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

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7ZozIa2aCs
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/W7ZozIa2aCs
Generated: 2026-03-09T17:36:07.103+00:00

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## 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."

![Screenshot at 00:03: The introductory slide for the TEDx Global Idea Search by TEDx Athens features Pascale H. Nyamita alongside an illustration of a person looking through binoculars, symbolizing the search for new ideas and perspectives.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/W7ZozIa2aCs/00-00-03.jpg)

**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.

## Detailed Analysis

Pascalia H. Nyamita begins by contrasting the negative imagery often associated with Africa—war, starvation, and looted artifacts in Western museums—with the vibrant reality of its culture and stories. She asserts that what Africans possess, which Europe can learn from, is the concept of Ubuntu, meaning "I am because we are," which she defines as the true power of community deeply ingrained in their DNA. To translate this philosophy into a modern, interactive medium, Nyamita founded the 'Be Ubuntu' African-European Game Jam in February 2026, partnering 15 African game studios (from Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Africa, Germany, France, Sweden) with 15 European ones. The mission was to create games that blend African and European narratives, focusing on impactful themes like climate action and gender equality, thus countering colonial narratives and promoting shared humanity. She references Archbishop Desmond Tutu's definition of humanity relying on community. Nyamita concludes by inviting the audience to play games that carry the spirit of Ubuntu in their hearts, suggesting that this collaborative storytelling approach can foster empathy and drive real-world change, such as working toward zero hunger.

### Challenging Perceptions

- Africa is full of culture, stories, and wonderful cities
- Western perceptions focus on war, starvation, and stolen artifacts
- These external views are not her Africa.

### The Concept of Ubuntu

- Ubuntu means "I am because we are," representing the core power of community ingrained in African DNA
- It is a concept Europe can learn from
- It emphasizes interdependence and humanity.

### The 'Be Ubuntu' Game Jam

- An African-European Game Jam initiated in February 2026
- Paired 15 African game studios (Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Africa) with 15 European studios (Germany, France, Sweden)
- The goal was to create games that tell stories blending both cultures.

### Impact of Collaborative Games

- Games should tell stories that create conversations on issues like climate action and zero hunger
- Examples include games sharing the music and rhythm of Africa, like 'Riziki'
- The collaboration aims to address colonial injustices and promote gender equality.

### Conclusion and Call to Action

- Nyamita invites the audience to play games imbued with Ubuntu in their hearts
- This collaborative design process offers a platform for shared humanity and positive action.

![Screenshot at 00:16: A collage of four images depicting negative stereotypes of Africa: people queuing for water, a refugee camp, someone holding meager food rations, and an assault rifle, contrasting with the speaker's message.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/W7ZozIa2aCs/00-00-16.jpg)
![Screenshot at 00:33: The speaker stands center stage with a slide behind her showing a collage of positive community interactions and the text 'MY AFRICA', reinforcing her counter-narrative.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/W7ZozIa2aCs/00-00-33.jpg)
![Screenshot at 00:50: The speaker gestures emphatically while delivering her critique of external perceptions, setting the stage for her proposed solution.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/W7ZozIa2aCs/00-00-50.jpg)
![Screenshot at 03:50: The final slide displays the event title 'BE UBUNTU: AN AFRICAN-EUROPEAN GAME JAM' alongside logos of supporting partners.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/W7ZozIa2aCs/00-03-50.jpg)