The African gaming industry is experiencing a significant uptrend in recent years. According to a study commissioned by Newzoo and Carry1st, sub-Saharan Africa now boasts as many as 186 million gamers, up from 77 million in 2015. Overall, with the information available, analysts believe the number of gamers has doubled in the last five years alone.
It is clear that gaming is on the rise in Africa. But what has led to this stratospheric growth in recent years? Whilst there are many factors at play, it is undeniable that mobile gaming has played a significant role.
Gaming Has Gone Mobile
Just half a decade ago, most gamers in Africa had one of two options: head to a cyber cafe to play on a personal computer or visit one of the many gaming joints to start up a PlayStation or Xbox. Just a very small minority had the luxury of playing from home.
In 2022, the landscape has completely changed. Smartphones have become the go-to device, with personal computers being regarded by some as an almost archaic form of gaming. Both Android and iOS devices are now standard, with affordable options available to a large percentage of citizens.
Developers are Adapting
Loading up your favourite game on a mobile device used to be a second-rate experience. It’s what you did if you were not at home, or unable to get to a cyber cafe. The cheap imitation, the substitute option, the bonus.
Now, however, mobile gaming is a AAA affair. Games are now available not only through an app, but are browser-based as well. They run far more smoothly than they used to. Gaming studios are adapting to give players the experience the market demands.
Casino Games Putting Money on Mobile
One of the main players that is betting big on mobile is the gambling industry. Casinos picked up on the smartphone’s potential years ago, which has resulted in a wide range of choices and quality when it comes to mobile gaming.
Players can now access their favorite slots or table games. Whether it’s blackjack or roulette, consumers will find a mobile experience that matches the quality of standard computers. This is a dramatic shift from just a few years ago, when mobile gambling was practically unplayable.
Gambling is already incredibly popular on the continent, with players in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa enjoying the many casino games on offer. The improved service and accessibility have unsurprisingly led to a sharp increase in demand on the mobile front.
Local Studios on the Rise
The continent’s gaming industry previously almost exclusively consumed games from the big companies overseas. In 2022, local studios are taking up a significant chunk of the market, further driving up demand.
Local studios are now developing games in traditional genres that directly compete with major studios. In addition, games are increasingly specifically catering to African players, with custom characters, languages, and assets. They’re not just bonuses that are tacked on, but form the primary focus of the game.
For example, Africa’s Legends is a puzzle game that leverages African folklore, religion, and culture. Players can interact with Nigeria’s Oya or Ghana’s Ananse, for instance, which has served to connect with local players.
Mobile Users are Young
Combined with a growing mobile penetration in Africa, gaming is also growing due to consumers becoming increasingly youthful. Over 60% of Africans are under 25, and the UN predicts that the <25 population will grow by 42% within the next decade.
This lower average age for smartphone users is important. According to Pew Research, those under 35 are far more likely to use their smartphones for social media, gaming, browsing, and connecting to the internet compared to older users.
Yes, users over 35 clearly still use their smartphones for significant internet use. And many play games or deposit money in an online casino using their devices. But they are not ‘always on’ like the younger generation. The core functionality is still having a phone for calls or messages, with the rest being bonuses.
Expect Further Growth
Many people believe we are already ‘there’, that the gaming industry already has extensive reach and room for further growth is somewhat limited. After all, doesn’t everyone own a smartphone?
This view is likely to be incorrect and instead, 2022 is part of the beginning of gaming in Africa. With rising mobile penetration, improved connection speed, lower costs, and many other contributing factors, it is clear that industry expansion is practically guaranteed.
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