Reimagining the future of African indigenous knowledge systems in gamified applications: a case study of Aroko

There has been a steady decline in African indigenous cultural practices, fostered by the acceptance of Western education/ideas, and exacerbated by migration activities. While there has been a plethora of research on reviving African indigenous languages through mass, digital, and indigenous media, there has been less focus on promoting indigenous knowledge and non-verbal communication through gamified systems. This present study explores the use of Gamification in promoting the understanding of symbolic messages embedded in Aroko to advance and preserve such indigenous knowledge systems for the uptake of future generations. Gamification shares similarities with Aroko, as both communicate through symbolism. Aroko, however, was used in prehistoric times to promote secrecy and confidentiality in messaging. Many of the messages embedded in Aroko are the exclusive preserve of the elderly in rural communities or initiates of cults in Yoruba society. We argue here for the diffusion of such knowledge systems through digital games, so that youths on the continent and in the diaspora can learn cultural artefacts integral to their identity, with positive implications for the rapidly declining societal values.