Gideon Uwem is a Game Experience Designer who refers to himself as a cultural e-gaming architect. Before founding Novatrax Studio, a gaming startup, he worked in diverse sectors such as fintech, web3, and digital design, ultimately narrowing his focus to gaming. He has contributed to popular games, including Aki and Pawpaw Epic Run and Warlords Hammer.
Uwem’s journey into technology began in 2018 when he worked as a graphic designer in Benin City, Edo State. This area, known for its printing presses and media outlets, was where he first learned design, initially seeking a skill to learn before college. In 2020, he enrolled in EdoBits Academy, a tech academy sponsored by the Edo State Government and Oxfam.
The program offered training in web development, UI/UX design, branding, and more; this was his major exposure to technology, and he realized it was not as complex as he had thought.
The academy ran three phases: Course 1 focused on basic computer knowledge for 50 candidates, Course 2 involved hands-on projects like WordPress and HTML, with only the 25 best graduates advancing, and Course 3 allowed for specialization, where he chose the design track.
After graduating in 2021, Uwem interned at Genius Hub for a year, moved to freelancing, and secured his first paid contract for a fintech app. However, he found the UI/UX market oversaturated and sought differentiation.
He began experimenting with game interfaces, which led to his first game design contract with a Kenyan studio. This project opened doors, culminating in his work on Aki and Pawpaw Epic Run, which achieved over 400,000 downloads, a breakthrough moment for Uwem.
Rather than seeking another job, he decided to create something new; he pitched the idea of a game studio focused on African stories to friends and mentors, and thus Novatrax was born.
Uwem aims to better represent Africa in the global gaming scene, creating games that reflect African environments and narratives. Uwem’s earliest tech experience came through gaming.
Growing up, he played mobile and console games, using them as a way to connect with others. Gaming was not just fun; it ignited his desire to understand the mechanics behind the scenes and create immersive experiences.
He rates technology’s importance in his daily life as a 9.5, with his smartphone serving as his primary tool for communication, social media access, and gaming. He mainly uses Twitter (X) and YouTube to stay updated on new gadgets, apps, and emerging tools.
During his graphic design training, he creatively tackled a challenge by embedding a GIF slideshow in a webpage, despite lacking the technical skills for an interactive carousel; this workaround demonstrated his ability to think outside the box.
However, he recognizes misinformation as a major challenge in technology today, and to combat this, he relies on credible sources and tools like X’s Grok AI feature to verify information.
Technology has transformed communication and relationships, with apps like WhatsApp and Instagram enabling instant connectivity and collaboration, something unimaginable 20 years ago.
Uwem occasionally takes breaks from social media to reduce distractions and regain focus; he believes that technology, especially gaming, will play a significant role in shaping future connections, learning, and cultural exchange.
