Mazerance, a psychological game development company under the Australian studio 5Blooded, has entered into a creative partnership with Nigerian brand storyteller Christopher Joseph Bassey, popularly known as Topher.
The collaboration aims to spotlight global creativity by blending immersive storytelling with innovative game development, highlighting diverse cultural narratives on an international stage.
Mazerance’s collaboration with Topher is set to enhance storytelling and editorial content within its upcoming psychological puzzle world, significantly improving player engagement.
By leveraging Topher’s expertise in authentic brand storytelling, the partnership aims to translate the game’s immersive concept into a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with players.
The focus will be on clarity, emotional connection, and authenticity, bringing a unique cultural and creative perspective to the gaming experience.
According to Mazerance founder Elvis Obi, the project is more than just a game. It’s a living simulation designed to study and respond to player interaction.
Obi explained that “At its heart, the game is about unease and perception, noting that the experience continuously adapts and evolves based on the player’s previous choices. This dynamic gameplay approach aims to deepen immersion and challenge the boundaries of traditional storytelling in games.
Obi hinted that the team is “building a world that notices how you play,” emphasising the game’s ability to observe and respond to individual player behavior. He highlighted that Topher’s role is crucial in translating this complex and immersive concept into a narrative that feels authentic and emotionally resonant. By crafting a story that aligns with the game’s adaptive mechanics, Topher helps ensure that each player’s journey feels personal and meaningful.
Topher, a renowned brand storyteller, is known for creating cultural movements through his impactful work with brands such as Ughelli Rovers FC and the Nigeria Football Federation. Bringing this expertise to Mazerance, he aims to craft narratives that resonate not only with individual players but also on a national and continental scale. His storytelling approach is expected to infuse the game with a deeper cultural relevance, bridging the gap between gameplay and real-world emotional connection.
The collaboration between Mazerance and Topher emphasises clarity over hype, ensuring that the game’s narrative, press materials, and community engagement are presented authentically. The goal is to build a community that appreciates the project’s “restrained unease. He averred”.
Mazerance’s creative team, led by Elvis Obi, comprises contributors from Africa, Asia, and Europe, showcasing a global creative DNA.
This diversity is a deliberate choice to make the game universally accessible and demonstrate what can be achieved by global teams under African leadership.
The game development is primarily focused on the PC platform (Steam), with potential console versions in consideration. The team’s priority is delivering a high-quality product, engaging players through touchpoints like the mailing list and Discord for community interaction and speculation.
Speaking further he said through this partnership, Mazerance and Topher will focus on crafting compelling press materials, shaping articles, and developing campaign assets. This includes clear calls-to-action, such as adding the game to a Steam wishlist, and the introduction of “The Box”—a limited preview kit that will serve as an early bridge to connect players and creators.
Mazerance’s creative DNA is global, with contributors spanning Africa, Asia, and Europe, all working under the African leadership of Elvis Obi. This diversity is not just a point on a map; it’s a creative choice that ensures the game feels layered and universally accessible. Elvis Obi stressed”.
The Mazerance project serves as a demonstration of what global teams, led by African vision, can achieve in an industry where African talent has often been overlooked.
