CAF Hosts "Gaming Dah-varsity and Afrofuture Metaverse" Workshop
CAF Hosts "Gaming Dah-varsity and Afrofuture Metaverse" Workshop
On March 25-26, 2024, the Center for Africana Futures (CAF) was thrilled to host the exciting and insightful "Gaming Dah-varsity and Afrofuture Metaverse" workshop. This two-day event brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members for an engaging, hands-on exploration of the future of gaming and digital entertainment featuring Mr. Damola Idowu, CEO of Toyz Electronics.
Mr. Idowu is a visionary in the gaming industry, renowned for his innovative approach to merging technology, creativity, and African cultural narratives. His visit to CAF was highly anticipated, and the workshop did not disappoint. The event focused on how students, particularly those studying Communication and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), can enter the gaming industry, which continues to expand and evolve rapidly.
A Hands-On Learning Experience
For two days, participants were immersed in the intricacies of gaming and game design, gaining invaluable insights from one of the industry’s leaders. Mr. Idowu shared his journey in the tech world and explained the importance of representation in gaming, emphasizing how gaming can be a storytelling and cultural preservation tool. His focus on the Afrofuture Metaverse opened up discussions on how digital spaces and virtual worlds can reflect diverse cultural experiences, allowing for new forms of expression and community-building.
One key component of the workshop was the hands-on activities that allowed students to actively engage with the tools and concepts of game design. Attendees learned about game development's technical and creative aspects, from programming and graphic design to storytelling and character creation. Mr. Idowu demonstrated the potential for communication majors to play vital roles in the gaming industry, particularly in narrative development, marketing, user experience, and content creation.
Gaming as a Pathway for STEAM and Communication Majors
The event was particularly valuable for students interested in exploring career paths within gaming and digital entertainment. Mr. Idowu highlighted the wide array of opportunities available in the industry, including roles for those with skills in communication, storytelling, and media production. For STEAM majors, the workshop provided a deeper understanding of how technology and art intersect in game design, offering insight into potential career trajectories in software development, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality.
Moreover, Mr. Idowu emphasized the increasing demand for culturally relevant content in gaming, encouraging students to think about how they can contribute to creating more inclusive digital environments. His presentation on the Afrofuture Metaverse captured the imagination of participants, challenging them to envision a future where virtual spaces reflect the diversity and richness of the African diaspora.
Building Community Through Digital Entertainment
The workshop was not only an educational experience but also a community-building opportunity. Attendees connected over shared interests in gaming, creativity, and digital culture, and many left the event inspired to continue exploring the intersection of technology and Africana futures.
The Center for Africana Futures is proud to have hosted this innovative event, which aligns with its mission to foster forward-thinking discussions and provide students with the tools and experiences they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Special thanks go to Mr. Damola Idowu and Toyz Electronics for leading this dynamic workshop and expanding the horizons of our students and community members.
For more information about future events, visit the Center for Africana Futures website and learn more about Toyz Electronics at https://toyzelectronics.com/.
