Usawa: The mobile game tackling descent-based slavery
Usawa is a new mobile game with a mission. The result of an innovative collaboration between Dr Marie Rodet (SOAS), Malian NGOs and creative industries from across Africa, this game explores the complex issue of descent-based slavery through an Afro-futuristic environment.
Usawa immerses players in a universe of mini-games and stories, inspired by real-life accounts of those affected by the issue today. Designed to foster awareness and inspire generational change, the multilingual game has already been showcased in Mali, Kenya, South Africa, the UK and the US.
At the outset of the game, players land on Horon, a fictional planet where social inequality is rife. As they explore their new environment, they encounter a series of characters and mini-games, confronting situations that mirror the complex issues of descent-based discrimination.
Usawa draws heavily on insights from “Slavery and Forced Migration in Western Mali” (2020-2024), a research project led by Dr Marie Rodet. Analysing the links between forced displacement and descent-based slavery, Rodet’s research found a lack of understanding of this issue among younger generations in Africa. To combat this issue, the “Djonya Kêlè Ja Toulon”, or "Gaming against slavery” initiative was set up, facilitated by the Malian NGO Donkosira.
Communities from 8 regions across Mali took part in a series of “Gaming Against Slavery” workshops, building the lived experiences of participants into pre-designed game framework. This framework was then worked on by a team of 50 African artists, developers and producers, resulting in the fully functional mobile game.
Now available to download, Usawa has already been recognised for its potential to generate real social change. The game won the Impact Category at the Fak’ugesi Awards in early October, and a Virtual Reality gaming experience is in development. It is available in four languages: English, French, Bambara and Swahili.
Usawa was produced by Jiwe Studios in collaboration with SOAS University of London, NGOs Donkosira and V4T, creative industries Kasart Media and Kerdooff Productions. It was generously funded by the AHRC.
