Last week, Jiwe Studio exhibited USAWA at the Guildford Games Festival in the UK, engaging with teachers, students, developers, and education leaders.

Our goal was simple:

-To understand how interactive storytelling grounded in African histories resonates in UK classrooms.

The response was encouraging — and revealing.

Immediate Reactions

Several educators and students engaged directly with the experience.

Students who played through the game wrote:
“Loved the message.”

Multiple visitors commented positively on the art style and visual direction.

More importantly, teachers immediately identified classroom applications, including:

1.History lessons
2. IT Clubs
3. Black History Month programming

This immediate contextualization signaled something critical: that the concept translates.

A Clear Gap in the Classroom

Across conversations, one theme emerged consistently:

Teaching difficult histories is challenging.

Not because educators lack interest — but because they lack structured, confidence-building tools that allow sensitive subjects to be explored responsibly.

Many teachers rely on familiar materials because they reduce risk.

There is limited interactive content that addresses African histories in ways that are both engaging and institutionally viable.

USAWA resonated because it offers a designed learning experience — one that educators felt could support discussion rather than complicate it.

We intentionally build for that balance.

Institutional Conversations

The exhibition led to discussions with:

1.Representatives connected to a Surrey school trust
2.UKIE’s Digital Schoolhouse
3.University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
4.Social impact and mental health partners
5.Independent game developers and pitch advisors

These conversations reinforced that USAWA operates at the intersection of games, education, and ethical storytelling.

The 2025 Fak’ugesi Awards marked another important moment for African interactive media.

Among the recognitions was the Mwanzo Prototype of the Year Award — an award dedicated to celebrating emerging African developers at the earliest stage of their creative journey.

“Mwanzo” means “beginning” in Swahili.

And in many ways, the prototypes recognized this year represent the beginning of a new chapter for African game development.

Winner: Tales of Luanda

Tales of Luanda received the 2025 Mwanzo Award for its compelling prototype and strong narrative direction.

The project stood out for:
1. A distinct cultural setting
2. Visual ambition
3. Story-driven gameplay
4. Clear potential for expansion

Even at prototype stage, the game demonstrated what African storytelling in interactive media can look like when it is rooted in place, identity, and confidence.

Recognition at this stage is not just symbolic — it validates experimentation and gives early-stage teams the momentum to continue building.

Game Download Page

Runner Up: MA3 Simulator

Close behind was MA3 Simulator — a prototype grounded in a uniquely African experience.

Inspired by local transport systems and everyday urban realities, MA3 Simulator reflects something powerful about African game development:

Innovation does not require imitation.

By building mechanics around familiar cultural experiences, developers create games that resonate deeply with their audiences while remaining globally interesting.

The strength of MA3 Simulator signals the growing maturity of local game design thinking — mechanics emerging from context rather than borrowed templates.

Game Download Page

Why Mwanzo Matters

The Mwanzo Award was created to recognize:
1. Creativity at early stages
2. Strong storytelling potential
3. Technical ambition in prototypes
4. African developers shaping their own narratives

But recognition alone is not enough.

Prototypes need infrastructure.

They need:
1. Feedback loops
2. Community validation
3. Early audience engagement
4. Monetization pathways

That is where Jiwe IO continues to position itself, not just as a spotlight, but as a support system.

Looking Ahead to 2026

If 2025 demonstrated the depth of emerging talent, 2026 is poised to demonstrate scale.

The number of prototypes entering the ecosystem is increasing.
The quality is rising.
The confidence is growing.

African game development is no longer experimental.

It is becoming structured.

We look forward to seeing what the next Mwanzo cohort brings — and to continuing to build the tools that help prototypes move from recognition to sustainability.

As part of our commitment to growing the African games ecosystem, Jiwe IO was proud to support the PlayLabs Game Jam 2025. From logistical facilitation to mentorship and prize funding, we helped provide the backbone for creators to bring their ideas to life, turning sparks of creativity into playable, meaningful prototypes.

What We Did — As Part of Our Ongoing Community Support

Logistical & Operational Support: Our community-outreach lead handled the logistics for the jam — organizing communication, coordinating registration, and ensuring everything ran smoothly on the ground and online.

Mentorship & Guidance: Jiwe provided a dedicated mentor to support teams throughout the event, offering advice, technical guidance, and moral support as participants navigated rapid development under time pressure.

Prize Funding & Incentives: We contributed the prize money, recognizing the tremendous effort and talent of the participants — because offering cash prizes is more than a reward, it is a signal that their work matters and can be sustainable.

We weren’t just a sponsor, we were enablers of creativity, community, and futures.

Celebrating the Creators

Below is a portion of the heartfelt announcement posted after the jam (edited lightly for flow):

“In a short space of time, each of you took an idea, a spark and turned it into a playable experience. You didn’t just build games, you built worlds, messages, and moments that carry culture, creativity, and hope. That is not a small achievement... That is the work of storytellers, technologists, artists, and innovators.”

Reflecting on the winners:

Azari — showed us unity and pride, imagining a continent strengthened through challenge and collaboration.

Leme — reminded us that our languages are treasures and that learning them can be joyful, modern, and playful. Simple but amazing mechanics; fun and educational.

Whispers of Agule — brought tradition into the future, transforming cultural teachings into fast-paced, meaningful gameplay. The wisdom in this game and its theme alignment stood out.

Octo — showed that African futures belong in space and that financial literacy can be empowering, interactive, and fun.

Syndicate Books — reminded us that even in stressful, fearful times, choices toward others matter deeply. This game had an innovative way of interpreting the theme.

Every team delivered — imagination rooted in heritage, ambition shaped by African realities, and futures defined by innovation. And that is the motivation we want the broader community to carry home.

