Nigeria's gaming industry has been relying too heavily on foreign stories and inspirations, neglecting the rich cultural heritage and histories that can be used to create original and engaging games. This trend has resulted in a lack of unique identity in Nigerian games, with many developers looking abroad for inspiration instead of exploring the country's own stories and legends. By looking inward, developers can tap into a wealth of creative material that has been passed down through generations.
The success of global gaming franchises such as God of War, which drew heavily from Greek and Norse mythology, demonstrates the potential for games inspired by cultural stories to achieve lasting appeal. The franchise had sold 51 million units globally by November 2020, according to Sony Interactive Entertainment. This success highlights the value of cultural stories in gaming and the potential for Nigerian developers to create similar successes by drawing on the country's own cultural heritage.
Nigeria has a rich cultural landscape, with diverse stories, legends, and histories that have survived for generations. These stories contain powerful characters and conflicts that can be used as the foundation for original game worlds. However, when conversations about gaming begin, foreign references often feel like the natural starting point, rather than exploring the local material. This dependence on foreign inspiration can hinder the development of a unique identity in Nigerian gaming.
Samuel Adoga, founder of Xiden Games and creator of Ṣàngó: The Thunder God, believes that Nigerian gaming must look inward for inspiration. His experience building Ṣàngó: The Thunder God, which drew heavily from Yoruba tradition and mythology, strengthened his view that Nigerian stories do not need to be stripped of their cultural context to work in games. Instead, the challenge is finding the right way to turn them into experiences that players genuinely enjoy.
Adoga's game, Ṣàngó: The Thunder God, is an example of how Nigerian cultural material can be used to create a unique and engaging game. The game drew from Yoruba tradition, incorporating cultural information and òṣé Ṣàngó into the character and gameplay. The aim was not to turn gameplay into a history lesson, but to allow the culture to live naturally inside the experience. This approach can be applied to other Nigerian games, allowing developers to create something recognizable without making it predictable.
The opportunity for Nigerian developers is vast, with no single culture representing the country. Different parts of Nigeria can inspire completely different gaming worlds, providing a deep collection of stories capable of producing various kinds of games. This diversity allows developers to create something unique and original, without relying on foreign inspiration. However, quality still matters enormously, and players expect challenge, progression, and a reason to return to a game, regardless of where it was developed.
Ultimately, Nigerian developers do not need to stop playing foreign games or learning from global successes, but rather balance this with a focus on local stories and cultural traditions. By doing so, the industry can develop a unique identity and create original games that showcase the country's rich cultural heritage. Some of the strongest foundations for original Nigerian games have been here all along, waiting to be tapped into and brought to life.
Key points
- Nigerian gaming industry should focus on local stories and cultural traditions.
- Developers should balance learning from global successes with a focus on local material.
- Nigeria's cultural diversity provides a wealth of creative material for game development.
