosses, each accompanied by meticulously crafted animations that promise to add a fresh layer of challenge and excitement to the gameplay.

Immersive Soundscapes: Dynamic Sound System

Enjoy a cool and rich groove produced by songwriter and producer Lil Shaker that adapts to your gameplay. The soundtrack evolves based on your actions, providing a more immersive auditory experience that syncs seamlessly with the game’s rhythm.

Rhythm-Infused Gameplay: Spirit Points and Background Elements

Feel the beat as spirit points and background elements react dynamically to the rhythm, creating a musical synergy within the gameplay that adds a unique layer of engagement.

Personalized Soundtrack: Song Library in Settings

Tailor your gaming experience by choosing your background music from a curated list of tunes available in the settings. Now, you have the power to set the perfect musical backdrop for your Sweave adventures.

Competitive Spirit: Introducing the Leaderboard System

Compete with fellow players and track your progress with the newly implemented leaderboard system. Climb the ranks and showcase your Sweave prowess to the gaming community.

Aesthetic Marvels: Cleaner UI and New Skins

Witness a visual transformation with a cleaner user interface and a collection of new skins available in the in-game shop. Sweave not only plays better but looks better too.

Power-Up Overhaul: Magnet Powerup and Upgrade System

The Sweave update brings an arsenal of power-ups to the table, including the magnetic allure of the new magnet powerup. The magnetic powerup allows you to attract spirit points around you.

Enlightening Museum Experience: New Museum System

Delve into the lore of Sweave with the introduction of a museum system. Learn about the symbols you crash into, adding a layer of depth and storytelling to your gaming adventures.

Accessibility Upgrades: Colors for All

Sweave becomes more inclusive with improved color schemes designed to address issues faced by players with colorblindness, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the game to its fullest.

Bug Extermination: Daily Rewards and More

Bid farewell to frustrating bugs with a series of fixes addressing issues such as game crashes after watching rewarded ads, energy-refilling bugs, and spirit points updating glitches. The Sweave experience is now smoother than ever.

Performance Boost: Smooth Sailing Ahead

Enjoy a seamless gaming experience with general performance improvements ensuring Sweave runs like a well-oiled machine.

Sweave’s latest update is a testament to our commitment to delivering a gaming experience beyond expectations. With a perfect blend of visual, auditory, and gameplay enhancements, Sweave invites players to embark on an adventure that transcends the boundaries of traditional gaming. Get Sweave now on iOS and Android.

The post Sweave: Elevating Your Gaming Experience to New Heights first appeared on Leti Arts.

From illustrating dynamic compositions to effectively using colors and shapes, a storyboard artist must possess a keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of narrative structure. By seamlessly blending artistry and storytelling, they bring scripts to visual life, enabling directors, producers, and other artists to see a story unfold before production begins.

This article will explore the essential elements every aspiring storyboard artist should master. With insights from industry experts and practical tips, you’ll learn how to create visually compelling storyboards that enhance the storytelling process. So, if you’re ready to elevate your visual storytelling game, join us on this exciting journey of becoming a masterful storyboard artist.

What is a storyboard artist?

Before diving into the key elements of visual storytelling, it is important to understand the role of a storyboard artist. A storyboard artist is essentially a visual storyteller who translates a script or concept into a series of drawings or panels. These drawings serve as a blueprint for the production team, guiding the director, cinematographer, and other crew members in bringing the story to life. Storyboard artists use their artistic skills and storytelling abilities to visually communicate the narrative, camera angles, composition, and action sequences. They play a vital role in the pre-production phase, helping to plan and visualize the scenes before they are shot. As a storyboard artist, mastering the key elements of visual storytelling is essential to convey the story and collaborate with the production team effectively.

