Team Sankofa Wins Student Category at MTN DigiFest 2026 Game Developer Championship
Isaac Appiah-Quansah and Derrick Makafui Zevor, from the Department of Computer Science, KNUST, competing as Team Sankofa, have won the student category of the MTN DigiFest Game Developer Championship with a puzzle game that combines problem-solving with storytelling.
The duo emerged winners after advancing to the final stage of the competition, where five finalist teams in the student category showcased their games to a panel of judges. The championship featured two categories: a student division for university developers and an industry division for developers showcasing games already on the market.
Team Sankofa’s winning entry is a daily puzzle game that combines problem-solving with storytelling. Designed to offer players a relaxing but meaningful experience, the game allows users to unlock stories by solving puzzles.
The game features nine categories, covering themes such as nature, tourism, food and sports. Its homepage is designed as a map through which players progress as they complete daily puzzles.
A key feature is its multiplayer element, which allows users to challenge friends to puzzle races. Players select a puzzle and compete to solve it first, adding a social dimension to a genre often dominated by single-player experiences.
The game also includes an Explorer section, where users can access additional puzzles beyond the daily challenge, and a library for storing unlocked stories. Players can share these stories across social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Snapchat.
The developers said the social feature was central to their design, as they wanted to create a game that connects players while maintaining the fun and relaxing nature of puzzle-solving.
As winners of the student category, the team received a MacBook Pro laptop, vouchers and food packages. They are also expected to benefit from further training and a boot camp to refine their skills and develop the game further.
The team said feedback and recommendations from the judges would guide improvements to the game as they work towards introducing additional features and enhancing the overall player experience.
Their achievement highlights the creative and technical capabilities of students in the Department of Computer Science and the potential of student-led game development to produce interactive digital products that combine technology, storytelling and social engagement.