Celebrating 15 Years of Leti Arts: Redefining African Storytelling in Gaming
15 years ago, Leti Arts was born from a bold initiative and burning desire that would soon solidify the gaming industry in the continent creating an undeniable force in the gaming industry as a whole. Founded by a CEO driven by a passion for technology and African folklore, Leti Arts has stood as a beacon for innovation and creativity. Over the years, the studio has not only produced engaging games but has also played a significant role in advancing Africa’s gaming industry. By nurturing young talent and supporting related initiatives, the studio strives to push the industry’s boundaries, envisioning a future where not just Leti but all Africans can take pride in its growth and success. As Leti’s CEO and co-founder, Mr. Tawia, stated at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, “We are not just building a game company; we are shaping an entire industry.”
As Leti Arts celebrates its 15th anniversary, we take a look back at the CEO’s journey before and after establishing the company, the studio’s most impactful achievements, and the remarkable growth of Africa’s gaming industry. This celebration of Leti Arts’ legacy serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling, the importance of cultural representation, and the bright future that awaits African gaming.
Eyram Tawia: CEO and Founder of Leti Arts
From the earliest days of gaming, countless children have dreamed of creating their own video games. Yet, only a brave few pursued this ambition, particularly at a time when Africa’s technology and entertainment industries were still in their infancy. Among these few was Eyram Tawia, the visionary CEO of Leti Arts, whose passion for creating characters and telling stories was evident from a young age. Drawing deeply from African folklore, he reimagined these tales in groundbreaking ways, setting the stage for his remarkable journey.
To bring his dreams to life, Eyram knew he needed to acquire the right skills. After completing his education at St. Martin De Porres School in Dansoman, he enrolled at the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC) in Legon, Accra, where he studied science. His time at PRESEC further ignited his interest in blending technology with creativity, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in game development and digital storytelling.
Eyram continued his academic journey at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he studied Computer Science while seeking out additional learning opportunities on his own. These formative years honed his technical expertise and fueled his passion for innovative storytelling.
In his early professional career, Eyram worked in various tech roles, gaining essential experience that would later empower him to realize his vision. Recognizing a unique opportunity, he set out to establish an African-centered gaming studio that fused storytelling with cutting-edge technology, showcasing the richness of the continent’s culture and history.
Wesley Kirinya: CTO and Co-Founder of Leti Arts
Wesley Kirinya, a Kenyan native, has always been passionate about technology and storytelling. Driven by curiosity and a fascination with digital innovation, he taught himself programming, carving a unique path into the gaming industry. Unlike his counterpart Eyram Tawia, Wesley did not follow a formal academic route in computer science. Instead, he relied on self-education and hands-on experience to build his expertise.
Before co-founding Leti Arts, Wesley gained recognition for his groundbreaking project, Adventures of Nyangi. This independently created 3D game was one of Africa’s first of its kind, showcasing that high-quality gaming could emerge from the continent while authentically representing African culture in an interactive format.
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As Leti Arts’ Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Wesley brought his extensive technical expertise, project management skills, and innovative mindset to the company. His deep understanding of game design and development helped solidify Leti’s foundational projects, establishing robust technical frameworks and workflows. This allowed Eyram Tawia to focus on storytelling and creative leadership, creating a dynamic partnership that drove the company’s ambitious vision forward.
A Vision Becomes Reality: The Birth of Leti Arts
In 2013, Eyram Tawia transformed his passion for storytelling and African folklore into reality with the release of Africa’s Legends. This mobile game, which introduced African heroes and folklore to the global stage, quickly garnered attention for its unique premise and cultural significance. Despite the recognition, establishing a gaming studio like Leti Arts came with its share of obstacles, including challenges in funding, infrastructure, and limited access to international gaming markets. Yet, the studio persevered and soon earned its place in the gaming industry.
Achievements and Impact
Milestone Games and Projects
Building on the success of Africa’s Legends, Leti Arts expanded its portfolio with titles such as The Hotseat, Karmzah, Sweave and Puzzle Scout. These games not only showcased African heroes and villains but also placed them at the heart of engaging and relatable storylines. By blending action, adventure, and thought-provoking narratives, Leti Arts has consistently broken new ground, solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in African gaming.
Each project reflects Leti Arts’ mission to redefine African folklore for modern audiences while creating games that resonate with players both locally and globally.
Puzzle Scout Gameplay
Partnerships and Awards
With its bold and daring initiative, Leti has had its share of challenges over the years, but by overcoming them it has gained the recognition of major players in the industry and drawn people to support it. Through collaborations with leading companies and institutions, the studio has not only expanded its reach but also shown the world that African talent is thriving.
In 2016, Leti Arts was named one of the “Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Africa” by Fast Company, a renowned American business media brand and magazine. In 2017, Leti Arts received the World Summit Award (WSA) in the Entertainment & Lifestyle Category for promoting African culture through digital storytelling. And the list goes on and on further proving the success and undeniable trailblazer in the African gaming industry that is Leti.
Leti Arts Wins at International Vodafone AppStar Competition
Looking Ahead: The Future of Leti Arts and African Gaming
As Leti Arts marks 15 years in the gaming industry, its momentum continues to grow, driven by an unwavering commitment to innovation. With ambitious new projects and stories on the horizon, We remain dedicated to bringing the richness of African narratives to audiences everywhere. Beyond personal success, the studio aims to shape the future of African gaming by fostering industry growth. Through annual internships and talent development programs, Leti nurtures young creatives, expanding the talent pool to inspire and support similar initiatives across the continent.
Conclusion
Celebrating 15 years of creativity and perseverance, Leti Arts exemplifies the power of dedication, cultural authenticity, and artistic vision. By staying true to its mission of elevating African stories, the studio has redefined the landscape of African game development. Its accomplishments stand as a beacon of African innovation, paving the way for a future where African creativity and perspectives will leave a lasting mark on the global gaming industry.