Key elements of visual storytelling

Visual storytelling is a complex art form that involves various elements working together to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. Here are some key elements that every storyboard artist should master:

• The role of composition in visual storytelling

Composition refers to the arrangement and placement of visual elements within a frame. It is a fundamental aspect of visual storytelling that helps guide the viewer’s eye and create a sense of balance and harmony. As a storyboard artist, understanding composition is crucial to effectively communicate the story and guide the audience’s attention. By using techniques such as framing, rule of thirds, leading lines, and symmetry, storyboard artists can create visually compelling and dynamic compositions that enhance the narrative.

• Understanding color theory in storyboarding

Color plays a significant role in visual storytelling, as it can evoke emotions, set the mood, and convey meaning. Different colors have different psychological associations and can be used to represent characters, and themes, or create contrast. As a storyboard artist, understanding color theory is essential to effectively communicate the intended mood and enhance the story. By using color palettes, lighting, and shading techniques, storyboard artists can create visually cohesive and impactful storyboards.

• The power of visual symbolism in storytelling

Visual symbolism is a powerful tool that can be used to communicate ideas, themes, and emotions without the need for words. It involves using visual elements, such as objects, colors, or gestures, to represent abstract concepts or convey deeper meanings. As a storyboard artist, mastering the art of visual symbolism is essential to add depth and layers to the narrative. By incorporating symbolic elements into the storyboard, artists can enhance the storytelling and engage the audience on a deeper level

• Mastering pacing and rhythm in storyboarding

Pacing and rhythm are essential elements of visual storytelling that help create tension, build suspense, and guide the audience through the narrative. It involves the timing and sequencing of shots, as well as the use of editing techniques such as cuts, transitions, and camera movements. As a storyboard artist, understanding pacing and rhythm is crucial to effectively convey the intended emotions and maintain the audience’s engagement. By using techniques such as shot size variation, pacing changes, and rhythmic editing, storyboard artists can create visually dynamic and engaging storyboards.

• The importance of character design in visual storytelling

Characters are at the heart of any story, and their design plays a crucial role in visual storytelling. Character design involves creating visually distinct and memorable characters that are relatable and evoke emotions. As a storyboard artist, understanding the importance of character design is essential to effectively convey the personalities, motivations, and emotions of the characters. By using visual cues such as facial expressions, body language, and costume design, storyboard artists can bring the characters to life and enhance the storytelling.

• Skills in Both Hand and Computer Drawing

Versatility is key. Being proficient in both traditional hand-drawing and digital tools like graphic tablets and software ensures you can adapt to various project requirements. Some productions may prefer the tactile feel of hand-drawn storyboards, while others rely on digital formats for efficiency.

• Ability to Adapt to Many Styles and Genres

Storyboard artists often work on a variety of projects, spanning different styles and genres. Being adaptable to these diverse requirements is crucial. You must be able to switch from a whimsical children’s animation to a gritty, realistic film seamlessly, ensuring your drawings match the intended tone and style of the project.

Tips for creating compelling storyboards

Now that we have explored the key elements of visual storytelling, here are some tips for creating compelling storyboards:

• Storyboard regularly: Practice makes perfect. Regularly create storyboards to hone your skills and experiment with different techniques. The more you practice, the better you will become at translating ideas into compelling visuals.
• Study the masters: Take inspiration from renowned storyboard artists, filmmakers, and animators. Study their work and analyze how they effectively use visual storytelling techniques to convey ideas and engage the audience.
• Collaborate with others: Storyboarding is a collaborative process. Work closely with directors, writers, and other members of the production team to ensure that your storyboards effectively communicate the intended vision.
• Seek feedback: Don’t be afraid to seek feedback from others, whether it is from fellow artists, mentors, or industry professionals. Constructive feedback can help you improve and grow as a storyboard artist.

Conclusion: The impact of visual storytelling on the entertainment industry

In conclusion, visual storytelling is a powerful tool that every storyboard artist should master. By understanding the key elements of visual storytelling, such as composition, color theory, visual symbolism, pacing, and character design, storyboard artists can effectively communicate ideas, engage the audience, and contribute to the success of a production. Visual storytelling can transport us to different worlds, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact. It is an essential skill for anyone aspiring to become a proficient storyboard artist and make a mark in the entertainment industry. So, embrace the art of visual storytelling and let your imagination soar.

