The Goethe-Institut, A MAZE, and the Node Eight Foundation have officially announced the two artists selected for the PLAYFUL OBSCURA – Arthouse Games Residency Africa 2025, a landmark initiative designed to nurture experimental voices in game art and playful media.

Out of more than 45 applications spanning 10 African countries, two standout creatives have been chosen for this exclusive residency, which runs from 15 to 27 September 2025 in Ho, Volta Region, Ghana.

Representing Kenya, Joanna Oluoch is a multidisciplinary artist whose storytelling merges game design, software development, and digital illustration. Her work builds interactive worlds that combine aesthetic vibrancy with narrative depth, offering players new ways to engage with digital art. From Ghana, Ebenezer Miracle Gyedu Apau brings a visionary approach rooted in technical mastery and creative imagination. His projects span mobile, PC, and AR/VR platforms, often incorporating 3D art, UI design, and performance-driven interactivity.

Over the course of two weeks, the artists will be provided with workspace, accommodation, a stipend, and a production budget, as well as opportunities for local engagement. The residency is structured to encourage bold experimentation, creative growth, and meaningful exploration at the intersection of art and technology.

Thorsten S. Wiedemann, Artistic Director of A MAZE., highlighted the originality of the selected proposals: “Out of 45 applications from 10 African countries, Joanna and Ebenezer’s visions stood out. This program will give them invaluable experience to grow their artistic voices and expand the global conversation around arthouse games.”

PLAYFUL OBSCURA forms part of GamesConnect AFRICA, a regional initiative supported by the EU National Institutes for Culture Cluster Fund in partnership with SpielFabrique. The broader project empowers African game developers through mentorship, co-productions, and increased visibility at international events such as Lagos Games Week, Africa Games Week, and Gamescom.