Riziki
The globalization of African music, driven by platforms like Spotify, is influencing media worldwide – but its integration into video games holds untapped potential. In his master’s thesis George Odongo Ahere explored how African music can revolutionize rhythm game design. By analyzing current games and developing an original prototype, he identified how culturally rooted beats like Afrobeat and Amapiano transform gameplay, aesthetics, and narrative frameworks. This study offers a foundation for game developers to embrace African music’s rich sonic heritage and innovate within the rhythm genre.
Using a case study methodology, George’s research dissects existing rhythm games to identify correlations between musical genres and their gameplay mechanics, aesthetics, and audience engagement. His findings reveal that music genre directly influences player experience, with culturally rooted rhythms and melodies demanding unique design adaptations. To test these insights, George developed an original African rhythm game prototype, incorporating case study principles to evaluate how music reception, perception, and performance inform creative decisions.
The results of his research demonstrate that African music’s polyrhythmic complexity and cultural narratives introduce novel challenges and opportunities for gameplay immersion. For instance, genre-specific traits (e.g., Afrobeat’s percussive layers or Amapiano’s minimalist grooves) necessitated tailored visual aesthetics, narrative integration, and difficulty scaling. Additionally, the project highlights how cultural authenticity in music selection enhances marketing resonance within target demographics.
George’s study provides a foundational framework for developers exploring African music in gaming, while inviting broader discourse on cultural representation in interactive media. By bridging musicology and game design, this work aims to inspire future innovation in rhythm-based experiences that celebrate Africa’s rich sonic heritage.
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