Matatu crash game: Bringing Kenyan street life to the gaming world
If you’ve ever taken a ride on a Kenyan Matatu, you know it’s not just transportation, it’s an adventure. From the booming music and graffiti-style paintwork to the cheeky slogans pasted on the back, Matatus are a celebration of street culture, creativity, and hustle.
Now imagine capturing all that energy in a game. That’s exactly what Shacks Evolution Studios has done with its latest Matatu crash game variation, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about innovations in the African gaming scene.
Speaking with SiGMA News, Shacks Evolution Studios’ CEO, Ayofemi Panshack, delved into what the inspiration was behind the Matatu crash game.
SiGMA: What inspired Shacks Evolution Studios to create a Matatu crash game that reflects Kenyan street culture?
Ayofemi: Shacks Evolution Studios has always been a brand that prioritises localisation of products for the African market. The apple did not fall far from the tree. It was only ideal that when we came into the retail market space, it would be with a localised product. Matatus are a core part of every average Kenyan’s life; it’s very relatable to everyone. The culture of the Matatus itself and its differentiation from an average bus used for transportation is a highlight on its own. From the vibrant colours to the music and fun that happens in it, it was a no-brainer. We wanted to enter the market with something unique, and this was our point of entry.
From the streets to the screen
Matatus are woven into the fabric of Kenyan society. They’re loud, they’re flashy, and they’re unforgettable. Shacks Evolution’s crash game takes this everyday icon and transforms it into an entertainment experience players can engage with anytime, anywhere.
The new variation is designed to be even more exciting than the original. Players can now choose from six vibrant Matatu designs, each inspired by real-life vehicles. The game mirrors the unpredictability of a Matatu ride, fast, thrilling, and full of personality.
SiGMA: How does the game incorporate authentic elements like graffiti art and slogans to enhance the player experience?
Ayofemi: The Graffiti is core, and it makes it stand out. We were able to do a couple of these and introduce them into the game. What we did was also to add 4 additional vehicle types, such as Chap Chap, Boda, Nganya and Tuk-tuk, to make it more engaging for other regions in Kenya who are familiar with these vehicle types as means of transportation.
More than just a game
What makes this launch special is how it blends lifestyle and gaming. Matatu isn’t just about numbers and multipliers. It’s about feeling the vibe. The graffiti art, the colour explosions, the slogans like “No Size” or “Time No Dey”, all these elements remind players of their daily encounters on Kenyan streets.
For many, it feels less like playing a casino game and more like reliving a cultural moment. That’s a huge shift in how gaming can be experienced in Africa.
SiGMA: In what ways do you see localised games like Matatu transforming the African gaming industry and connecting with local audiences?
Ayofemi: Localisation is key as we have so many different cultures in Africa, and adapting to each one is a step in the right direction. As a pioneer of African gaming, we always want to position ourselves towards giving the players what they can relate to at each point in time. They yearn for closeness and connectivity to their roots, and we are trying to give them that.
Part of a bigger picture
Matatu is also part of a broader strategy by Shacks Evolution Studios to bring localised games to every corner of Africa.
SiGMA: What are your plans for expanding this concept to include other African-oriented icons and cultural symbols like Kenya’s Matatu, Nigeria’s Busly, Ghana’s Tro-Tro, and Ethiopia’s LaDa?
Ayofemi: As we have launched Matatu in Kenya, we have also launched several variations of this in other markets. Tro-Tro in Ghana, Busly in Nigeria and Lada in Ethiopia. We didn’t want to make a one-size-fits-all game, so we localised each one for each market. You will find different vehicles and different environments which relate to the people of each country in each game version.
Lifestyle meets technology
For today’s players, entertainment is not just about winning; it’s about experience. By infusing gaming with culture, Shacks Evolution has made Matatu part of Kenyan lifestyle storytelling.
The game is an extension of what people already know and love, making it instantly relatable.
Operators are also excited because localised games like Matatu give them new ways to connect with audiences. With customisations ready in just three days, the game is designed to fit seamlessly into different platforms.
