Meet David Olamide | CTO | Lead Gameplay Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Olamide and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I founded a gaming company in Nigeria because I recognized a significant demand for African stories and lore in the global gaming industry. Feeling compelled to address this gap, my co-founders and I carefully examined the processes and structures prevalent in established game studios. We sought to incorporate these practices early on, with the primary objective of assembling a strong team to develop high-quality products. This fundamental goal remains unchanged. Planning for long-term success has been an integral aspect of our approach. I embrace the philosophy that multiple small failures and wins (experiments) are stepping stones toward achieving significant success, and I am not afraid of facing challenges along the way.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Running a game studio is undoubtedly a Herculean task, particularly in this part of the world, Africa. The dedication and discipline to consistently learn, unlearn, and relearn have been crucial. I’ve delved deeply into understanding leadership and business operations, skills that have played a pivotal role in achieving our current results. I take pride in the world-class team we’ve assembled, capable of overcoming any challenges, and the ambitious game project we are developing, one of the most ambitious on the continent.

Getting to where I am today is a testament to God’s grace and the consistent efforts I’ve invested over the years. Over the past five years, I dedicated myself to honing my skills in game development, a journey that is far from easy. Standing here today, armed with a wealth of experiences, is the result of the sacrifices made to navigate the intricacies of this field. Relying on industry mentors who faced challenges similar to mine and heeding their advice has been instrumental. My unwavering commitment to finding solutions to problems has also been a key factor, as I firmly believe that no problem is insurmountable.

I’ve gathered numerous lessons along the way, with a standout realization that there’s no limit to what one can learn and know in this world. The importance of consuming a wealth of knowledge cannot be overstated, and building strong networks within your field is equally crucial. Collaboration and connections with others are indispensable in any journey.

What I want the world to know is that, alongside my team at Dimension11 Studios, we are crafting an experience that will transcend our lifetimes, making a lasting impact on the African games industry. Our unique story is something we tirelessly work to share with the world, driven by a vision to leave an indelible mark in the history of African gaming.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I tend to be more of an indoor person, and since I’m passionate about video games, that would be a significant part of our time. Additionally, I enjoy cooking, so we could prepare a delightful meal together. Exploring local African cuisine would be a highlight, and I’d recommend some excellent restaurants for that experience. For added excitement, there are game arenas featuring activities such as paintball, basketball, and VR, which would make for a fantastic starting point.

I have friends in the area, and it would be great to pay them a visit for a fun hangout, perhaps with some games involved. If we’re in the mood for some cultural exploration, there are notable landmarks like museums, mountains, and art galleries in the vicinity. These places would offer a mix of entertainment and a chance to appreciate the local art and history. This combination of gaming, good food, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences should make for an enjoyable and diverse week-long trip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have a few individuals who have been pivotal to my journey. I initiated this venture during my university days, and I am grateful for the support and influence of colleagues who played significant roles in both my academic and professional pursuits. Special thanks to Mariam Adekola, Onifade Boluwatife, Ademola Tosin, Nwafor Uchechukwu, Bukunmi Ola, and many others.

I also want to express my appreciation to my co-founders at Dimension11 Studios: Ewere Igumbor, Winston Ohunyon, and Akinyemi Akinloluwa. A heartfelt shoutout goes to my family members – Vickie, Esther, Peace, and my beloved Mum. I extend my gratitude to Oguntayo Tolulope for the referral and incredible support provided. Additionally, I’d like to acknowledge and thank the OAU Game Developers Community and Africacomicade Community for the meaningful partnerships and collaborations throughout the years.

Finally, a massive shoutout to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me. Your contributions and support are truly appreciated.

Website: https://davidolamide.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davee_ola/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-olamide

Twitter: https://twitter.com/davee_ola

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUv51L8crtK05VMJD3SfpuA

Image Credits
Credit: Dimension11 Studios (for images that shows Dimension11 on them)