Aki and Pawpaw Epic Run Was My Breakthrough Moment – Nigerian Designer Building Culture-Driven Gaming Startup
Ideon Uwem, a Nigerian Game Experience Designer and founder of Novatrax Studio, is redefining how African stories are told through video games. He prefers to call himself a “cultural e-gaming architect”, and his mission is clear, to make the world experience Africa through play.
Before launching his own studio, Uwem worked across fintech, web3, and digital design, but it was gaming that gave him purpose. He has since contributed to popular projects like Aki and Pawpaw Epic Run and Warlords Hammer, marking him as one of the rising figures in Nigeria’s emerging gaming industry.
From Benin City to Building Games
Uwem’s tech journey began in Benin City, Edo State, in 2018, when he started as a graphic designer. His career took a new direction after he joined EdoBits Academy in 2020, a tech training programme funded by the Edo State Government and Oxfam.
“Before EdoBits, I thought tech was rocket science,” Uwem recalls. “The academy opened my eyes to how broad and accessible technology really is.”
At EdoBits, Uwem specialised in design and branding, graduating in 2021. He then interned at Genius Hub before moving into freelancing, where he landed his first fintech UI/UX design contract. However, as the design market became oversaturated, he began exploring game interface design, a move that would define his career.
The Breakthrough Moment
Uwem’s breakthrough came when a Kenyan gaming studio discovered his work online and offered him a $5,000 game design contract. That project led to more opportunities, including his contribution to Aki and Pawpaw Epic Run, a game that went on to surpass 400,000 downloads.
“That was my breakthrough moment,” he says. “It proved that African designers can create experiences that resonate globally.”
Rather than seeking another job, Uwem decided to build something lasting. He founded Novatrax Studio, a gaming company dedicated to creating Africa-inspired games for global audiences.
Building Africa’s Gaming Identity
Uwem believes Africa has been underrepresented in the global gaming industry despite its booming influence in music and film through Afrobeats and Nollywood.
“Games like Ghost of Tsushima taught people about Japanese culture. Why can’t African games do the same?” he asks.
Through Novatrax, Uwem is building games inspired by African settings, folklore, and history. His upcoming title will feature three locations, including two African-inspired worlds and one Parisian setting, blending global appeal with authentic cultural storytelling.
A recent conversation with a U.S.-based gaming professional reinforced his mission.
“He told me most of what he knows about Africa comes from documentaries. I want the world to experience Africa through games, not observation.”
Creative Beginnings and Tech Workarounds
Uwem’s creativity dates back to his early design experiments. During his time at EdoBits, students were tasked with creating a landing page using HTML and CSS. Lacking advanced coding skills, he improvised by embedding a GIF slideshow into his page to mimic motion.
“It wasn’t interactive, but it gave the illusion of animation,” he laughs. “That was my first creative workaround using tech.”
The Challenges and Promise of Technology
Uwem believes misinformation remains one of the biggest challenges in today’s digital world. With news spreading rapidly across social media and WhatsApp TVs, it’s easy for false information to gain traction.
He credits X’s Grok AI and community notes for helping users verify facts, but still double-checks stories through credible news outlets before sharing.
“Technology has redefined how we connect and collaborate,” he says. “But we must also learn to use it responsibly.”
Taking Breaks to Refocus
Like many digital creators, Uwem occasionally takes breaks from social media to avoid burnout and find clarity. “It can get noisy and distracting,” he admits. “Sometimes, stepping back helps you realign your goals and creativity.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of African Game Creators
Through Novatrax Studio, Uwem is building a bridge between African creativity and global gaming culture. His story, from learning design in Edo State to building games that reflect African identity, represents a new wave of African innovators using technology for cultural storytelling.
“We’ve shown the world our music and films,” Uwem says. “Now, it’s time to show them our games.”
