When a group of passionate gamers turned storytellers first began experimenting with game development in Nigeria, they probably didn’t imagine how far their dreams would go.
That seed of ambition grew into Dimension 11 Studios, an indie game development company operating out of Dubai, Lagos, and Ile‑Ife, working with a global network of developers and creatives to push African stories into the global gaming spotlight.
Founded in 2021 by a team rooted in community and culture, Dimension 11 set out with a clear mission: to tell African stories through cutting‑edge 3D gaming technology.
Their first major project, Legends of Orisha: Blood and Water is a testament to that vision.
The game has been in development using Unreal Engine 5, a tech choice that allows high‑fidelity visuals and immersive gameplay normally seen only in AAA titles.
Legend of Orisha: A Hero’s Journey Through Myth and Destiny
Legend of Orisha: Blood and Water is a third‑person action‑adventure RPG rooted deeply in Yoruba culture and mythology.
The story follows Remilekun, a former soldier of the once‑mighty Oyo Empire who has retired in search of peace only to find his past catching up with him in deadly, mysterious ways.
To survive and uncover the truth, Remilekun must reunite with ancient forces, forge bonds with powerful entities, and balance his heart and blade against forces that threaten both humans and gods.
Set against an evocative backdrop inspired by pre‑colonial West Africa, the game blends historical textures with mythic storytelling, creating moments that feel both familiar and fantastical.
From swordplay to spirit battles, from exploration to encounters steeped in lore, Legend of Orisha invites players into a world where culture and gameplay meet.
Adding to the experience is a strategic partnership with Pressure Cooker Studios from Cape Town, who crafted original music and sound design for the game including use of the Yoruba talking drum as a narrative and gameplay mechanic, making the audio experience as culturally grounded as the visuals.
A Global Team with a Local Heart
Dimension 11’s creative process is as global as its ambitions. While the core team operates out of Nigeria, members are spread across Dubai and beyond, collaborating remotely with artists and engineers around the world.
This international approach allows them to blend diverse expertise with deep cultural insight, a mix that shows in every model, animation, and scripted moment of the game.
Their journey has also been documented in Game Maker’s Journey, a spotlight feature that follows the studio’s tireless work bringing Legend of Orisha to life and capturing how gaming can preserve language, mythology, and nuanced storytelling for global audiences
Why This Game Deserves Best Game of the Year
Legend of Orisha is a milestone in African game design ambitious in scope, rich in cultural foundation, and remarkable in execution. It:
- Centers African history and myth in a genre usually dominated by Western narratives.
- Blends top‑tier technology with storytelling through Unreal Engine 5’s immersive capabilities.
- Creates a sensorial experience through culturally inspired music and sound design.
- Builds global community and collaborations that elevate Filipino and African voices in gaming.
Dimension 11 Studios didn’t just make a game, they crafted a bridge between heritage and innovation, giving players a new way to experience the power of African narrative
With Legend of Orisha: Blood and Water, Dimension 11 Studios has shown that games can be both thrilling and meaningful, a cultural adventure that stands tall on the world stage.