Stay Informed
Get Industry News In Your Inbox…
Sign Up Today
Behind every game is a team of creative developers making it happen. In our Jobs in Games series, we highlight some of the individuals working in the games industry, whether they are veteran developers with big hits under their belts or entirely new to the industry.
We ask how they broke into the sector and their advice for others on making a career in games.
In this interview, we catch up with Game Hub Senegal’s lead game designer and project manager, Marie Pierre Thiam, to discuss her entry into games, alternative career paths, and advice for people looking to break into the industry.
PocketGamer.biz: Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you initially get into the games industry?
Marie Pierre Thiam: I’m a game designer and project manager with years of experience. I recently began creating content focused on video games.
My love for games began at a young age, as I can remember playing Super Mario Bros. with my brother when I was about eight. Later, games like Age of Empires and GTA fascinated me.
I’ve always been curious about how games were made and often dreamed of creating my own. Although I studied mechanical engineering and computer science, my true calling revealed itself when I interned at a company specialising in Serious Games KTM Advance.
“I’ve always been curious about how games were made and often dreamed of creating my own.”
Marie Pierre Thiam
It was as if fate stepped in and that internship opened the doors to game development for me and awakened a passion that had been there all along.
I started building small projects on Pygame and later joined Kayfo Games as a project manager, where I honed my skills in game and level design. Now, I’m the game design lead and project manager at Game Hub Senegal, where I share my knowledge and mentor others.
How did you land the role of lead game designer at Game Hub Senegal?
After my time with Kayfo ended, I took a couple of months to focus on personal projects. Not long after, I was contacted to join Game Hub Senegal. Since then, I’ve been guiding and training young people in game design, helping them structure and develop their projects. I find it incredibly fulfilling to nurture young talent and see the passion in their eyes.
I’m also helping to foster the video games ecosystem in Senegal, organising activities and ensuring Senegal’s presence in the African games industry. This role allows me to merge my passion for games with my dedication to uplifting the industry in West Africa.
Why a career in games? And if not games, what would you have been doing?
A career in games is my passion. I’ve always wanted to see more accurate and inspiring representation of women in games – I often say I want to “dress” female characters. And my biggest dream is to create a game that becomes a global success, showing the world the immense talent in Africa.
If I didn’t have a role in games, I’d still be in a creative and tech-driven field, using my skills to inspire and empower young people.
As someone with a diverse background in computer science, mechanical engineering, and game design, how do you balance your career between these fields?
I dedicate about 80% of my time to the games industry, but I also run Ashita, my organisation, where we provide workshops on robotics, game programming, digital art, AI, and mechanics for children aged six to 18.
For me, it’s about finding synergy between these fields and channelling my skills into areas that inspire and empower the next generation.
What’s your day-to-day like in your current role? Do you have a go-to ritual before stepping into the office?
My day-to-day is a mix of creativity, mentorship, and planning. I start each day with gratitude, which keeps me grounded and motivated. At the Game Hub, I’m known as the “fun manager” as I’m always there for the young people, and they even call me the “Badjene of the Game Hub.”
In Senegalese culture, “Badjene” is the sister of your father, the person you can always confide in and who is always there for you. I’m approachable and bring positive energy, always arriving with a smile no matter the situation.
Talk to us about your initiative to introduce African children to science and technology through robotics with Ashita. How has the response been so far?
Ashita has been a journey of heart and hope. The response from the children and their parents has been overwhelmingly positive. We see so much excitement and curiosity, and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch young minds discover their talents in technology.
The goal is to provide African children with the tools and confidence to dream big and see themselves as future leaders in tech, video games, and beyond.
As an advocate for better representation of women in games, what challenges do you feel women in West Africa face when breaking into the industry?
Women in West Africa face many challenges in the game industry, from limited access to education and mentorship to cultural expectations and a lack of representation.
“”Lingeer” means queen in Wolof, and the goal is to inspire women to pursue their passion in video games.”
Marie Pierre Thiam
I’ve tried to tackle some of these issues by founding Lingeer Gaming, an association that brings together female games enthusiasts to create a supportive network and promote better representation of women in games.
“Lingeer” means queen in Wolof, and the goal is to inspire women to pursue their passion in video games.
Through my work and the content I post, I aim to be a role model, showing women that there’s a place for us in the industry. I’m not someone special, and I’ve gone through my own struggles, but seeing someone like me here can give others the confidence that they can make it too. I face many challenges. It’s definitely not easy. Yet, I believe in the power of resilience and staying dedicated.
Have there been any particularly big highlights or something you’re most proud of so far in your career?
One of my proudest achievements is proving to myself and others that following my passion was the right decision.
When I left behind the many mechanical engineering opportunities to pursue a career in game development, I faced a lot of scepticism and even ridicule. People told me I was crazy for giving up a stable path for something as unconventional as making games. They thought I would regret it one day.
But here I am, Alhamdulillah, excelling in what I love, travelling the world, representing Senegal on international stages, and inspiring others. It’s a source of pride for me and my family, who have always supported my choices. Seeing how far I’ve come is a validation of that decision, and it reminds me every day that pursuing my dreams is worthwhile.
Can you share with us the emerging trends or innovations you are most excited about in the future of African game development?
I’m thrilled about the potential for African storytelling in games. We have so many rich narratives, cultures, and histories that the world has yet to experience.
Also, as technology advances, I see opportunities for virtual and augmented reality to bring African stories to life in immersive ways. The future holds endless possibilities for African game development, and I’m excited to be a part of it.
Do you have any advice for people pursuing a career in game development, as well as for people who have been laid off or are struggling with work?
To anyone starting in game development, be patient and stay curious. The path is challenging, but if you keep pushing and learning, you’ll find your way.
For those facing tough times, know that resilience and adaptability are key. Use setbacks as opportunities to grow, and never be afraid to ask for help or seek out mentors. The video games community is stronger together.
Are there any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about? What can we look forward to from you?
Right now, I’m working on something big, a project I’m incredibly excited about that’s set to launch around mid-to-late 2025.
I can’t reveal too much yet, but it’s games industry related and it’s going to be something special. I’m pouring a lot of passion into this, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone when the time comes.
