In our exclusive follow-up with Chuka Okechukwu, the founder of East Replica discusses the art of Weaponizing Culture, the storytelling power of rust, and why his hyper-realistic assets are the blueprint for the continent’s gaming future.

In the global library of game assets, "Africa" has often been reduced to a monolith—a collection of generic savannahs, thatched roofs, or "war-torn" cityscapes that could be anywhere and nowhere at once. But for Chuka Okechukwu, the founder of the Nigerian studio East Replica, the devil is in the details. Or more accurately, the devil is in the rust.

East Replica’s work stands out for its grit. In a world of shiny, triple-A polish, Chuka’s assets feel heavy, used, and undeniably local. This is most evident in the 147 Weaponry pack created for Mainland Dogs, an upcoming third-person shooter set in Lagos by Two X and O’s.

The pack features "Awka-made" rifles—locally manufactured firearms that carry the weight of Nigerian craftsmanship. "It’s only right the city is represented authentically in every detail," Chuka tells us. This obsession with detail isn't just for show; it’s a narrative device. "Every object, even if mass-produced, eventually becomes unique by virtue of its lived experience. I represent these experiences on each weapon in the form of weathering, wear and tear, and personal markings."

Perhaps the most ambitious project on the East Replica horizon is the "Lagos Road Network." It is a task that has intimidated many due to the sheer scale and chaotic beauty of the city’s infrastructure.

"That would be the Lagos Road Network," Chuka says, when asked about his dream asset. "Time has been the main barrier, but we recently started work on it this year."

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