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When Did You Last See an African Video Game Hero?

Reuters

   NAIROBI - What's wrong with being a plucky hero running from demon
   monkeys or a glamorous model in dress up games? Players too often get
   sucked into worlds full of violence and unhealthy body images,
   according to Jay Shapiro, co-founder of Kenya-based Usiku Games.

   The Canadian entrepreneur hopes to shake up the games market in Kenya
   -- and Africa -- by offering not only the "adrenaline rush" of
   competing to win, but also subtle messaging on relatable themes like
   conservation, climate change and culture.

   "When was the last time you saw an African hero in a video game?"
   Shapiro asked ahead of the Dec. 14 official opening of Usiku Games
   offices and the Nairobi Game Development Center, a high-tech co-working
   space also created by Shapiro.

   "We looked at how can we make games that are unlike what's out there at
   the moment. That are made in Africa, for Africa, with African heroes in
   African environments ... so that when somebody plays it, they see
   themselves reflected in the game."

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