1.Hi Tehillah, what’s your background and what has been your career?
“Yes and no—mostly because other things have been happening in my life, like music and artistry. I consider myself more of a storyteller than a coder, but technology has always been an integral part of my life. I started interacting with tech from a very young age, and most of my skills have been self-taught. Of course, some additional skills were also learned during my time in college.”
2.You could have worked on literally anything else, why mobile games specifically? (How did you end up in games)
“I’ve always loved video games. I started playing them at around the age of five and fell in love with them instantly. When the time came for me to figure out how to merge my passion for storytelling, my interest in art, and my love for technology, games naturally became the ultimate medium for me to express myself. They offered me a way to make my mark on the world.
At the time I started exploring technology, games weren’t as common, especially in my environment. Most people played Western-developed games, and gaming from home wasn’t yet widespread. For me, it became not just a creative outlet but also an opportunity to share my story and leave a lasting impact.”
3.How do you come up with ideas on the games to build? (tools, time and resources used)
“My biggest inspiration for the games we create at Asili Entertainment is life itself—particularly the common Kenyan experience and the desire to tell fresh, unique stories. Most of our game ideas stem from real, relatable experiences. When it comes to resources, it’s often about going out, observing our environment, and figuring out how to transform some of life’s simplest moments into meaningful, enjoyable gameplay.
The ideation phase of development takes time, as we focus on crafting a solid core idea. Once that’s in place, the rest of the development process becomes much smoother. However, there’s still the challenge of determining the right mechanics, incorporating real-world elements, and designing the necessary art for the game. These steps require significant effort and investment. Despite the challenges, every completed game feels like a major achievement, and we’re always proud of the result.”
4.Which is your most successful game and how did it come about?
“My most successful game? Mahn,that’s a tough choice! Let me highlight two pivotal ones.
On a personal level, it would be Lemuani: The Desert Archer. This game tells the story of a Maasai herdsman who faces challenges ranging from cattle rustlers from a neighboring, warring tribe to unexpected supernatural encounters. What made Lemuani stand out was its unique portrayal of Maasai culture and its protagonist’s use of archery—something unconventional for his tribe. The game’s success surprised me, as I didn’t expect it to resonate as widely as it did. It solidified my name in the industry and showed the potential of storytelling through games.
For Asili Entertainment, the standout game is Ugali Sosa. This game was truly a milestone for us—it marked the beginning of Asili Entertainment as we know it today. It was the result of a successful collaboration and great synergy between me and Shem. Ugali Sosa became a defining moment for the studio and proved how teamwork can bring incredible ideas to life.”
5.What are some challenges that you have faced and how did you overcome them?
“A significant challenge for game development in Africa is the lack of resources. The only way to create something long-lasting and worthwhile with limited means is through collaboration. That’s why I love the idea behind Asili Entertainment so much—it’s about working together to bridge gaps, build on each other’s strengths, and grow the industry collectively.
As a storyteller, my biggest challenge was finding a way to translate my stories effectively into the medium of gaming. For a long time, I struggled to do it alone. Eventually, I realized that collaboration was essential for growth. However, finding like-minded people willing to collaborate wasn’t easy, as the industry often feels closed off, with many solo developers believing they can handle everything on their own. This made it increasingly difficult to find partners to work with.
That changed when I started collaborating with Shem. Together, we broke through some of those barriers, proving the value of teamwork in an industry that often leans toward individualism. I often speak openly about these challenges in the industry because I believe addressing them is key to fostering a more connected and thriving gaming community.”
6.Financially/user acquisition wise how did your most successful game do?
“Lemuani: The Desert Archer eventually—and somewhat unexpectedly—generated about 16k. This was a significant milestone for me, especially since it happened long before the founding of Asili Entertainment. The success of Lemuani not only provided validation for my work but also helped lay the foundation for what would eventually become my journey into game development with Asili.”
7. What is something that you have had to do to survive as a mobile games company in Africa? (funding, mergers, acquisitions…)
“Mergers were the way forward! Together, we achieved far more than any of us could have done individually. To truly stand out, we embraced a new identity, combined our expertise, and essentially rewrote our story in the industry. The results? Tremendous success and widespread acclaim that solidified our place in the field.”
8.What are some of the mistakes you’ve made as a founder and game developer?
“One mistake I made as a game developer starting out was focusing too much on the competition. Instead of concentrating on my own craft and shaping it according to my vision, I spent valuable time comparing myself to others. This approach cost me both time and, potentially, a lot of money in the process.
As a founder, another major challenge was entering the industry at a young age with limited experience. I didn’t take enough time to learn the essential skills I needed while on the job, which led to some costly mistakes along the way. These lessons, though hard-earned, have shaped my approach and made me more deliberate about growth and development.”
9.What are some of your future plans?
“Future plans? Simply to solidify our position in the industry until our brand becomes synonymous with relatable, powerful, and fun gaming experiences! We aim to create games that leave a lasting impression while continuing to push the boundaries of storytelling and innovation.”
10.If you had the chance to do things differently, what would you do?
“Despite the challenges I encountered while starting in the industry and the time it took to reach where I am now, I wouldn’t change a thing. The only advice I’d give to my younger self would be to take my craft more seriously, especially in the early stages, and to focus on building more relationships and collaborations along the way. Those connections and a deeper focus on my craft would have accelerated my growth and learning in the industry.
11.Where can people go to know more about you and your work?
“Asili Entertainment’s work is available on the Google Play Store, and you can discover more through our landing page at asili.carrd.co.
You can also find everything I do by searching my name on Google or visiting tehillahkachila.carrd.co.“
<Bonus Question>
Getting personal, what does success look like to you as an individual and at what point would you say you have achieved said success?
“Success for me is, while living comfortably, my story has been told and people enjoy what I make. More importantly, that I can make a living from my creativity. In a sense, I’m halfway there, I’m on the right path towards achieving this dream.”
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