The post 7 Ways You Can Become A Good Storyboard Artist first appeared on Leti Arts.

To that effect, we hosted the first edition of the Leti Mixer in December, an event that showcased the vibrancy, creativity, and diversity of African games. By celebrating the diversity of African games, Leti Arts underscores the importance of representation within the gaming world and the power of gaming as a tool for storytelling and cultural expression.

With a focus on inclusivity, the Leti Mixer welcomed gamers, game enthusiasts, geeks, and creatives under one umbrella to participate in friendly competitions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. From mobile gaming to virtual reality experiences, the event showcased the versatility and breadth of African game development. The highlight of the occasion, however, was the official unveiling of Leti Arts’ latest creation, “Puzzle Scout,” which promises to redefine the gaming landscape. 

The game developed in collaboration with Orange employs narrative-driven approaches, incorporating indigenous knowledge systems, oral traditions, and diverse perspectives to foster a sense of cultural pride. The launch is aimed at not only providing users with an entertaining gaming experience but also making a significant impact on the local community with as low as $0.99. Leti Arts is creating opportunities for children to acquire valuable game development skills while supporting local game developers in accessing crucial funding and resources to boost their projects through Puzzle Scout. The game is available on both iOS and Android,

In addition to the game competitions and Puzzle Scout launch, the event featured panel discussions led by industry experts Eyram Tawiah, founder of Leti Arts, and Kwesi Hayford, president of the Esports Association Ghana. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, including game design and development, the role of esports, the diversity of gaming, and the power of cultural preservation through gaming and storytelling. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from these experienced professionals and gain valuable insights into the gaming industry.

Through the panel discussion, we discovered that African games are more than just entertainment; they play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting African culture. These games often draw inspiration from local folklore, historical events, and traditional customs, providing players with an immersive experience that allows them to explore and appreciate Africa’s rich heritage. Moreover, African games serve as a platform for African developers to share their unique perspectives and stories with the world, challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about the continent.

African games also have the power to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities. The esports and gaming industry is a rapidly growing sector globally, and fortunately, Africa is tapping into this market. Associations like Esports Ghana, Gamers Association Ghana, and communities like Play Province and Letiverse encourage the growth of a sustainable gaming industry on the continent by driving technological innovation and creating jobs for African youth through esports.

We also learned that Africa is a continent with over 54 countries, each with its unique history, culture, and traditions. This diversity is reflected in the wide range of African games that are being developed. From action-packed adventures set in ancient Egypt to thought-provoking narratives exploring contemporary social issues, African games cover a broad spectrum of genres and themes.

This diversity was reflected in the mixer as we exhibited games with stories that not only told the Ghanaian narrative but the African narrative as a whole, allowing attendees to experience firsthand the creativity and innovation that is emerging from Africa.

This celebration of diversity is essential, as it not only showcases the talent of African game developers but also challenges the notion that African games are limited to a particular genre or theme. By highlighting the diverse range of African games, Leti Arts is breaking down stereotypes and paving the way for a more inclusive and representative gaming industry.

The Leti Arts mixer was just the beginning of our efforts to promote African games and unite African gamers. The studio has ambitious plans for the future, including expanding our game development portfolio, collaborating with international partners, and hosting more events aimed at celebrating African games. One of Leti Arts’ key focuses is to provide support and mentorship to aspiring African game developers. The studio recognizes the importance of nurturing talent and believes in the power of education and training. By offering resources and guidance to young African game developers, Leti Arts aims to create a pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute to the growth and development of the African gaming industry.

As Leti Arts continues to expand its reach and impact, the future of African games looks brighter than ever. We are paving the way for a more inclusive, diverse, and representative gaming industry so that African games are no longer an afterthought; they are a force to be reckoned with.