“If you can build a prototype in one jam, imagine what you can build in one year. Imagine what you can build together.”

Why It Matters

Supporting the PlayLabs Game Jam wasn’t just about producing games. It was about building community. At Jiwe IO we believe that games are not only entertainment — they are worlds, gateways, tools for culture, education, identity, history, and hope.

By offering mentorship, logistical support, and funding:

We lowered the barriers to entry for indie creators across Africa.

We helped validate that African stories — in local languages, rooted in heritage and contemporary realities — deserve space in interactive media.

We catalysed relationships, learning, experimentation — and ignited ambition for more.

Looking Ahead

With PlayLabs Game Jam 2025 behind us, we see enormous potential ahead.

As we continue to build and launch more jams, incubators, and creative labs under Jiwe IO, we’re inviting even more storytellers, technologists, artists, and dreamers to join us. Because if one jam can yield this much creativity and heart — imagine what a year, or a decade, could build.

We look forward to seeing these games showcased at upcoming events — including AMAZE FEST 2026, RAGE EXPO, and future PlayLabs jams.

On 1st October 2025, Jiwe IO and Blackhards signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build stronger pathways for African indie games. This partnership brings together Jiwe IO’s community-driven platform and Blackhards’ creative studio expertise to amplify the reach of innovative African game projects.

What this partnership means

• For Blackhards: Their games will be hosted on Jiwe IO, with access to crowdfunding tools, playtesting communities, and promotional features like page highlights and newsletters!
  
• For Jiwe IO: This collaboration strengthens our ecosystem by connecting with Blackhards’ developer and player communities, creating new opportunities for cross-promotion, knowledge-sharing, and joint events!

Highlights of the MoU:

• Joint promotion and publishing support on Jiwe IO
• Structured playtesting with community feedback loops
• Crowdfunding tools to support project sustainability
• Blackhards featured in Jiwe IO events, talks, and creator spotlights
  

Together, we are advancing our shared mission: to create spaces where African stories, creativity, and innovation in gaming can thrive.

Stay tuned for upcoming playtest sessions, crowdfunding campaigns, and community events powered by this collaboration.

Next Stop: Fak’ugesi Awards

NAIROBI, KENYA — June 10, 2025
After two months of workshops, community labs, and digital storytelling, the Jiwe Community Game Jam concluded in a thrilling 48-hour marathon that brought together 39 participants across four African countries, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ivory Coast.

NAIROBI, KENYA — June 10, 2025
After two months of workshops, community labs, and digital storytelling, the Jiwe Community Game Jam concluded in a thrilling 48-hour marathon that brought together 39 participants across four African countries—Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ivory Coast.

Hosted at the Nairobi Game Development Center, the game jam was the creative culmination of a continent-wide effort to foster narrative-driven and impactful games. This year’s themes challenged creators to develop prototypes under one of three categories: Music-Driven Games, Games Against Slavery, and Hyper-Casual Web Games. We identified partners such as Weza Interactive, Mekan Games, SOAS, and BIEA who are committed to supporting and incubating new games based on these themes, affirming the value of the categories we chose. These categories also reflect people, roles, spaces, and histories in ways that are both engaging and meaningful. They capture the multidimensional nature of lived experiences, an essential foundation for creating fun, authentic and impactful game worlds.

PHOTO: Friday Fireside Chat and Cosplay Evening, led by ArtLaw Kenya and Weza Interactive, supported by Barbah Games

Photo: Cosplayer Victoria Rotich and Jame Ahere

The Friday kickoff event was headlined by Stella Mwangi and Eyram Tawia, both celebrated for their work on Valorant, in a fireside chat that explored African representation in global games. The evening also featured an Afrofuturist cosplay party, drawing inspiration from local titles like Riziki and Usawa.

The Friday fireside chat brought together global and African creative powerhouses Stella Mwangi and Eyram Tawia for a candid and inspiring conversation on African representation in games, particularly through their work on Valorant.

Stella shared her journey from the music industry to composing for one of the world’s biggest games, emphasizing the importance of strong portfolios, strategic networks, and understanding contracts especially around ownership, pricing, and red flags in global collaborations.

She urged African creators to protect their IP and explore tools for registration while highlighting how being African can be both a challenge and an advantage in creative negotiations.

Eyram, creative consultant for the character of Astra in Valorant, discussed how his narrative consultancy helped shape the Ghanaian agent's story, advocating for cultural authenticity while navigating global expectations.

He provided practical advice on protecting creative input, negotiating fair agreements, and ensuring ethical representation. Both speakers emphasized that African creators must position themselves with confidence, prepare strong creative decks, and engage global platforms with clarity about their value and rights. The evening closed with a vibrant Afrofuturist cosplay party, featuring characters from Riziki and Usawa.

Photo:Newton Kiogora preparing for the game jam at NGDC

Saturday morning kicked off the 48 hr jam with different studios giving a deep dive into each theme that they focus on in their studio.

Game Jam Themes:

Theme 1: Sound in Games (led by Weza Interactive)

• Mechanics tied to rhythm, audio-driven storytelling, adaptive sound design, sound-driven games designed for accessibility or the visually impaired
  
  

Theme 2: Hyper Casual Games (led by Mekan Games)

• Addictive, easy-to-play, high-retention mechanics
  
  

Theme 3: Anti-Slavery Games (led by Jiwe Games)

• Narrative-driven, historically grounded or speculative games dealing with liberation, agency, and resistance
  

Play, Test, React

Saturday’s playtesting session, led by Game Tribe, offered the community and streamers a chance to test new African-made games in real time. Four standout titles received especially strong reactions:

• The Mara Witch – Play
  
  
• Ruka – Play
  
  
• Quonta: Mind Master – Play
  
  
• Tales of Luanda – Play
  
  
• Kisai – Play
  
  

Playtester reactions were streamed live across social media platforms, giving developers real-time feedback from gamers and creators alike.

