In solidarity, Socent Studios is creating a disruptive video game to edutain, inspire, and mobilize prosocial gamers toward peace in Congo. United through an immersive superhero's journey, innovative community tools, and empowered imaginations we can lead toward an end to the deadliest struggle for peace and human dignity since WWII.
Justin Bastian and Fidel Bafilemba, Mount Nyiragongo, Virunga Mountains Stratovolcano, eastern Congo
CONGO PEACE LEADERSHIP
WESTERN ALLIES
SOCENT SOLIDARITY
STRANGER THAN FICTION
One day during nascent Congo research and creative development at Socent Studios Justin Bastian was researching ancient African culture. Through this effort he stumbled onto the symbol and history of the ancient solar god, "Akongo."
As Justin would discover, Akongo represented the universe's creative life force. Though we haven't validated the history or symbol with a scholar, the impact Akongo had on Justin that night was resonate. Reflected in our logo today, Akongo symbolizes both our philosophy and mission at Socent Studios:
As Justin would discover, Akongo represented the universe's creative life force. Though we haven't validated the history or symbol with a scholar, the impact Akongo had on Justin that night was resonate. Reflected in our logo today, Akongo symbolizes both our philosophy and mission at Socent Studios:
- The golden dot in the middle represents you, us, and all that we know.
- The mass surrounding the golden dot represents the universe, our creative potential, and all that we don't know.
- The golden circle encompassing both represents the sacred circle of life, our perpetual journey toward potential, and the mortal destiny that unites us all.
Shortly following Justin's discovery of Akongo, he and Mike Ramsdell would be introduced via chance (Virginia!). As fate would have it this introduction led Justin and Mike on a journey together to eastern DR Congo.
Made possible by Morgan Darwin's and Matt Mondero's early investment into Justin and Socent Studios, Mike led Justin through eastern Congo to listen and learn from the amazing Congolese thought leaders that shaped his award-winning Netflix Congo documentary, When Elephants Fight. Thought leaders such as Mama Justine, Fidel Bafilemba, Amani Matabaro and Rebecca Kabugho.
While in Congo Justin and Mike solidified their brotherhood atop Mount Nyiragongo.
Immediately following their return from the Kivus, Justin dove into updating Socent Studio's venture due diligence. This resulted in Justin introducing our current Socent Studios logo to the team.
Shortly after, Mike texted Justin a picture of the symbol he placed inside the connecting band tattooed to his forearm, years prior. An icon Mike chose to symbolize his all-in determination just prior to making When Elephants Fight for peace in Congo:
Our truth is stranger than fiction.