The post Leti Mixer: How African Games Are Promoting Growth And Unearthing Talents first appeared on Leti Arts.

Prestige Kente employs an ancient, eco-friendly textile production method of weaving, unique and peculiar to the people of Ghana. They make export-ready cloths, that showcase carefully selected patterns and symbols from across the continent in beautiful, variations of exotic colors that appeal to different cultures, especially the elite African both home and abroad and to all lovers of the African culture. They aim to change the ”aid-dependent” narrative of Africa by retelling the story of our rich African cultures through its bespoke designs in a manner that heightens affiliation to the unique African roots.

Similarly, Sweave is a game that retells the story of rich African culture through its stunning graphics, smoother vibrant backgrounds, and patterns. Sweave was generated from the combination of “Weave” and “Swerve,” reflecting the game’s core mechanics. Players weave through challenges while mastering the art of swerving to avoid obstacles, which come in the form of African symbols adding a playful and skilful element to the gameplay. Sweave also caters to a broad audience, appealing to casual gamers, African culture enthusiasts, and anyone with an appreciation for art and music.

The hypercasual game available on Android and iOS turns collisions into an educational opportunity. As players navigate through levels inspired by African fabric patterns and dodge obstacles representing symbols, they accumulate points and gain insights into each symbol’s cultural significance, adding an educational and enriching dimension to the gaming experience.

While at it, an important element in the Sweave game that gives players a challenging yet thrilling experience is the Boss, a mask that prevents players from reaching their goal by dropping obstacles. With over 12 different bosses to defeat, 10+ skins, and 20+ crazy pattern designs, Sweave will keep players on their toes throughout.

Hence, the Sweave Challenge 24 is not just a gaming event; it’s a celebration of cultural exploration and mastery. The objective of the Sweave competition is to challenge players to achieve the highest score possible. As they control the ball’s movement, players must demonstrate agility, precision, and quick reflexes to navigate various obstacles. By avoiding these obstacles, players accumulate points, aiming to surpass their previous scores and climb the leaderboard. With each successful maneuver, players grow closer to claiming the coveted title of Sweave Master.

“We are beyond excited to introduce the Sweave Challenge 24 to our gaming community. Sweave has been a labor of love, blending entertainment, education, and celebrating African culture. This challenge marks a significant milestone for us, and seeing players immerse themselves in this cultural journey is a dream come true. Join us on this unique adventure—it’s not just a game; it’s a cultural odyssey! Let’s make the Sweave Challenge 24 the first of many memorable gaming experiences. Hop on board, and let the weaving begin!” – Robertson Nortey, Lead Game Developer.

How to Participate:

Players can participate by signing up here https://bit.ly/3U62Ia3 

Players must Download Sweave on the App Store (https://bit.ly/4aSomVf) and the Google Play Store (https://bit.ly/3U1yq84 )

Play the Sweave Challenge 24 during the specified dates (12th February to 16th February)

Players must share their scores on social media using the hashtag #SweaveChallenge or #Sweave and tag us @letiarts on all platforms.

The Sweave Master will be announced from 19th February to 21st February

The post Sweave Challenge 24: A Challenge Inviting Gamers And Smartphone Users To Showcase Their Skills And Win Exclusive Prizes first appeared on Leti Arts.

Education, Entertainment, and Cultural Awareness:

Budali’s passion for game development extends beyond entertainment. He envisions games as a means to enrich minds, blend learning with fun, and promote cultural understanding. His words resonate with the idea that games can serve as more than just entertainment; they can be powerful tools for education and cultural enrichment.

“Game development has the potential to significantly contribute to Ghana’s economic revenues and increase employment, similar to Finland’s experience. Important stakeholders can help create a supportive ecosystem [by] fostering education, encouraging innovation, and investing in infrastructure to help the industry flourish.”