The games playtested shared a few key qualities: strong emotional storytelling, rooted cultural themes, and simple but meaningful mechanics that created a fun interaction and in some cases encouraged player reflection. Many of the games drew on local histories, languages, or visual styles, which gave players a sense of familiarity.

Playtesting these types of games is crucial; it gives creators immediate feedback on how their stories and mechanics resonate with what’s working, what needs refinement, and where players feel most immersed. For the broader creative ecosystem, this fosters a pipeline of confident African game designers who are telling their own stories, designing for fun or impact, and building skills that contribute to a more diverse and inclusive global games industry.

Photo: Popular Gamers Faith Dororthy (Uganda) and Brian the Beast (Kenya) Playtest Yaziid Konate’s Game Kisai  (Burkina Faso)

PHOTO: Saturday testing lounge with streamers and jam participants during gameplay demos led by Fred Munga from Game Tribe

After Saturday's activities, Sunday continued with focused development and final polish. The game jam came to a close at 4:00 PM, when participants pitched and showcased their demos to a panel of judges: Jay Shapiro, George Ahere, Evans Kiragu, and Dr. Marie Rodet. The event was live on Discord, allowing all participants to join and present their work. Games were evaluated across six criteria: originality (10), graphics (5), audio (5), adherence to theme (10), creativity (10), and mechanics (10). This balanced scoring system ensured that both creative vision and technical execution were recognized in the final judging.

Jiwe Game Jam 2025 – Winners Recap

Music-Driven Games
Winner: Dance na Mimi by Calvin Lichungu
Special Mention: Drumatic by Ian Okinda – for its rhythmic gameplay and innovation

Games Against Slavery
Winner: Hakuna Tsana by Jazzy and Chris – a compelling blend of history and game design

Hyper-Casual Web Games
Winner: Protect the Village by Steve and Brad – lauded for its polish and replayability

PHOTO: Sunday's closing ceremony

All winning teams receive entry into a 3-month incubation at a top African game studio, mentorship, workspace (Nairobi-based winners), publishing support via Gara Store, and fast-tracked access to the SpielFabrique and Voodoo Mobile Pioneers programs.

And the journey continues — these standout prototypes are now being submitted for consideration at the prestigious Fak’ugesi Awards, where Africa’s top digital creators will be recognized later this year.

Building the African Game Ecosystem

Throughout the program, teams received guidance from leading African studios and experts who helped shape the jam’s themes and energy. The full initiative was made possible thanks to an inspiring collective of partners:

Partners:
Nairobi Game Development Center, Leti Arts, Africa Comicade, Weza Interactive Entertainment, Barbah Games, Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, Kayfo Game Studio, Mekan Games, Gara, SOAS University of London, Afrique Créative, Unity, and the British Institute in Eastern Africa.

Virtual Space Experience: Jiwe 3D World on Spatial

“This wasn’t just a game jam—it was a cultural lab for African creativity and collaboration,” said Max Musau, lead organizer and founder of Jiwe Community.

Explore the games, follow the developers, and support the rise of a new generation of African game creators at jiwe.io

Last Friday, we began something powerful at the Nairobi Game Development Center. We launched a 4-month journey that brings together educators, parents, emerging game developers, and digital artists under one vision — to grow and empower Kenya and Africa’s next generation of game creators.

The energy in the room was electric. Local representatives from USIU, Aura Vision Academy, Polycrest Academy, and Lite Academy joined us, alongside Nairobi’s indie game community — each person curious, passionate, and ready to contribute to the future of African games.

The evening wasn’t just about announcements — it was a conversation. During our open Q&A, tough and meaningful questions came to the surface:

• How do we build ethical games?
  
  
• Can we guide players to think critically about what they consume?
  
  
• How will developers earn from their work?
  
  

We shared how Jiwe IO works — and what it stands for and how why we are motivated to be community driven through community co-creation and crowdfunding.

We made it clear: creators keep their work. Jiwe only takes a 5% transaction fee, and everything uploaded remains 100% owned by the developer.

Our platform supports mobile, WebGL, and partial PC development — and we’re focused on building with Unity, the most accessible engine for our devs today.

The vibe then shifted into excitement when we revealed our rhythm for the coming months (In case you are interested here is the program schedule from a previous post) :

1. Virtual Game Developer Talks every Thursday 7pm to 8pm EAT
2. Hybrid Technical sessions which will be online on discord and in-person every Friday at NGDC also at 7pm to 8pm EAT

We’re starting with Talks and technical sessions as we lead up t the game jam in May and we want to make it as intense, fun, and collaborative as possible.

There was also a lot of interest in doing beginner bootcamps, and while bootcamps aren’t part of this first rollout, they’re definitely on the horizon, we plan to see how we can run them collaboratively with Unity and possible Blender.

What we saw on Friday was a deep interest and a curiosity for a shared feeling that now is the time to build something truly ours together as we are looking to bring on board other partners from across the continent like the Tshimologong Game Lab in Joburg, South Africa, Africa Comicade in Lagos, Nigeria, Kayfo Games in Dakar, Senegal and Leti Arts in Ghana.

And we’re just getting started, look out for more!

You can view the program presentation shared during the event here: Google Slides

Nairobi, Kenya – Jiwe Studio is thrilled to announce the launch of Jiwe Game Jams at the Nairobi Game Development Conference (NGDC) 2025, an ambitious year-long initiative designed to accelerate game development in Kenya and across Africa. The program will include structured game jams, workshops, and mentorship sessions featuring industry leaders from Unity, local studios, and international experts. With a focus on African folklore, AI-driven gameplay, social impact storytelling, and monetization strategies, Jiwe Game Jams aims to foster creativity, collaboration, and market growth within the Kenyan game development community.

