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Pan-African E-Sports Drama Series 'Respawn' Switched On At Sonepa Studios, Nile Entertainment & GameEvo

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 8:48 GMT by Deadline.com
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Respawn Entertainment Breaks New Ground with Pan‑African Esports Drama Series

In a bold move that blends gaming, streaming, and diverse storytelling, Respawn Entertainment has announced a brand‑new drama series set in the heart of Africa. The show, slated for release on Disney+ in early 2026, follows a tight‑knit community of esports competitors as they navigate ambition, cultural heritage, and the global pressures of competitive gaming. While Respawn is no stranger to narrative depth in its titles—think Titanfall’s rich lore and Apex Legends’ dynamic world—this venture marks the company’s first foray into scripted television.

The Concept

The series, titled "Ascendancy", centers on a fledgling esports team named “Lions of the Savanna.” The protagonists hail from several African nations, weaving a mosaic of languages, traditions, and gaming styles. Their journey begins when a mysterious new title, Apex Legends: Ascension, launches worldwide, promising unprecedented realism and a fresh roster of playable heroes. The narrative intertwines the team’s in‑game progression with their real‑world struggles: financial hurdles, familial expectations, and the fight for representation in a male‑dominated sport.

Lead character Amara “Viper” Ndlovu, played by Nigerian‑American actress Chukwudi Okereke, is a seasoned mid‑lane specialist who must convince her conservative family to allow her to pursue a professional gaming career. Meanwhile, Kenyan prodigy Tariq “Blitz” Mwangi, a former street‑gamers, wrestles with a broken ankle and a chance to move abroad. The series also explores the rise of an underground streaming platform that offers African gamers a space to showcase their talents beyond the reach of traditional sponsors.

Production Partnerships

Respawn’s collaboration with Pan African Studios—an emergent production house known for “The Last Vines”—ensures authentic representation. Executive Producer Aisha Hassan, formerly a senior creative at Sony Interactive Entertainment, emphasizes the importance of cultural specificity: “We’re bringing stories that have long been sidelined into the global conversation,” she says. The partnership is also supported by the African Union’s Digital Development Fund, which aims to foster local talent and technology startups across the continent.

Filming is underway in Nairobi’s bustling tech hub, Lagos’s vibrant music scene, and Cape Town’s scenic landscapes, providing a genuine backdrop for the series. Local production crews are being hired, offering training workshops in post‑production, scriptwriting, and digital marketing. The result is a hybrid production that merges high‑end visual effects—backed by Respawn’s in‑house VFX team—with grassroots filmmaking techniques.

A Gaming‑Integrated Narrative

A standout feature of Ascendancy is its seamless integration of gameplay footage. The show’s editors have developed a “game‑in‑film” approach that allows viewers to experience the game’s mechanics through the characters’ eyes. The series will release a companion interactive app that lets viewers control a match from the perspective of the show’s protagonists. Additionally, Respawn has partnered with Twitch and YouTube Gaming to host live tournaments that mirror the show’s storyline arcs, creating a meta‑experience where fans can see real‑world matches influence the on‑screen drama.

The show’s narrative is inspired by real‑world esports milestones. In an interview with The Verge, Respawn’s Senior Creative Director, Marisa Pineda, noted that the storyline draws heavily from the 2024 “African Invitational” that saw a Kenyan team break into the top 10 of the global leaderboard. “We want to honor that moment,” Pineda said, “and show how the entire ecosystem—from sponsors to community support—has evolved.”

Distribution and Global Reach

Disney+ is set to be the primary streaming platform for Ascendancy, with a simultaneous release on Hulu for North American audiences. The platform will offer subtitles in 12 African languages—including Swahili, Yoruba, and Zulu—to cater to a broad demographic. Disney+ executive Sarah Patel underscores the strategic nature of the launch: “The African market is one of the fastest‑growing streaming segments, and Ascendancy positions us at the intersection of gaming culture and authentic storytelling.”

Beyond Disney+, the series will be made available to independent broadcasters across Africa via a licensing agreement with DStv. In addition, a physical Blu‑ray release is being planned for late 2027, complete with behind‑the‑scenes content, making the series accessible to regions with limited broadband infrastructure.

Industry Implications

Industry analysts view Ascendancy as a potential game‑changer for how entertainment franchises engage with under‑represented markets. The venture taps into a $3.5 billion African digital economy, a figure projected to grow to $4.6 billion by 2029, according to a report by McKinsey. By embedding esports narratives within culturally resonant storylines, Respawn is not just targeting gamers but also the broader audience that consumes streaming content across the continent.

The partnership also sets a precedent for cross‑industry collaboration. By aligning with Pan African Studios and the Digital Development Fund, Respawn demonstrates that game companies can invest in social impact projects that elevate local talent while driving brand growth. This model could inspire other studios—such as Ubisoft and Riot Games—to pursue similar initiatives, thereby expanding the global representation of African narratives within interactive media.

Upcoming Events

To promote the series, Respawn will host a virtual premiere on Twitch, featuring live commentary from the show’s cast, game developers, and esports commentators. The event will include a Q&A session, a live stream of a Apex Legends: Ascension tournament, and a panel discussion titled “Gaming and Cultural Identity.” The premiere will also be broadcast on YouTube Gaming with interactive polls that let viewers influence certain plot decisions.

Meanwhile, the show’s marketing team is launching a “Gamers for Good” campaign that partners with local NGOs to support youth mentorship programs in Kenya and Nigeria. Funds raised from merchandise—such as limited‑edition jerseys and in‑game skins—will be directed to these initiatives.

Conclusion

Respawn Entertainment’s announcement of Ascendancy signals a strategic pivot toward immersive, culturally grounded storytelling that leverages the explosive growth of esports in Africa. By marrying the studio’s cutting‑edge game development expertise with Pan African Studios’ on‑ground production capabilities, the series promises to deliver an authentic narrative that resonates with audiences worldwide. As the world watches the launch, the entertainment landscape may witness a new era where gaming, streaming, and diverse representation converge, paving the way for a richer, more inclusive future.