A Multidisciplinary Approach:

Kingsley Budali’s journey into game development began in 2015 and fully blossomed in 2018. His background in web design, graphic design, architectural visualisation (Archviz), and music production has provided him with a unique set of skills. These diverse talents have not only enriched his game development journey but also set him apart as a creator of distinct and captivating games.

Achieving Global Impact:

Having accumulated nearly 50 games and prototypes since 2018, Budali has caught the attention of international publishers and collaborators. His games have reached a global audience, with around 10 titles currently available on the iOS and Android app stores. His story underscores that talent knows no boundaries and that unique voices in the industry can resonate far and wide.

The Global Appeal of African-Themed Games:

The question of whether African-themed video games can find international success often arises. To this end, Budali offers a thoughtful perspective: the success of a game, he believes, depends on its alignment with the preferences of the target audience. His stance emphasizes the importance of understanding the player’s mindset, regardless of the game’s theme. He also emphasizes the value of data-driven approaches, advocating thorough research to gauge the audience’s size and preferences.

Monetization Strategies and Marketing Insights:

Addressing a common concern among game developers—monetization—Budali emphasizes the importance of a well-structured marketing plan and niche identification. His insights underline the significance of app store optimization, A/B testing, and hybrid monetization approaches, incorporating both In-App Purchases (IAPs) and ads.

The Challenges of Solo Development:

Budali acknowledges that being a solo developer can be challenging, especially when seeking like-minded collaborators. Finding individuals who share the same long-term vision and are willing to collaborate on a project with deferred compensation or revenue-sharing terms can be daunting. Yet he believes that this journey can be fulfilling, even with its challenges.

“Your dream project might involve creating a shooter game, while someone else’s passion could revolve around crafting a racing game. Finding individuals who align with your goals and are committed to the project’s success can be a fulfilling but sometimes arduous journey for developers just starting out,” the Budali Studios founder stated.

A Bright and Inspirational Future:

As Kingsley Budali looks forward to the future, he dreams of participating in renowned events such as the Game Developers Conference (GDC), Unity Unite, Pocket Gamer Connects, and PAX East. With over 50 games in his portfolio, he invites you to explore some of his top picks.

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/dev?id=5284345639719697769

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/budali-kingsley/id1453294453

Kingsley Budali’s journey invites us all to ponder the boundless possibilities within game development. It’s a world where creativity knows no bounds, passion fuels innovation, and dreams can become realities. Now, the question is, what game-changing idea might you contribute to this vibrant realm? What adventures await you on the journey of game development?

The post The Game Development Journey of Budali Studios first appeared on Leti Arts.

As a big Manga and video games fan, Kevin was initiated into art at the age of four through his admiration for his brother’s drawing abilities. He used to imitate his brother’s style by drawing Dragon Ball Z art and other famous franchises. In the end, though, the Ivorian artist decided he no longer wanted to just imitate when he could make his ideas come to life by creating his own characters, universes, stories, and comics.

“My brother and I also used to design board games and our own figurines to play with our friends and cousins when our parents locked our game consoles. We kept creating mechanics for anyone to enjoy, which we kept sharpening each day,” Lohore stated.

After obtaining his Baccalaureate, Kevin decided to step into the IT world, leading him to take part in diverse training in the fields of networking, software engineering, and graphic design. And although his works were impressive, the animator still felt his place was unfound. 

“I noticed my place was still unfound. The creative world inspired me so much at some point that I couldn’t even spend a day without drawing. It was then that I realized how much I could accelerate Africa’s rising through creativity, commitment, passion, and skill exploration.  Then my brother and I decided to raise a new era together, with him specializing in programming, and me specializing in art,” the designer spoke on. 

The two would go on to complete several Udemy courses, obtain numerous certificates in their respective fields, watch, learn, assess Mangas and animations, and play different types of games. They would also study from YouTube tutorials and any other informative sources in order to sharpen their skills The two did this to examine their design failures, elaborate potential solutions to fix them, to enable them to learn enough to cover for an entire team’s expertise. 

