Before focusing on gaming, Uwem built experience across fintech, web3, and digital design, working on projects that honed his skills in visual storytelling and user experience. His work on titles like Aki and Pawpaw Epic Run and Warlords Hammer gave him early recognition, setting the stage for his entrepreneurial journey.
Uwem’s introduction to technology came in 2018, when he worked as a graphic designer in Benin City’s First East Circular, an area known for its bustling printing presses and media outlets. “I was just looking for a skill to learn before college,” he recalls. In 2020, he joined EdoBits Academy, a tech initiative supported by the Edo State Government and Oxfam, where he trained in web development, UI/UX design, branding, and other digital skills. “Before EdoBits, I thought tech was rocket science,” he said. “The academy opened my eyes to how broad and accessible the tech ecosystem really is.”
After graduating in 2021, Uwem interned at Genius Hub, then moved into freelancing. His first paid design contract was for a fintech app, but he soon realized the market was oversaturated. Seeking a unique path, he turned to game design, experimenting with interfaces, mock screens, and Photoshop visual effects. A Kenyan studio noticed his work and offered his first game design contract worth $5,000, which opened doors to projects like Aki and Pawpaw Epic Run, reaching over 400,000 downloads.
This momentum inspired him to create Novatrax Studio, a company dedicated to telling African stories through games. “For too long, Africa has been under-represented in gaming,” Uwem said. “The world has seen Afrobeats and Nollywood, but not our stories in interactive formats.” Novatrax’s upcoming game will feature three distinct settings—two African-inspired and one Parisian—allowing local culture to shine while maintaining global appeal.
Gaming itself was Uwem’s earliest and most meaningful introduction to technology. Growing up with Sega and PlayStation 1, he found immersion, interactivity, and community. “Gaming pulled me in because it was fun and immersive,” he said. “It wasn’t just about playing anymore; I wanted to create those experiences for others.”
Today, technology is inseparable from Uwem’s work and daily life. “On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d rate its importance as 9.5,” he said. His phone is his most indispensable tool, serving as a hub for communication, work, social media, gaming, and banking. Platforms like Twitter (X) and YouTube keep him informed about emerging tools, while apps like Discord help him manage his team and projects.
Uwem’s creative approach to technology was evident early on. During a project at EdoBits Academy, he designed a GIF slideshow in Photoshop to mimic an interactive carousel on a webpage, demonstrating ingenuity even before mastering coding. Today, he sees both opportunity and caution in tech, noting the challenge of misinformation online and the need to verify information through credible sources.
While he acknowledges the potential distractions of social media, Uwem embraces technology as a bridge for learning, creativity, and cultural expression. “Gaming and tech will play a huge role in shaping how we connect, learn, and share culture,” he said, reflecting the vision that drives Novatrax forward.
From humble beginnings in Benin City to leading an African-focused game studio on the global stage, Gideon Uwem is proving that storytelling through games is more than entertainment—it is a platform for culture, identity, and imagination.