Abubakar Salim, star of “House of the Dragon,” established a studio to share a deeply personal story influenced by his Kenyan background. This project has the potential to make a significant impact on the gaming industry.
Abubakar Salim set up his own studio to tell a personal tale of grief inspired by his Kenyan heritage.
When players launch Abubakar Salim’s debut video game, “Tales of Kenzera: Zau,” they are greeted with these words. This moment is particularly apt as the British actor, known for his roles in TV series such as “Raised by Wolves” and soon to be seen in “House of the Dragon,” discusses the game with BBC Newsbeat just before its highly anticipated release.
The culmination of a four-year development journey, this final chapter of “Tales of Kenzera” began in December in Los Angeles. Abu, as he prefers to be called, stood on stage at The Game Awards, addressing a crowd of 4,000 people at the Peacock Theater. Millions more tuned in online from around the globe.
During the unveiling of Tales of Kenzera, he delivers a poignant speech, detailing how the game draws inspiration from the loss of his father, Ali, a decade ago.
Similar to Abu, the protagonist Zau, a youthful shaman in the game, grapples with the absence of his father. Refusing to accept this reality, he summons the deity of death and embarks on a journey to revive his dad.
“Ultimately, it’s a story about a grieving young boy,” Abu shares with BBC Newsbeat, encapsulating the essence of the game.
His deeply personal revelation resonates widely, and the footage of this heartfelt moment at The Game Awards spreads rapidly across the internet.
The game’s trailer has garnered genuine admiration, with its vibrant graphics, captivating orchestral soundtrack, and immersive setting prompting many to eagerly add it to their wishlists.
Abu reflects on the overwhelming reception, describing it as “brilliant” and “fantastic,” noting how the universal theme of grief resonates deeply with gamers.
Additionally, there’s an aspect rooted in Ali and Abu’s Kenyan heritage that ignites excitement among some gamers.
This heavily relies on the myths and legends passed down by the Bantu peoples, comprising hundreds of distinct groups residing across Africa.
These narratives are frequently transmitted orally from one generation to the next, a tradition that Abu himself directly encountered.
“It was deeply influenced by the tales my father used to narrate to me during my childhood,” he explains.
“My grandfather held the esteemed title of Nganga, akin to a traditional spiritual healer.
“So my father would recount these captivating realms and concepts to me.
“Given that the game revolves around the journey through grief, that profound bond between my father and me had to be present within its realm.”
Abu’s choice of setting for Tales of Kenzera, which includes the option for Swahili dialogue, reflects his desire for authenticity in storytelling. However, the rarity of a high-profile video game featuring a black protagonist, particularly one steeped in African mythology, evokes a range of emotions for many gamers. Annabel Ashalley-Anthony, founder of Melanin Gamers advocating for inclusivity, expresses admiration for Abu’s presence on stage, noting its rarity in the industry. She acknowledges being a fan of Abu’s previous work, particularly his portrayal of Bayek in Assassin’s Creed: Origins.
The presence of a black creator at The Game Awards, often dubbed “the Oscars of the industry,” deeply struck her.
“It was significant to see someone like him debut there, a clear representation of ourselves in a positive light,” she explains.
“I felt compelled to play it; it was a must.”
When Abu introduced the game, many drew parallels between Tales of Kenzera and a particular blockbuster film.
Annabelle concurs, recognizing the striking parallels.
“It truly embodies the essence of gaming’s Black Panther,” she remarks.
Surgent Studios, the brainchild of Abu for creating the game, openly acknowledges the influence of the Marvel blockbuster. Both incorporate Afro-futurism, blending science fiction with African culture, and the game’s soundtrack even features the same choir as heard in the film.
During the game’s unveiling, Abu donned a vibrant scarf by Nigerian artist Ikiré Jones, whose designs also graced Black Panther.
The film is widely recognized for its influence on diversity in Hollywood, while Tales of Kenzera is being released by EA Originals, the indie branch of the gaming behemoth responsible for the EA FC series.
Alan, Annabel’s brother and founder of Melanin Gamers, recalls the “cultural movement” spurred by the film, noting how it paved the way for games like Zau.
“Once projects like these hit the mainstream and garner such immense attention, it’s like a revelation—it highlights the vast potential awaiting exploration,” he explains.
“A common misconception is limiting African mythology to just Egyptian lore. However, there’s a rich and largely untapped reservoir of narratives across the entire African continent.”
Abu emphasized the significance of “honoring and showing reverence” towards Bantu culture, as portrayed in Tales of Kenzera, while also expressing the desire to “celebrate” it, given its relative scarcity in mainstream representation. For Abu, the conclusion of Zau’s character arc could serve as a springboard for further storytelling opportunities. He envisions expanding Tales of Kenzera into a comprehensive franchise, encompassing film, television, and comic adaptations. Abu acknowledges that despite crafting an immersive world within the game, not all audiences may engage with it directly.
“If I manage to persuade my mother to watch the TV show, I’ll have a common topic to discuss with her regarding the game, which I find appealing. Additionally, it serves as a fantastic means of encouraging other writers and creatives to delve into storytelling within that universe or even craft their own.”
With the stellar cast and intense storyline of House of the Dragon, it’s natural to wonder how this show could influence gaming. Could House of the Dragon give rise to a new wave of dragon-inspired games, or prompt existing game franchises to expand their dragon-themed content? It’s exciting to think about the potential crossover of this epic show with the gaming world. With gaming technology continuously evolving, the possibilities are endless. Let your imagination soar as we eagerly await the release of House of the Dragon and keep an eye on how it might influence the gaming landscape!
Read More: House of the Dragon Finale shows the devastating Targaryen Civil War’s First Casualty
Disclaimer:
This content is AI-generated using IFTTT AI Content Creator. While we strive for accuracy, it’s a tool for rapid updates. We’re committed to filtering information, not reproducing or endorsing misinformation. – Jomotoday for more information visit privacy policy
Leave a Comment