Afterward, Kevin and his brother deemed it time to introduce their independent and self-funded game development startup known as N’Ganin Games; “The African Game Changers Rising”, and started sharing their exotic vision of Africa Gaming.

N’Ganin Games’ ideology, with Fulgence Lohore as its founder, mainly focuses on showcasing Africa through its smartness and creativity by turning very banal and simple concepts into fully unpredictable masterpieces, and Primal Force Arena is their first revolution letter to spread. 

Primal Force Arena is an authentic online multiplayer PVP featuring an intensive, tactical, and psychological battle system aiming to offer gamers worldwide an experience never seen before. 

“Its concept creation originated from us having some critical observation of the Tic Tac Toe classic concept. We found many down points making the game logic too linear and quickly boring after a few plays. Players battling in tic tac toe are prone to only enjoy victory cases which are very rare depending on their expertise and are mostly called to end up on a draw result if both tactics are on par, and these sadly kill the game dynamic and richness. So we decided to use the “align 3” aspect as the fundamental rule of our game to accredit this immortal memory, while shaping a completely new way to fix defaults we could spot through its old-school version according to our expectations,” Lohore explained the dynamics of the game.

Primal Force Arena, despite its young age and the brothers’ late start with its publications this year, currently counts hundreds of downloads, 90 actual users, and overwhelmingly positive reviews. Primal Force Arena Beta version is currently available on the Play Store and App Store. Apart from his personal project, Kevin currently contributes to Leti Arts’ development games which are also available on the Play Store and App Store.

Furthermore, the brothers are working on an educational comic dedicated to sensitizing the youth upon mistakes to carefully avoid for a much better and optimized new generation vision and output. 

“Although we are involved in many beautiful games and projects both internally and externally, Primal Force Arena remains the flag keeping our heads higher. Making a game with passion and freedom may easily be compared to a mother giving birth, and nurturing the child with priceless love in hopes of seeing the child grow beautifully. That is Primal Force to us and we expectantly await to witness the game’s growth and beauty,” the founders told Leti Arts.

Diving into the game development world is a pretty tough path, especially in Africa but is worth the sacrifices. Kevin shares that game development has shown him the real path to his destiny. The creative emphasizes that he is able to make people smile, think creatively, etc. by utilizing his creative abilities.

He also shares that game development should not just be a hobby but must be used as a tool to bolster societal solutions. 

“I would honestly dissuade any individual wishing to venture into game development just for hobby purposes as using our abilities just to satisfy our individual needs is a block to our societal progress. In order to achieve a goal in this industry, I primarily advise anyone who feels ready to fall, and stand back, to train both their body and their soul. However, they must remember that no one can help them attain that goal except themselves.” 

For any game developer to stay afloat his game, “ they must Check their social media profiles (mainly LinkedIn) daily and reach out to gaming news platforms newsletters such as Premortem Games or Games Industry Africa and keep their eyes out for the latest games releases. Testing games is also one good way of keeping up with trends.” 

Wrapping up, the young developers said “Africa-themed games have become Africans’ sole dream, but they still believe copying Western concepts and adding a few African masks and symbols makes a respectful or honorable game, and adding a few stories related to culture is what brings value to Africa.”

“They earn a lot and invest less, they go by calculations and forget creators, they avoid the world competition lurking behind “African folklore”, and create games for people to invest in, but forget that no one would ever invest in something they do not deem worthy.

“ Most Africans do not invest in their local projects, but they invest a lot in exotic game. They keep dulling upcoming generations with the fallacious dogma stating ‘just make games’. But we must remember that building a solid and sustainable ecosystem in Africa Gaming primarily relies on how much quality we are all willing to offer.  We will not make any progress by producing weak-minded projects and wearing ‘equipment lack’, ‘African culture’ and other similar stained jackets to cover our low effort but big expectations.

