Indigenization of video games: utilisation of African mythological creatures

Numerous calls have been made to move beyond decolonisation towards the indigenisation of video games in Africa. This paper examines how African mythological creatures, particularly the tokoloshe, can be incorporated into video game development to preserve and promote African cultural narratives. By focusing on three student-developed video games, this study highlights the tokoloshe’s adaptability in enriching gameplay and storytelling across various genres, including adventure, horror, and farming simulations. The findings demonstrate the potential of African mythological creatures to educate global audiences, motivate local developers, and challenge Western-centric storytelling norms in the gaming industry. Moreover, this paper advocates for the indigenisation of video games as a transformative approach to empowering African game studios and reshaping global perceptions of African heritage. The study underscores the tokoloshe’s value in addressing contemporary issues while remaining rooted in its cultural significance, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse gaming landscape.