The event series will run across four quarters, starting with a kickoff in April 2025 and culminating in the Jiwe Game Awards in December. Developers, artists, and storytellers will have the opportunity to create, refine, and showcase their projects while leveraging Jiwe IO’s platform for feedback, funding, and community support. Activities will include developer talks, hands-on technical workshops, game prototype showcases, and expert-led panels on industry trends and ethical storytelling. A structured donation model will also be integrated, allowing participants to gain financial backing for their projects.

Jiwe Game Jams expects to engage over 100 developers, produce 20+ game prototypes, and significantly enhance the visibility of Kenyan-developed games on both local and international platforms. By providing a robust framework for mentorship, funding, and exposure, Jiwe Studio is committed to elevating Africa’s gaming industry and empowering the next generation of game creators. For registration details, visit https://jiwe.io/game-jams

Activities & Timeline

April 2025: Kickoff & Weekly Developer Talks 7pm to 8pm EAT

Friday, April 4, 2025 – Launch Event

• Keynotes from industry partners (Unity, local studios, international guests)
• Overview of themes and objectives
• Introduction to Jiwe IO as the jam’s hosting platform

Thursday, April 10, 2025 – Developer Talk: African Folklore in Games

• Panel discussion with storytellers and historians
• Case studies of games built on folklore
• How to translate oral traditions into interactive experiences

Panel:

• Arnold Mwanjila - (Kenya) Usiku Games
• Khumo Moerane - (SA) ITTHYNKGAMING
• Robertson Nortey -  (Ghana) Leti Arts
  

Event and Video Link: https://jiwe.io/game-jams/jiwe-jams-developer-talk-african-folklore-in-games

Game Jam | Jiwe IO

Jiwe IO

Friday, April 17, 2025 – Workshop: Building Social Impact Games

• Designing meaningful narratives
• Incorporating community voices in game development
• 3D Art workflow of an Award Winning 3D Artist in both Game and Animated Film

Presented by - Kennedy Kyalo

Event and Video Link: https://jiwe.io/game-jams/workshop-building-social-impact-games

Game Jam | Jiwe IO

Jiwe IO

Thursday, April 17, 2025 – Developer Talk: AI in Game Design Case Study AI Driven Cars in Unreal Engine

• Explore the power of Unreal Engine for vehicle simulation
• Get step-by-step guidance on implementing AI behaviors in vehicles
• Engage on how to develop stunning matatu-style designs
• Engage with an expert developerAI-driven storytelling and procedural generation

Presented by Ian Okinda

Event and Video Link: https://jiwe.io/game-jams/workshop-developing-aidriven-cars-in-unreal-engine

Game Jam | Jiwe IO

Jiwe IO

May 2025: Skill Development & Game Jam Preparation (Weekly 7pm-8pm EAT)

Thursday, May 1, 2025 – Unity Roadmap, Opportunities & getting started with Unity AI with Muse

• Unity Roadmap for 2025
• Global opportunities at Unity
• Getting Started with Unity AI with Muse

Event and Video Link:

Game Jam | Jiwe IO

Jiwe IO

Thursday, May 8, 2025 – Developer Talk: Hyper-Casual Games & Cross-Platform Publishing

We're thrilled to invite you to a deep-dive session into the fast-paced world of hyper-casual games and the realities of cross-platform publishing!

Join us this Thursday for an exciting talk with Evans Kiragu, CEO of Mekan Games, as he unpacks what makes hyper-casual games click, how to scale across platforms, and the behind-the-scenes journey of “The President”, a chart-topping hit that made it into the Top 10 in 13 countries on Google Play! Whether you're a game dev, designer, or just curious about the industry—this is your chance to learn, connect, and level up your game.

Don't miss this opportunity– bring your questions and curiosity!                                                                                                        

Event and Video Link: https://jiwe.io/game-jams/developer-talk-hypercasual-mechanics-and-crossplatform-publishing

Game Jam | Jiwe IO

Jiwe IO

Friday, May 15, 2025 – Workshop: Using Music to Animate 3D Environments

Dive into the mesmerizing fusion of sound and visuals!

Join us for an immersive workshop exploring how music can breathe life into 3D environments. Whether you're a game developer, animator, musician, or just passionate about interactive art, this session will unlock creative techniques to sync audio with dynamic 3D worlds!

What to expect:

• Techniques for procedural animation driven by music,
• Tools & workflows for real-time audio-reactive environments,

Don’t miss this chance to blend rhythm and motion bring your creativity and let’s animate the soundscape together!

Event and Video Link: https://jiwe.io/game-jams/workshop-using-music-to-animate-3d-environments-

Game Jam | Jiwe IO

Jiwe IO

Thursday, May 22, 2025 – Workshop: Visual Game Design – A Hangman’s Perspective

Sharpen your artistic edge and learn how the “hangman’s view” can transform the way you frame characters, craft suspense, and guide a player’s eye through a scene. Perfect for game developers, concept artists, level designers, and anyone curious about the storytelling power of visuals.

We will explore:

• Framing & composition tricks that hook players instantly,
• Using light, shadow, and negative space to build tension,
• Rapid blocking methods for cinematic level layouts,
• Possibly direct case studies from iconic titles,

Event and Video Link: https://jiwe.io/game-jams/workshop-visual-game-design-a-hangmans-perspective

Game Jam | Jiwe IO

Jiwe IO

Thursday, May 30, 2025 – Workshop: How to use Unity AI tools in Game Jams

Join Manuel from Unity for a hands-on dive into Unity AI tools – Muse, Unity’s powerful suite of AI tools designed to supercharge your workflow creating games. Whether you're a solo dev or part of a team, learn how to prototype faster, generate assets on the fly, and test gameplay ideas with AI assistance as we get ready for the 48hr game jam!!

