Leti Mixer: How African Games Are Promoting Growth And Unearthing Talents
As a leading multimedia company specializing in game development, we recognize the immense potential of the African gaming industry and aim to unite gamers in a space that nurtures their passion and showcases their skills.
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.