“Let us genuinely love what we do, prioritize users’ concerns when playing our games so that Africans and the world do not play African games for mere support purposes and then select a Western game as their favorite. Such mentality is N’Ganin Games’ unavoidable roadmap”

The post Born to Accomplish Historical Feats; A moment with the founders of N’Ganin Games first appeared on Leti Arts.

Wondering who this gaming virtuoso is? Kofiro, initially known as Kofi Bedu Austin, has become one of Ghana’s premier indie video game developers over the past five years. He’s all about consistency and has crafted an impressive portfolio of over 20 games and 10 interactive apps, amassing a staggering 5–6 million total installs.

But here’s the question that might be burning in your minds: has Kofiro’s dedication translated into substantial revenue? He sheds light on this, saying, “From ad revenue and in-app purchases, I get paid by Apple, Google, and Unity Ads. Nothing too crazy yet, though.”

Kofiro’s journey into game development began at the tender age of six. Fast forward to his university days in 2013–2014, where he discovered the possibility of creating games independently. He was inspired by fellow Ghanaian game developers like Nana Ghartey, the founder of Mobobi LLC, Setriakor Nyomi, the creator of the best Oware game on the Play Store, and Kingsley Budali, the founder of Budali Studios. These remarkable individuals and their studios played a pivotal role in shaping Kofiro’s path in the world of game development.

Kofi emphasizes the importance of paying attention to performance metrics and retention. He mentions, “Monetization is always a hassle,” and urges developers to ask vital questions such as, “Do you lose more than 90% of your first-time players after one day? Do you still have a high percentage of active players a week later?” According to Kofi, emerging technologies and innovation are the future of the game industry.

Despite his brilliance, Kofiro prefers solo work to fuel his continuous learning journey. However, he’s not opposed to collaborations when necessary, stating, “If I require some kind of collaboration for my next ideas, I would most definitely be interested in that.”

Success for Kofiro comes in the form of user reviews, improved earnings, and completing various games. Among his games, “Super Glider” holds a special place in his heart. You can experience this exciting journey yourself by downloading the game from both the Apple Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/super-glider/id1495108511 and Google Play Store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kofiro.superglider

The post The Enigma of Game Development Through Kofiro first appeared on Leti Arts.

But what secrets lie beneath the surface of these grand conferences and colossal platforms for African game developers and emerging indie talents? They are not just doors that open to reveal a burgeoning industry in Africa; they are dynamic accelerators, catalysts that stir change, and fertile grounds for cultivating stakeholder engagements and knowledge sharing.

This year embarked on a promising note as Eyram, the visionary behind Leti Arts, a pioneering digital video game company in sub-Saharan Africa, tirelessly championed and nurtured the gaming industry and ecosystem across the continent. His roles ranged from moderating at the Annecy Film Festival’s Ghana animation session to anchoring two monumental events: Games for Change Africa and Gamescom.

Notably, at the Games for Change Festival, Eyram championed the cause of authenticity in depicting Africa’s rich cultures and histories through games, recognizing the imperative to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions. He showcased games like Sweave, Puzzle Scout, Africa’s Legends Reawakening, and collaborative works with other African game studios, including Mission 55 and Mama Atingi.

Gamescom was equally enlightening, shedding light on Africa’s gaming landscape, from its growth and educational endeavors to the challenges faced and the successes achieved. Eyram’s mentoring session at the International Game Development Association (IGDA) exemplified his commitment to shaping the future of game development by guiding aspiring creators.

With Africa Games Week on the horizon, we eagerly anticipate more of these transformative dialogues. Yes, it’s true that such discussions have occurred countless times through conferences and programmes, but they represent the solid foundations required to stir profound changes within the gaming industry. They are the catalysts that will propel us into a future of boundless opportunities and collaborations. Stay tuned for what lies ahead; it promises to be nothing short of remarkable!

The post From New York to Germany, Discover the Visionary Shaping Africa’s Gaming Industry first appeared on Leti Arts.