Event and Video Link: https://jiwe.io/game-jams/workshop-how-to-use-unity-ai-tools-in-games

Game Jam | Jiwe IO

Jiwe IO

Friday, June 6 – Sunday, June 8, 2025 – 48-Hour Community Game Jam

Africa's Biggest 48Hr Community Game Jam Hosted by JIWE Community
Kicking us off into Creative Chaos!

All Sessions will be Hybrid! Online on Discord and In-person at Nairobi Game Development Center, Leti Arts in Accra, Johannesburg - Tshimologong Game Lab

Power up your gaming creativity and compete in 48 hours of nonstop game creation – from electrifying musical games to hyper casual hits and socially impactful anti-slavery narratives. Join the continent’s boldest devs, artists, and storytellers on the continent!

Themes:

• Audio-Driven Innovative Games
• Web-based Hyper Casual Games
• Anti-Slavery Games

Prizes for Each Category:

• 3-Month Incubation at a Leading African Game Studio (Includes Mentorship, Workspace & Development Support)
• User Acquisition Credits to Grow Your Game Audience
• Cash Awards

Limited Slots available so sign up now at : https://jiwe.io/game-jams/jiwe-community-48hr-game-jam

Game Jam | Jiwe IO

Jiwe IO

June 2025: Game MVP to Prototype ARC (Refinement Sessions)(Weekly 7pm to 8pm)

Thursday, June 19, 2025 – Workshop: From Feedback from Prototype to MVP - A Creative Director's Perspective - Jake Manion

• Iterating on feedback to improve game mechanics
• Testing and refining core gameplay loops

Thursday, June 26, 2025 – Developer Talk: Post-Jam Development & Publishing (Unity publishing and XR)

• Taking a prototype to a full game release
• Funding and publishing opportunities

Thursday, July 3, 2025 – Developer Session: Monetisation Strategies Deep Dive

• Exploring ad revenue, micro-transactions, and premium models
• Case studies from African studios

Thursday, July 10, 2025 –  Event: Community Game Night & Game Rankings and Panel: Building Africa’s Gaming Industry

• Public play-testing with updated versions of the jam games
• Live voting and community engagement

About the panel

• Local and international leaders discuss the future of African game development
• Networking opportunities for developers and investors

About the Mid-Year Game Night & Game Rankings

• Top games presented with public feedback
• Recognition of standout teams and innovative projects
• Recap of learnings and success stories
• Closing and Planning for the next iteration of the program

Join Jiwe Studio: We’re Hiring a Developer Relations Lead & a Communications Lead!

At Jiwe Studio, we are on a mission to empower developers, artists, and creatives across Africa by building innovative platforms that bring stories to life through gaming. As we continue to grow, we are looking for passionate individuals to fill two key roles: Developer Relations Lead and Communications Lead. These roles will help expand our developer community and enhance engagement with our platform.

Why Join Us?

Jiwe Studio is more than just a game development company—we are a movement that seeks to redefine how African stories are told and experienced. Our work spans game development, interactive storytelling, and community-driven creator initiatives that foster creativity and innovation.

If you are excited about building strong relationships with developers, organizing hackathons and game jams, or leading impactful communications within gaming communities, these roles are for you!

About the Roles

We are hiring for two positions, each playing a unique role in our mission:

Developer Relations Lead

As the Developer Relations Lead, you will be responsible for growing and supporting developers on Jiwe’s platform. Your mission will be to create a thriving developer ecosystem by engaging with creators, hosting developer-focused events, and collaborating with the development team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategies to attract and onboard developers to Jiwe’s Platform.
• Foster a creator and developer-friendly community through engagement initiatives.
• Organize hackathons, game jams, and other developer-focused events.
• Monitor developer feedback and collaborate with the development team to improve the platform.

Communications Lead

As the Communications Lead, you will be responsible for crafting and executing marketing and engagement strategies that connect Jiwe with developers, gamers, and creative communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and manage original content for social media.
• Develop and implement marketing campaigns that highlight Jiwe’s initiatives.
• Collaborate with influencers and gaming communities to amplify our reach.
• Monitor and respond to user inquiries and feedback.
• Track social media metrics and report on campaign effectiveness.

Who Should Apply?

We are looking for highly motivated, creative, and tech-savvy individuals who are passionate about gaming, community building, and digital storytelling. If you have experience in developer relations, marketing, or community management within the gaming or tech space, we’d love to hear from you!

How to Apply

We invite interested candidates to apply by 12th March 2025. To apply, scan the QR code in the job post or follow this [link] to submit your application.

Join us in shaping the future of African gaming and interactive storytelling. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Jiwe family!

This past weekend, we hosted the Kilele Fest Game Jam: Sound Design for Games, and it turned out to be an amazing experience beyond our expectations! We anticipated a certain number of participants, but to our surprise, we saw double the expected turnout. The event was a unique fusion of music and gaming, drawing in an audience that was 80% from the sound industry—sound designers, engineers, and producers—while only 20% were game developers. This dynamic mix led to a fascinating creative process that pushed the boundaries of traditional game jams.

A Sound-Driven Game Jam Experience

Unlike typical game jams, this event focused heavily on music, sound effects, and foley. For four intense hours, participants worked in teams to craft immersive audio experiences for various game projects. The outcome? Mind-blowing soundscapes that brought these games to life! We had six teams working on diverse projects, including:

1. Mzito (Mobile)
2. Nano (PC)
3. Night of the Undead (PC)
4. Recce Squad

You can check out the game submissions here.

