Anas wins global award for game-based investigative journalism

Undercover journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, has clinched a major international award for a pioneering project that merges investigative journalism with gaming.

The accolade was presented at the Floodlight Gaming Connects Investigative Reporting event, where Anas’s interactive storytelling platform stood out among entries from across the world.

Speaking after receiving the award, Anas indicated the recognition was not just personal but symbolic.

“Our investigations have always been about impact, about making sure truth cannot be ignored. With this project, we’re showing that truth can also be experienced, played and lived. Winning this award is proof that the world is ready for journalism without borders,” he said.

The project transforms real-life investigations, from corruption exposés to environmental crimes, into immersive gaming experiences that allow players to take on the role of a journalist, make critical decisions and confront ethical dilemmas in real time.

Rather than simply reading or watching reports, users are invited to live the story, navigating missions inspired by actual undercover operations.

Backed by global media networks and sponsors including the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), the initiative has been described as a bold leap into the future of reporting.

OCCRP commended Anas for pushing the boundaries of storytelling, saying the project proves that technology and truth can work hand in hand to inspire accountability.

Other partners, including media innovation labs, human rights funders and digital storytelling organisations, also contributed to the development..

Event judges called the project visionary and transformative, noting its potential to spark civic awareness while preserving the core values of investigative reporting.

The blend of entertainment and accountability, they said, offers a fresh way to keep journalism alive and impactful.