By Margret Mbendela
Local software innovator Steve Chikwiri has launched a new mobile game application, 265 Charades, aimed at digitising and preserving Malawian heritage through interactive entertainment.
The game incorporates Malawian traditions, local celebrities and iconic landmarks, offering a homegrown alternative to Western-centric mobile games.
Chikwiri told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Monday that the idea was inspired by the popular Western game, 30 Seconds.
He said although the format is engaging, many Malawians struggle to relate to foreign celebrities and cultural references featured in international versions.
“That gap inspired me to create this app.
I wondered why influential local figures like Gwamba, Richbaby, Prophet Bushiri, and Qanary were absent from these global games,” observed Chikwiri, adding, “This is about creating something that resonates with us.”The game is designed for pairs or groups, where one participant holds a phone above their forehead while teammates give clues for the word displayed on the screen within a set time limit.
Since its launch two months ago, 265 Charades has recorded over 5,000 downloads.
Chikwiri said the milestone demonstrates the commercial potential of culturally relevant digital content.
“The response shows how important culture is for commercial purposes,” he added, while appealing for corporate partnerships to help scale up the project.
Joy Mazizwa, a frequent user of the app, praised the innovation for its educational value, particularly the “People” category.
“Everything genuinely felt like home. My friends and I were instantly drawn to it,” said Mazizwa.
She, however, noted that as the user base grows, there is need to add more categories and extend the duration of play to meet increasing demand.
Another user, Chisomo Phiri, encouraged Malawians to download the app, which is currently available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
