With Playtopia, the annual destination of Indie Games & Immersive Arts festival and conference set to return in 2025, GIA has partnered with the event to share insights from the crop of supremely talented creators in attendance. Next up in a series of speaker interviews is Abubakar Salim, Abubakar Salim is the CEO and Creative Director at Surgent Studios. Surgent’s BAFTA-winning debut game, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, was released in 2024. Surgent’s second title, Dead Take, was released in 2025.

How did your journey from acting to game development shape your creative identity as a storyteller?

Acting taught me to listen before I create. It showed me that great storytelling starts with understanding the emotional truth of a moment and the humanity inside a character. When I moved into game development, that instinct to listen, both to people and to the world, became the foundation of how I build stories and mechanics. It shaped me into a storyteller who cares about authenticity, not just spectacle.

Surgent Studios has spoken about creating emotionally resonant stories—how does this mission connect to the themes you see emerging from African storytellers and game makers?

It connects deeply. A lot of African creatives are pulling from real experiences, cultural nuance, and perspectives that the world hasn’t heard enough of. When you write from what you know, your community and your history, it lands differently. That honesty is at the core of emotional storytelling, and it aligns with what many African creators are trying to bring forward.  

What do you think defines the “African voice” in gaming, and how do you see it influencing global narratives?

The African voice brings a perspective the world doesn’t get often enough. It is culturally rich, spiritually layered, and rooted in community. It is similar to how Asian stories have influenced global media. African stories can introduce new mythologies, new emotional truths, and new ways of seeing the world. They expand what players think a story can be.  

How has your heritage influenced the kinds of stories or worlds you want to build?

I grew up in a Kenyan household while living in the UK, so I naturally see the world through two lenses. That mix of African and British influences shapes everything I create. I am always pulling from both sides of my identity to build worlds, characters, and themes that feel layered and grounded.  

You’ve spoken about “purposeful play.” What does that mean to you, particularly in the context of African or diasporic game creation?

Purposeful play means having a real reason behind the fun. Games can be joyful and playful, but they can also carry emotional or thematic weight. In African or diasporic storytelling, purposeful play lets us explore identity, culture, and humanity in a way that feels engaging instead of heavy handed.

What draws you to events like Playtopia, and what do you take away from being in that creative ecosystem?

Events like Playtopia are important because they bring emerging voices and established talent into one space. We need more chances to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and inspire each other. 

How do festivals like Playtopia influence your approach to storytelling, design, and cross-cultural collaboration?

They remind me to stay open to perspectives outside my own. Playtopia creates a space where different cultures, ideas, and artistic approaches mix together. It pushes me to stay curious and to celebrate a wide range of creative voices.

What parallels do you see between the independent games movement in Africa and the creative indie scene in the UK or Europe?

Both scenes come from the same hunger to push boundaries and express something personal. Indie creators, no matter where they are, thrive by being specific, bold, and inventive. There is a shared energy in both spaces. The limitations spark creativity, and that is often where the most exciting ideas come from

As an African developer working globally, what responsibilities—or opportunities—do you feel come with that visibility?

I feel a responsibility to show what is possible. Growing up, I did not know the games industry was even an option for someone like me. If I had seen more people who looked like me in these spaces, I probably would have found this path much earlier. So now I want to be visible so others can see themselves here too.

If you could collaborate with African-based studios or creators, what themes or stories would you want to explore?

I would want to explore themes that connect universally and still feel rooted in our experiences. Stories about humanity, identity, and compassion. Those are the themes that bridge cultures.  

How do you see the future of African gaming evolving over the next decade, and where do you see yourself within that landscape?

In truth, I don’t know. If only I could see the future. However, what I do know is that if it continues in the trajectory it is today, the future will be a bright one.

Check out the full program and consider joining Playtopia, which will run from December 5th to 6th December 2025 in Cape Town.