How Nigerian game startups are turning Lagos chaos into digital hits

A Berlin-based developer, Opeyemi Adeniran, has turned the chaotic traffic of Lagos into a viral game called Lagos Run. The browser-based endless runner has gained over 20,000 players in just two days, according to Adeniran. Players control a danfo, the iconic yellow public buses of Lagos, navigating through traffic, dodging other vehicles, and picking up passengers.

The game, which brings a digital Lagos to Berlin, uses no login or sign-up, only a non-identifying username for the leaderboard. Adeniran, who moved to Germany from Nigeria, built the game to explore game development and recreate the experience of riding in a danfo in a virtual Lagos. The game's AI-generated graphics and AI-assisted development helped speed up the process.

With Nigeria's gaming industry projected to reach $226.6 million by 2026, Adeniran sees AI as a way to bridge the gap between game ideas and their development. The game has already attracted attention, with players sharing their scores on social media and suggesting new features. Adeniran plans to continue iterating on Lagos Run, taking suggestions from the WhatsApp channel he set up for players.