Celebrating the Winners

To honor the incredible work done by the participants, we awarded the top three teams with a cumulative cash prize of 10,000 KES and Ableton subscriptions to help them continue their creative journey. A huge congratulations to our winning team:

🏆 1st Place - Team Musketeers
Members:
1. Jude
2. Jelimo
3. Mwagee (Mwah-Jee)

Top placing teams

Gratitude to Our Judges & Partners

A heartfelt thank you to our expert judges, who took time to provide insightful feedback:

• Josephine Beth
• Joseph Wamae
• Mercy Barno
  

And a special shoutout to Santuri for hosting the incredible Kilele Festival! Their platform continues to be a game-changer in merging sound and technology. Learn more about the Kilele2025 Festival here.

Looking Ahead

The Kilele Fest Game Jam was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the potential of collaboration between game developers and the sound industry. We’re excited to build on this momentum and create more opportunities where music meets gaming.

Thank you to everyone who participated, particularly James and George Ahere and the Mzito team for bring motivation and spirit to the jam, we can’t wait to see you at the next jam! Stay tuned for more updates from JiweIO

#GameJam #KileleFest #SoundDesignForGames #JiweIO

The Overlapping Worlds of Competitive Gaming and Software Development

In Kenya’s fast-growing esports scene, where competition is fierce and talent is rising, one of the country’s top FIFA players is making a bold move from dominating virtual pitches in FC25 to creating the next generation of digital experiences. His transition from esports to software development is more than a career shift; it’s proof of the deep connection between gaming and software development, and an opportunity for young people to see new pathways in tech.

For over four years, Makuer Matur Makuer has been one of the best in the game, competing at the highest levels in FIFA. But as time went on, his focus began to shift.

“I became more interested in the mechanics behind the games—how they’re developed, how things are brought to life. When you play a game for so long and become really good at it, you naturally start wanting to understand it on a deeper level.”

The Skill Transfer: From Competitive Gaming to Software Development

High-level esports competition is not just about reflexes and reaction time it’s about mental agility, quick decision-making, and strategic planning. These same traits are essential in software development, where problem-solving under pressure is an everyday requirement.

“Esports teams in Kenya have grown, and that has increased teamwork and collaboration, something I’m very familiar with. In FIFA, we play 12-minute matches, which isn’t a lot of time to think, so I’ve had to train myself to make quick, calculated decisions. Playing at this level means any mistake is punished instantly, and that’s made me extremely detail-oriented. That kind of precision translates well into coding and software development.”

Esports as a Gateway to Tech Careers

For many young people, esports isn’t just a pastime—it’s a potential career path. But beyond competition, gaming sharpens the mind, builds discipline, and fosters the kind of strategic thinking that’s crucial in tech.

“Playing at a high level is mentally demanding. A lapse in concentration can cost you the match, so you learn to stay focused and alert. That kind of mental training makes you a better problem solver, which is a key skill in software development.”

Turning Esports Fame into Revenue

One of the biggest challenges for young game developers is finding sustainable income streams. Esports is increasingly becoming a viable avenue, not just for players but for content creators, influencers, and now, even developers.

“Right now, esports players in Kenya are in a great position. The scene is getting more exposure—Jiwe’s weekly tournament streams, for example, are bringing in new players who want to test themselves against the best. This increased visibility is attracting sponsors, like Tusker with the Tusker Nexters tournament and Betika with the Esports Showdown. Players are also getting noticed and sponsored individually by brands, which wasn’t happening before. More opportunities are opening up.”

Building Bridges Between Gamers and Game Developers

One of the most overlooked opportunities in gaming is the collaboration between esports players and game developers. These two communities exist side by side, yet there’s still a gap in how they interact. That needs to change.

“Gamers can play a huge role in game development. We understand the mechanics, the balance, the feeling of competition. Developers can use esports players to test their games and give feedback on what works, what doesn’t, and what could be improved. It’s a natural partnership that could make games better while giving esports players a new avenue to contribute to the industry.”

Advice for Young Gamers Looking to Build Games

For aspiring developers coming from an esports background, platforms like Jiwe IO can play a crucial role in making the transition easier.

“Jiwe is a great platform because it supports both gaming and game development. Young players can learn from both communities and start getting involved early, whether that’s through testing, game design, or even developing their own projects.”

A Competitive Mindset in the Tech World

At the end of the day, what sets apart top esports players is the same thing that sets apart top developers—the ability to adapt, iterate, and keep improving.

“Being at a high level for so long has taught me a lot. In FIFA, when I’m trying to rank up before time runs out, I have to think fast and adapt. I can pause, change my formation, or switch strategies to get to my goal quicker. That adaptability is a huge advantage in software development, where you’re constantly learning new technologies and adjusting to challenges.”

The Future: A Blurred Line Between Gamers and Game Creators

The relationship between gamers and game developers is closer than ever, and esports is proving to be more than just a competition, it’s a talent incubator for the next generation of game creators. The more we integrate these communities, the more opportunities we create for young people to turn their passion into careers.

For Kenya’s rising gaming industry, the future isn’t just about playing the game. It’s about making it.

Are you passionate about the gaming and esports industry? Do you thrive in creative and collaborative environments? Jiwe Studios is expanding, and we’re on the lookout for talented individuals to join our team. Here’s your chance to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of gaming in Africa!

Open Positions

1. Community Manager

As a Community Manager, you will be at the heart of Jiwe Studios' engagement strategy, fostering meaningful connections with our vibrant community. This role is essential to ensuring our players and fans feel heard, supported, and excited about our projects.

Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with our gaming and esports community.
• Manage social media channels, ensuring timely and engaging communication.
• Analyze community trends and provide insights to the team.
• Organize and manage events to strengthen community bonds.
• Act as the primary liaison between players and the development team.

Requirements:

• 2-3 years of proven experience in community management.
• Proficiency in social media tools, analytics platforms, and community management software.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience organizing and managing events.
• Familiarity or interest in the esports and game development ecosystem.

2. FIFA Esports Commentator

Do you have a passion for FIFA and a flair for captivating audiences? We’re seeking a FIFA Esports Commentator who can bring our events to life with their commentary skills.

Responsibilities:

• Provide engaging and insightful commentary during FIFA esports events.
• Collaborate with event organizers to ensure seamless production.
• Connect with audiences, both online and offline, to elevate the viewer experience.

Requirements:

• A solid understanding of FIFA gameplay.
• Familiarity with streaming platforms (e.g., OBS).
• A great personality and the ability to connect with audiences.

Note: Women are strongly encouraged to apply for both positions.

Why Join Jiwe Studios?

At Jiwe Studios, we are committed to creating world-class games and platforms that celebrate African stories and talent. By joining our team, you’ll become part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. Our team thrives on collaboration and creativity, and we offer an environment where you can grow both personally and professionally.

How to Apply

Ready to take the next step? Apply today by filling out our application form:

Apply Here

For more information, visit our website at jiwe.studio or contact us at rock@jiwe.io or at +2547 2674 8696

Let’s build the future of gaming together!

Phase One Nearing Completion: Unveiling Swahili Coast Histories Through Community Co-Design

We are approaching the final stages of the first phase of this transformative project, and we are thrilled to share key updates.

In our collaborative mission to bring untold stories of resistance against slavery on the Swahili Coast to life, we have forged impactful partnerships with SOAS, UNESCO, and Pwani University. Together, we have made remarkable progress in creating an interactive historical game designed to illuminate these powerful narratives.

Our goal is to deliver an engaging experience that not only benefits local communities but also serves as a vital resource for educational institutions and deepens our collective understanding of Swahili Coast history.

Walk with us as we continue this incredible journey to preserve and share these stories with the world!

Progress Highlights

Partnerships

We are proud to have established impactful partnerships with Pwani University in Kilifi, the University of London SOAS, UNESCO, and KNATCOM. These collaborations are vital to the success of our mission, and we remain open to exploring new partnerships with organizations eager to contribute to the implementation and growth of this transformative project.

Community-Led Data Collection and Story Documentation

Since September, our team has been working closely with local community representatives across four villages to uncover and document stories of resistance. This phase involved:

• Workshops and Village Visits: Through scheduled visits, we facilitated storytelling workshops and captured narratives from community members in each of the four villages.
• Story Selection and Preparation: With the collected data in hand, we prioritized compelling stories and began preparing them for further documentation, including transcriptions and translations.

Visual and Cultural Documentation

As part of our commitment to authenticity, we’ve also started identifying locations and cultural artifacts for 360-degree scans. These visuals will enrich the immersive experience of the game, ensuring the preservation of cultural details.

November Updates: Revisits and Detailed Documentation

Building on the stories collected in September and October, our team has revisited the villages to conduct in-depth documentation of selected narratives. Through this process, we’ve:

• Captured audio and visual elements of the stories, ensuring the depth and richness of the narratives to be preserved.
• Begun technical preparations for integrating these elements into the game environment, setting the stage for an immersive and educational user experience.

What’s Next?

As Phase One concludes, we shift our focus toward the following milestones:

1. Finalizing story transcriptions, translations, and digital preparations.
2. Sharing updates via social media and archiving these narratives for online accessibility.
3. Kickstarting Phase Two: Game script development and co-creation through a community-led Game Jam in early 2025.
4. Progressing into Phase Three: Full-scale game development.

Community-Driven Co-Creation: A Shared Vision

This phase underscores the heart of our mission: empowering communities to actively contribute to the preservation of their history. The stories and insights shared by locals from the foundation of this initiative, fostering cultural pride and intergenerational knowledge sharing.

We are immensely grateful to our partners, including SOAS, Pwani University, UNESCO, KNATCOM for their unwavering support. Together, we continue to honor the resilience of those who resisted slavery while using the power of storytelling and gaming to inspire future generations.

Stay tuned for more updates as we move into the next phases of this exciting journey.

If you would like to partner with us to participate in the program please reach out to us at rock@jiwe.io

On 9th and 10th November, Jiwe Esports organised the first Jiwe FIFA Tournament this year, where FIFA esports fans and players came together at Santuri Salon for an exciting Men’s and Women’s FC25 tournament which was hosted in partnership with Santuri East Africa.

The energy in the room was undeniable, as the tournament brought together a diverse group of competitors in both the Women and Men group, all sharing a passion for competitive gaming. The turnout and atmosphere spoke volumes about the growth of esports in our community—and the high level of talent that was about to take the stage.

From the outset, it was clear that the competition was going to be intense. Players arrived ready to bring their best, and every match was a showcase of skill, strategy, and quick thinking. It was an environment where everyone, from beginners to seasoned players, was pushing their limits. Each match seemed tougher than the last as players learned to read each other's strategies and adjust, adding layers of complexity that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. You can follow along on the fixtures and live stream through the tournament page for Women, which happened on Saturday 9th November 2024 and the Men, the following day.

After a weekend of hard-fought matches, we celebrated two champions who emerged victorious from the heated competition. In the women’s division, Ndirangu, known by her gaming name “Tinto,” claimed the top spot with precision and a level-headed approach to every challenge. Her gameplay was a testament to the power of focus, skill, and experience, especially in a high-stakes environment.

