Jiwe Studios, in collaboration with SOAS University of London, Malian NGOs Donkosira and V4T, Kasart Media, and Kerdooff Productions, has proudly launched the Usawa Game, an innovative educational tool aimed at spotlighting the ongoing realities of descent-based slavery. Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Usawa Game combines African narratives, storytelling, and Afro-futuristic visuals to immerse players in a world of empathy, understanding, and action against this historical and persistent injustice.
Descent-based slavery remains a stark reality for many communities, particularly in Mali, where people born into specific communities may continue to face discrimination, forced labor, and limited opportunities due to their heritage. The Usawa Game confronts this challenging topic head-on, drawing players into an interactive journey that exposes the layers of historical trauma and systemic inequality while inviting them to be part of the solution.
The Usawa Game draws its inspiration from in-depth research and firsthand stories shared by young Malian villagers within their communities. These narratives were a cornerstone of the Djonya Kêlè Ja Toulon project, known as “Gaming Against Slavery,” which was facilitated by Donkosira, a Malian non-profit dedicated to preserving local knowledge from marginalized communities across West Africa. This project is part of the Slavery Forced Migration (SlaFMig) program, led by Dr. Marie Rodet, an esteemed scholar with extensive publications on the subject. Through her research and the game itself, Usawa aims to deepen understanding of the historical and ongoing impact of descent-based slavery by immersing players in Mali’s cultural richness and the complexities surrounding this legacy across Africa.
A Unique Educational Gaming Experience
The Usawa Game is set in a richly crafted Afro-futuristic universe, merging traditional African aesthetics with futuristic themes that celebrate and reimagine African heritage. The game incorporates mini-games that challenge players’ critical thinking and decision-making skills, woven seamlessly into a powerful narrative that encourages reflection on the effects of descent-based slavery and the importance of social justice.
Developed in collaboration with communities affected by these issues, the game draws heavily from the insights and stories shared by young Malian villagers through the Djonya Kêlè Ja Toulon project, aptly titled “Gaming Against Slavery.” These firsthand accounts bring an authentic voice to the game, rooting it in real experiences and fostering a deep connection between the players and the narrative.
Key Features of the Usawa Game
Afro-futuristic Setting: A visually captivating environment that blends traditional African culture with futuristic technology, creating an immersive experience that captivates players.
Engaging Storyline: A compelling narrative encourages players to delve deeply into the history and consequences of descent-based slavery, empowering them to understand the gravity of this issue.
Challenging Mini-Games: Players encounter interactive challenges that highlight the obstacles and injustices faced by those impacted by descent-based slavery.
International Collaboration: A powerful example of how cross-border cooperation can address global social issues, bringing together perspectives and expertise from Africa, Europe, and beyond.
Over the span of the following eight months, the dedicated core team, comprised of talented Kenyan developers and artists hailing from Senegal and Mali, seamlessly collaborated with counterparts based in the UK and France. Together, they diligently worked towards the culmination of their efforts – the completion of the USAWA mobile game. This captivating game is now accessible at no cost on Jiwe IO. The culmination of their tireless endeavors resulted in the successful launch of the game in Kenya, marking a significant milestone in September 2023 at the Nairobi Game Development Center.
About Jiwe Studios
Jiwe Studios is a visionary game development company based in Africa, dedicated to creating games that educate and inspire. By addressing pressing social issues through interactive storytelling, Jiwe Studios aims to drive positive change and harness the power of gaming for a more just world.
