Bringing Ubuntu Into Game Design | Pascalia H. Nyamita | TEDxAthens

Quick Overview

Pascalia H. Nyamita advocates for incorporating the African philosophy of Ubuntu—meaning "I am because we are"—into game design, arguing that this focus on interconnectedness, community, and shared humanity, fostered through collaborative game jams, can lead to the creation of powerful stories that promote empathy, address social issues like colonialism and gender inequality, and ultimately inspire action toward a better world, such as achieving zero hunger.

Key Points: Nyamita argues that the African philosophy of Ubuntu, defined as "I am because we are," is the true power of community that should be integrated into game design. She contrasted the Western perception of Africa (war, starvation, artifacts in museums) with her reality, which is full of culture, stories, and wonderful cities. She initiated the 'Be Ubuntu' African-European Game Jam in February 2026, pairing 15 African and 15 European game studios to foster collaboration. The goal of the game jam was to create games that tell stories blending African and European perspectives, focusing on themes like climate action and gender equality. Nyamita emphasizes that games created through this collaborative lens can share stories that promote understanding, like the story of 'Riziki,' which shares the music and rhythm of Africa. The ultimate aim of using gaming as a medium is to create a platform that drives conversations and actions, such as working towards zero hunger. She cites Archbishop Desmond Tutu's quote: "A person is a person through other human beings. We need other human beings in order to be human."

Context: Pascalia H. Nyamita presents at a TEDxAthens Salon event to challenge stereotypical external perceptions of Africa, which she states often emphasize conflict and destitution, by highlighting the continent's rich culture, stories, and community spirit encapsulated by the philosophy of Ubuntu. She introduces her initiative, the 'Be Ubuntu' African-European Game Jam, as a concrete method for bridging cultural gaps and using interactive media to tell more nuanced, human-centered stories.