The African video game industry is on the verge of a significant milestone, with projections indicating that it will surpass $1 billion (Sh130 billion) in revenue for the first time in 2024. This marks a substantial increase from $862 million in 2022, demonstrating a robust growth trajectory that defies the global trend of declining video game activity. This promising outlook was underscored at the recent 2024 Xbox Game Camp Africa, a pivotal event celebrating the burgeoning potential of Africa’s gaming sector.
The Xbox Game Camp Africa, which took place in Johannesburg, South Africa; Casablanca, Morocco; and Nairobi, Kenya, was a hybrid event that brought together industry experts, aspiring game developers, and gaming enthusiasts from across the continent. Hosted at the Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC) in Nairobi, the event featured a series of hands-on workshops and sessions focused on various aspects of game development, including design, storytelling, brand building, and marketing.
Temi Afolabi, the Xbox Global Expansion Team (GXT) lead for Africa and the Middle East, emphasized the significance of the event in a recent statement. “It’s not just about coming to Africa; it’s about immersing ourselves in the incredible talent here and figuring out how we can truly make a difference,” Afolabi said. She highlighted the commitment of Xbox to empower individuals and equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in the gaming industry.
Irene Githinji, Education Engagements Lead at Microsoft ADC, echoed Afolabi’s sentiments, stressing the importance of skills development and training. “The Xbox Game Camp offers a great opportunity for game developers to connect and explore collaborative possibilities,” Githinji noted. She underscored the value of seeing emerging talent and designing initiatives to support the industry’s growth.
The camp’s impact was further highlighted by Melissa Boone, principal Xbox Research manager, who praised the creativity and passion displayed by the participants. “Africa’s gaming industry is on the cusp of something truly remarkable. The creativity and passion we’ve witnessed here are impressive,” Boone said. She reiterated Xbox’s commitment to supporting talented developers and helping them turn their innovative ideas into reality.
Despite the optimism surrounding the industry, African gamers face significant challenges. The Africa Games Developer Survey reveals that approximately 63 percent of local game developers have less than five years of experience. Additionally, many gaming professionals struggle to secure financial backing, with only 19 percent having obtained external investment for their projects.
Esteban Lora, a gaming technology expert at Xbox Game Studios, highlighted the broader implications of Africa’s gaming growth. “The growth of Africa’s video game industry is not just an opportunity for local developers but for the global gaming community. By collaborating and sharing resources, we can accelerate this growth and create a vibrant ecosystem that benefits everyone involved,” Lora remarked.
The Nairobi edition of the Xbox Game Camp featured presentations from various game development studios. Notable projects included “Tingish” and “Finke Desert Race” by Arkitech Studios, which won The Fak’ugesi Festival Awards in 2022—a significant achievement as the first African awards in video gaming, animation, XR (VR and AR), digital art, and music.
Founded in 2020, the Xbox Game Camp is a global initiative that aims to inspire and support game developers through keynotes, workshops, and networking opportunities. The recent event underscores the dynamic growth of Africa’s video game industry and highlights the continent’s potential as a hub for innovation and creativity in gaming.
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