The men’s division saw Makuer rise to victory, securing his title through careful strategy and seamless gameplay. Both Tinto and Makuer’s performances were inspiring to watch, showing us all that the spirit of competition and sportsmanship is alive and well in esports.

Seeing the success and enthusiasm from the weekend, we’re excited to announce that this is just the beginning. Moving forward, we’re organising monthly esports events in different games including Fifa, Pubg and some of our in-house games, to continue building this community, providing regular opportunities for players through Jiwe Esports to come together and showcase their skills. We’re committed to creating a space where everyone, regardless of experience level, can feel welcome and find their place in the world of esports.

Our deepest thanks go to Santuri East Africa, whose support in providing the Santuri Salon venue made the tournament possible. Their partnership helped create a welcoming space where players could compete, connect, and enjoy the event to its fullest. It’s community-oriented collaborations like these that enable us to build a vibrant esports scene, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their contribution.

Thank you to everyone who attended, competed, or supported the event—your energy and excitement made it memorable.

We at Jiwe are thrilled to announce the upcoming expansion of our Jiwe IO and Esports platform, an innovative hub for African story-driven games, comics, and 3D assets. As part of our growth strategy, we are actively seeking talented individuals to join our dynamic team and help us bring more African stories to the global stage. We are excited to announce three new job openings: Office Administrator, Frontend Developer, and Operations Manager.

Join Our Team!

1. Office Assistant

We are looking for a detail-oriented and organized Office Assistant to manage daily administrative tasks and support our team. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, proficiency in office software, and a knack for problem-solving. Responsibilities include coordinating meetings, managing office supplies, and handling correspondence. If you’re a proactive individual with a passion for organization, we want to hear from you!

[Link to full description and application form]

2. Frontend Developer

Are you a creative and skilled Frontend Developer with a passion for gaming? Join our tech team and help us enhance the Jiwe IO platform. We need someone proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frontend frameworks. As a Frontend Developer at Jiwe Studio, you will work closely with our designers and backend developers to create an engaging and seamless user experience. If you’re enthusiastic about developing cutting-edge web applications, this role is for you!

[Link to full description and application form]

3. Operations Manager

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Operations Manager to oversee the rollout of the Jiwe IO platform. This role involves coordinating with various teams, managing project timelines, and ensuring successful platform launches in multiple cities. The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills, experience in the tech or gaming industry, and the ability to lead and inspire a team. If you’re a visionary leader with a knack for managing complex projects, we’d love to meet you!

[Link to full description and application form]

Why Join Jiwe Studio?

At Jiwe Studio, we are passionate about amplifying African stories through innovative gaming experiences. We offer a collaborative and creative work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to be part of a revolutionary project in the gaming industry.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the link to the full description for each role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are highly recommended.

Join us in our mission to revolutionize the gaming world with African narratives. Be part of Jiwe Studio’s exciting journey and help us shape the future of entertainment!

Stay tuned for more updates on the Jiwe IO platform and our continued efforts to bring unique and compelling African stories to gamers worldwide.

We are excited to announce the start of an ambitious and transformative game project aimed at bringing the often-overlooked history of resistance to slavery along the Swahili coast into the spotlight. Through the community-driven co-designing of an interactive game, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of this crucial part of our history among the youth from key coastal areas.

This project aspires to become a model of community-driven co-creation in the digital preservation of historical pasts and legacies, with the ultimate goal of being used in schools and museums across Kenya, East Africa, and potentially the world.

Unveiling Untold Histories

Educational Objective

Our primary goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the histories of resistance against the slave trade in Kenya’s history. The game will delve into the importance of maroon communities—those who escaped slavery and founded independent settlements—and their lasting legacies on the East African coast. By fostering awareness and empathy, we hope to inspire the contemporary fight for human rights in Kenya and beyond.

Cultural Awareness

Our game will showcase how the enslaved of diverse cultural background used multiple venues of emancipation to establish free communities. This cultural tapestry of resistance will be an integral part of the game’s narrative, enriching players’ understanding of the region’s history.

Empathy Building

By immersing players in the struggles and triumphs of the resilient people who fought slavery, we aim to promote a deeper understanding of human resilience in the face of crimes against humanity.

Critical Thinking

The game will present ethical dilemmas and the complexities surrounding resistance and resilience, stimulating critical thinking. Players will be prompted to reflect on how human beings rebuild communities in the face of severe adversities, fostering a nuanced understanding of history and its implications for today.

Preserving and Diffusing Crucial Knowledge

This project is not just about preserving history; it is about increasing and diffusing crucial knowledge to promote peace and social cohesion. By reinforcing cooperation among international academic and non-academic partners, as encouraged by the Constitution of the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, we aim to create a global impact.

Empowering the Next Generation

Our target audience is primarily the younger generation. By engaging them in this interactive and educational journey, we hope to develop their skills and knowledge of the history of slavery and resistance in the region. Understanding the Swahili slave trade and its legacies will empower them to support the fight against modern slavery, advocate for human rights, and combat discrimination, ultimately changing mentalities and fostering a more just society.

A Collective Effort for a Brighter Future

This project is a collaborative effort, driven by the passion and dedication of young locals and researchers. It is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in preserving and celebrating our shared history. As we embark on this journey, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our key partners: the University of London SOAS, Pwani University, and UNESCO. Their invaluable support and collaboration have made this project possible. Together, we can ensure that these stories are not forgotten but are celebrated and learned from for generations to come.

Stay tuned for updates as we progress in the development of this groundbreaking game and exhibition. Your support and engagement are vital to the success of this project, and we look forward to sharing this journey with you.