Abubakar Salim, renowned actor and voice of Bayek in Assassin’s Creed Origins, has been keeping a secret. In addition to his acting career, Salim has been developing an action-adventure platformer called Tales of Kenzera: ZAU under his own media company, Surgent Studios. The game, set to be published by EA Originals, follows the journey of a young hero named Zau who bargains with the God of Death to bring his father back to life. This article delves into the unique narrative and development process behind Tales of Kenzera, shedding light on the personal experiences that shaped the game.
Salim’s personal experience with grief after losing his father played a significant role in shaping the narrative of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU. He wanted to share his own journey and emotions with the world, believing that the game medium would be the most effective way to do so. Drawing inspiration from his own ideas and consulting with friends in the games industry, including Josef Fares of Hazelight Studios and a friend working for EA, Salim pitched the concept and successfully secured a publishing deal.
At the core of Salim’s work is a deep love for storytelling, instilled in him by his father. He recognized the power of stories to evoke emotions and create connections with others. This passion for storytelling evolved over time, especially through his involvement in the gaming industry. As an actor, Salim has always championed storytelling as a means of conveying powerful narratives rather than focusing solely on aesthetics. These values inspired Salim to create a game that not only tells a story but also gives players agency to navigate their own emotional journey.
Despite the heavy themes of grief present in Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, the game aims to be more than just a somber experience. Salim emphasizes that players will not be instantly cured of grief by playing the game. Instead, it seeks to celebrate the love and memories associated with lost loved ones. Salim references a quote from the TV show WandaVision, where a character states, “What is grief but love persevering?” This sentiment captures the essence of the game, which blends colorful and vibrant visuals with fast-paced action and kinetic movement.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU draws inspiration from Bantu mythology, particularly the stories Salim’s father passed down to him. During his time filming Raised by Wolves in South Africa, Salim was exposed to a variety of cultures and stories, which further fueled his fascination with mythology. Bantu mythology resonated with him, offering a unique perspective that he wanted to explore within the game. The inclusion of Bantu mythology is not meant to be purely educational but rather a celebration and playful exploration of a rich cultural tradition.
Salim consciously chose to tell Zau’s story through a video game medium rather than film, despite his established reputation as an actor. The interactive nature of video games allows players to become active participants in the experience, delving deeper into the journey of grief and discovering tools and abilities along the way. Salim also pays homage to the side-scroller games he played with his father, infusing aspects of that genre into Tales of Kenzera: ZAU.
One of the goals of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is to break free from traditional narratives surrounding grief. Salim believes that grief is a messy and chaotic experience, not limited to sadness and weightiness. He wanted to present a more nuanced perspective, showcasing the various elements that grief can encompass, including relief and confusion. Surgent Studios prioritizes honesty in their storytelling, reflecting the personal experiences of the team and conveying a greater human truth.
For Salim, the development of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU has been a deeply personal and surreal journey. Sharing his own vulnerabilities and love for his late father was a crucial part of the creative process. However, Salim emphasizes that the story told in the game is separate from his own experiences and takes on a life of its own. As the world eagerly awaits the release of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, Salim is still processing the magnitude of this project, especially as it is unveiled at The Game Awards 2023.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is not just a simple action-adventure platformer. It is an emotionally driven game that draws inspiration from personal experiences, Bantu mythology, and the power of interactive storytelling. Abubakar Salim’s journey as both an actor and a game developer has led him to create a unique and heartfelt gaming experience. The game’s vibrant visuals, fast-paced combat, and exploration of grief demonstrate that Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is poised to be a truly memorable and impactful addition to the gaming world.
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