A pair of pioneering game developers from Tunisia are set to put North African indie gaming on the global map. Sinister Scripts Studios, founded in 2023 by Inès Barkaoui and Rihab Bejaoui, has the distinction of being Tunisia’s first female-led independent game studio. Now, they’re gearing up to reveal their debut project – a survival-horror game titled Alienated; at the world’s biggest gaming fair, Gamescom, this August.
 

This marks the first time a Tunisian female-led team will showcase at Gamescom, reflecting a broader rise in African game development talent on the international stage. The duo announced via social media that they’ll be presenting Alienated at the SwissGames booth, expressing excitement to connect with players and industry peers from around the globe.
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The Full Scoop

Sinister Scripts Studios’ story is inspiring a wave of optimism for women in Africa’s gaming industry. Co-founders Inès Barkaoui and Rihab Bejaoui established the studio in Tunis two years ago, venturing into a field where female-led teams are extremely rare. They have been quietly developing Alienated, a horror/survival game powered by Unreal Engine, and keeping details largely under wraps. Now, anticipation is building as the team prepares to unveil the game publicly for the first time at Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany – one of the premier gaming conventions worldwide.

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According to Sinister Scripts, Alienated will be showcased as part of the SwissGames pavilion, which often features up-and-coming studios and international collaborations. “Catch us at the SwissGames booth, where we’ll be showing off Alienated, meeting players, and connecting with amazing people from across the industry,” the founders shared enthusiastically. This opportunity came about with support from industry programs that aim to elevate emerging-market creators. For the Tunisian duo, it’s a chance to gain feedback from a global audience and potentially attract publishers or investors to help bring their game to market. As a PC title still in development with no announced release date, Alienated could benefit greatly from the exposure and networking that a Gamescom appearance provides.

The significance of this moment isn’t lost on observers. Tunisia’s game development scene is still nascent, and Sinister Scripts is blazing a trail. By being the first female-led studio in their country, Barkaoui and Bejaoui are challenging norms and inspiring other women gamers to pursue careers in game creation. Across Africa, women remain underrepresented in game development, making this achievement particularly noteworthy. The studio’s focus on the horror-survival genre – a genre not commonly produced in Africa – also showcases the growing diversity of content coming from the continent.

Local gaming communities and regional organizations have rallied behind Sinister Scripts. Their journey from a small start-up to an international showcase spot illustrates the increasing support for African developers. Industry events in Africa, like Lagos Games Week and Africa Games Week, have been emphasizing themes of “African Talent, Global Markets,” and Sinister Scripts embodies exactly that spirit. Their presence at Gamescom will follow other recent success stories of African studios gaining global attention. For example, Cameroon’s Kiro’o Games and Ghana’s Leti Arts have garnered international notice for their culturally rich games. Now, a Tunisian studio led by women is stepping onto the world stage, underscoring that talent from Africa – and from women creators – is making its mark.
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What this means for the industry

Sinister Scripts’ upcoming Gamescom debut highlights the broader growth of Africa’s gaming ecosystem and the push for inclusivity within it. Africa is currently the fastest-growing gaming market in the world, buoyed by a huge youth population and expanding internet access. As the industry blossoms, there’s a concerted effort to ensure that growth includes diverse voices – including female developers and underrepresented regions. The fact that a North African female-led studio will present at a major international event is a positive sign of progress. It sends a message that opportunities in game development are expanding beyond traditional hubs, reaching into new corners of the globe.

Platforms like Gamescom can be game-changers for indie developers. For African studios, appearing there helps forge connections with global publishers, technology partners, and mentors that can accelerate their projects. It also gives them visibility to media and gamers worldwide, which can translate into fan support and even funding. By showcasing Alienated internationally, Sinister Scripts might attract collaborations that were previously out of reach. The experience gained can be shared with the community back home, potentially uplifting other aspiring developers in Tunisia and across Africa.

From an industry standpoint, these developments are crucial. Africa’s gaming market was valued at around $1.8 billion in 2024 and is on a strong growth trajectory. However, growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s also about building a sustainable ecosystem. Initiatives like GamesConnect AFRICA and the Pan Africa Gaming Group have emphasized mentorship, funding, and global exposure for African studios. The success of teams like Sinister Scripts is a tangible outcome of such efforts to build and unite Africa’s gaming community. Moreover, increasing representation of African and female creators on the world stage can inspire a new generation. When players and developers see people who look like them succeeding, it lowers psychological barriers to entry.

Lastly, Sinister Scripts’ journey underlines the importance of content diversity. Their game Alienated isn’t necessarily about African folklore or themes; it’s a horror title that could appeal to gamers anywhere. This shows that African developers are not limited to local stories; they are capable of innovating across genres. As the global industry seeks fresh ideas, tapping into creators from Africa brings in new perspectives and creativity. This cross-pollination can lead to games that surprise and delight international audiences, while also giving African talent a rightful place in the worldwide gaming arena.

Final Notes

The rise of Sinister Scripts Studios is a milestone for Tunisia and a beacon for women in games across Africa. With Alienated set to be unveiled at Gamescom 2025, Barkaoui and Bejaoui have demonstrated that passion and determination can carve out space even in a male-dominated industry. Their story encapsulates a broader trend: African game development is coming into its own, one breakthrough at a time. As they step onto the Gamescom floor, the team carries not just their personal dreams but also the aspirations of many budding African developers hoping to follow in their footsteps. In conclusion, Sinister Scripts’ Gamescom showcase is more than just a game reveal; it’s a victory for representation and a sign of Africa’s growing footprint in the gaming world. Their success will likely encourage more studios from Tunisia to Nigeria to Kenya to reach for global opportunities, further uniting Africa’s gaming community and proving that great games can come from anyone and anywhere.