Ep 6 – Made in Africa: Building Bold Games with Ben Myres of Nyamakop

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/52/46/85/524685cf-6ac5-589d-7247-b9d95a17621a/mza_16976666445352157786.jpg/600x600bb.jpg

Press Start Mzansi

Bandile Phuthuma

8 episodes

1 week ago

Press Start Mzansi is the podcast where innovation, policy, business, and play meet to explore the future of gaming in South Africa and across the continent. Each episode features in-depth conversations with game developers, investors, government leaders, and creative entrepreneurs who are shaping Africa’s digital creative economy. We unpack how gaming is driving youth employment, digital transformation, local storytelling, and inclusive growth and why it matters now more than ever. Let’s press start on the future of African games. #GamingForGood #PressStartMzansi

Video Games

Leisure

RSS

All content for Press Start Mzansi is the property of Bandile Phuthuma and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Video Games

Leisure

https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo/44191832/44191832-1754381129009-92031165f4451.jpg

Ep 6 – Made in Africa: Building Bold Games with Ben Myres of Nyamakop

Press Start Mzansi

37 minutes 37 seconds

3 weeks ago

Ep 6 – Made in Africa: Building Bold Games with Ben Myres of Nyamakop

In this episode of Press Start Mzansi, we speak with Ben Myres, the creative force behind Nyamakop, one of South Africa’s most acclaimed independent game studios. From Semblance, the first African-developed title released on a Nintendo platform, to his latest project Relooted, Ben’s work continues to shape how the world sees African creativity.

Relooted is a heist game with a purpose. Built around recovering seventy real African artefacts currently held in Western museums, the game blends stealth, strategy, and storytelling in a powerful narrative about repatriation, cultural justice, and African futurism.

Hosted by Bandile Phuthuma and Kieran Reid, this conversation explores how African creators are redefining global gaming and what it takes to build sustainable studios that tell stories rooted in local identity but made for the world.

A special thank you to the Goethe-Institut South Africa for supporting this episode and helping to amplify African voices in gaming.

What we cover in this episode:

The creative journey from Semblance to Relooted• Researching real artefacts and turning history into gameplay
Balancing fun, depth, and cultural meaning in game design
Representation, authenticity, and African accents in character creation
Building a sustainable studio and navigating the local ecosystem
The business of creativity and staying independent in global gaming
Advice for young developers starting out in Africa
What is next for Nyamakop and the future of African game development

Guest: Ben Myres is the CEO and co-founder of Nyamakop, a Johannesburg-based game studio known for its bold creative voice and commitment to African storytelling. His debut title, Semblance, received international acclaim for its innovative mechanics and art direction.

His current project, Relooted, continues that legacy by blending political commentary, history, and design innovation into a deeply African game with global appeal.

Credits

Hosted by: Bandile Phuthuma (ITTHYNK Gaming)

Co-host: Kieran Reid (Two Name Games)

Guest: Ben Myres (CEO and Co-founder, Nyamakop)

Cinematography and Editing: Luthando Nyuswa

Audio Editor: Juliette Love

Technical Director: Dave Moyo

Marketing: Jessica Jardim, Ashley Tanton, Padi Falas-Maifala, Mpho Tlokotsi

Press Start Mzansi is the podcast where innovation, creativity, and play come together to explore the people and ideas driving Africa’s digital revolution.

Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow @PressStartMzansi for more conversations with the creators shaping the future of African gaming.