We are delighted to announce that Kamata, our latest game from STEMtoto Studio, will be featured at Feminine Play and the GCAP Local Lounge during Melbourne Games Week 2024. This special occasion allows us to share our vision for a game designed with young girl gamers in mind, set against the backdrop of the Swahili coast.

Learn more about Kamata here!

A Cozy Adventure with a Purpose

Kamata is a cozy narrative-driven adventure. The game showcases the vibrant, tropical aesthetics of the Swahili coast, transporting players to the sun-soaked island of Zimzemba. At the heart of this experience is Nia, a strong and determined protagonist who embodies the spirit of empowerment and resilience. She's on a mission to save her island from a growing pollution crisis. Uncover the secrets behind the trash taking over Zimzemba. Nia's fighting for her home while also rallying her community to protect their shared future.

Embracing Inclusive Narratives and Worldbuilding

In creating Kamata, we aimed to weave inclusive narratives that encourage players to engage with a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. The game places a strong emphasis on power and representation, spotlighting the voices of young girls in African communities who are often underrepresented in the gaming world. By featuring a female lead who confronts significant issues affecting her community's future—both on personal and corporate levels—we address crucial power imbalances and hopefully promote discussions about the intersection of individual and community approaches to the disproportionate burden of climate change.

Here's a Preview of Game Play So Far

Join Us at Melbourne Games Week

We invite you to experience Kamata at Feminine Play and the GCAP Local Lounge.

Feminine Play

Location
St Kilda Town Hall
99A Carlisle Street St Kilda, VIC 3182

Feminine play draws on Stephanie Harkin’s research on feminine games and play cultures. feminine play has been overshadowed by traditional thinking that pairs games with boyhood, competition and violence. Curated works for this exhibition reimagine games and play. It accounts for the feminine experiences and perspectives that have gone unnoticed. 

The exhibition features thoughtful games, archival materials from the NFSA and ACMI, and playful creative works from Australia and New Zealand. Visitors to the space are invited into a meaningful dialogue around gender, culture, and games. 

Feminine Play is part of Melbourne International Games Week and is supported by the City of Port Phillip, RMIT, University of Melbourne and Monash University.

GCAP Local Lounge

Location
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
1 Convention Centre Place South Wharf, VIC 3006

The GCAP (Game Connect Asia Pacific) Local Lounge is a vibrant, community-focused segment of Australia's premier game development conference. It offers a unique platform for local developers, indie studios, and emerging talent to showcase their work, connect with peers, and engage with industry professionals. The Local Lounge highlights regional creativity and innovation, providing attendees with a relaxed environment to network, share insights, and celebrate the diverse gaming culture in the Asia-Pacific region. It’s an excellent opportunity for showcasing projects, like Kamata, to a broader audience and gaining valuable feedback.

See you there!

These events are fantastic opportunities to celebrate diverse voices in game development and engage with the innovative work being done in the industry. We look forward to sharing Nia’s journey with you and sharing our vision for Kamata (and our work more broadly!)

For more information about Kamata and to stay updated on our journey, visit our website. We can’t wait to connect with you in Melbourne and explore the world of Zimzemba together!