NEWF Launches first-ever game design lab to inspire curiosity and solution-forward thinking through play
eKhaya Storytelling, Research and Dive Centre | KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Nature Environment Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) is proud to announce the launch of its first Game Design Lab, in collaboration with Internet for Elephants from 6–12 October 2025. Facilitated by game designers and developers Gautam Shah (Internet of Elephants) and Jake Manion (Pan Africa Gaming Group, and formerly Aardman Animations), a cohort of 6 will be selected and split into three teams - each team working together to design an original proof of concept that has the power to transform how we understand, value, and protect the natural world.
Virtual Reality attendee in a tranquil wildlife scene during #NEWF2020 Congress where the theme ‘Community Re-imagined’ invited fellows, speakers and film pitches into an incredible, purpose-build world to immerse, engage and explore.
“As the world transitions, the way we tell stories about that world is transitioning too. Video games have become one of the premier storytelling channels, played by over three billion people, and transcending every demographic from age to income to geography to gender. This has created an incredible opportunity to use that power for the benefit of the planet that sustains us.”
The intensive 6 day lab will explore how games can inspire curiosity, evoke behaviour change, and connect players of all ages to the urgent challenges and wonders of our natural world.
From the pool of applicants, storytellers and/or scientists will be selected (3) and paired with selected game developers (3) to collaboratively create a rapid prototype of their concept game jam-style. Most importantly, the IP of the game remains with each team who will have the option of pitching for a 10 000 USD grant to support bringing their concept to life.
“The hope is that this lab will create an opportunity to explore the co-creation of experiences that meet this generation of techies and gamers where they are - in a virtual realm that can experientially create awareness and foster solution-based thinking in ways that VR experiences have on a community level.
We hope to support and raise awareness around key climate challenges, highlight protagonists who have made positive strides, and use this medium to inspire a new generation of custodians to build on that future-focused thinking.”
NEWF is excited to welcome a new cohort of passionate creatives to bring forward concepts that will spark curiosity in the NEWF community and around the globe.
Are you ready to play?
For more information about NEWF, eKhaya Storytelling, Research and Dive Centre or the Next Nature Game Design Lab please connect with us via connect@newf.co.za
ABout NEWF
Nature, Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) is a platform dedicated to growing a representative and inclusive community of African conservation content creators. Through training, mentorship, funding, and internship programmes, NEWF empowers emerging filmmakers, scientists, and storytellers to bring African perspectives to global environmental narratives.
About INTERNET OF ELEPHANTS
Internet of Elephants exists to rekindle relationships between people and wildlife and revolutionize how conservation is supported. Combining play, storytelling, science and technology; they use real scientific data that is captured about individual animals in the wild, to tell wildlife stories through engaging digital experiences.
