In recent years, spurred on by its burgeoning population, Nigeria has begun to emerge as a West African hub for technological innovation. One market stands out in particular for rapid growth and development: the gaming industry. From classic video gaming to 21+ real money gaming options, the landscape in Nigeria is dynamic and ever-evolving — according to Statista, revenues for the gaming industry in the country this year are expected to reach US$513.70m.
In this article, we’ll delve into the biggest trends shaping the gaming scene in Nigeria.
The Rise of Real Money Gaming
Up until recently, the term real money gaming referred exclusively to the iGaming sector, which encompasses activities like online casino gaming, remote poker, sports betting, and fantasy sports. Over the past year or so, however, GameFi sectors like Play to Earn (P2E) have begun to be classed as real money games for the fact that they offer players the opportunity to earn decentralized rewards with real-world value. In Nigeria, both the iGaming and P2E sectors are on the rise.
Real-money gaming is a key trend in gaming across the world right now. For instance, Canada has seen its remote casino options expand following Ontario’s landmark decision to legislate the sector. This has allowed international operators like PokerStars Casino to launch in the province, making their full portfolio of innovative blackjack games and other casino favorites available to local residents. Meanwhile, closer to home, the performance of the iGaming market in Nigeria has improved significantly since 2016. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, factors such as a broadening customer base and increased regulation are creating more opportunities for Nigerians to wager online.
On the crypto gaming front, Nigeria has certainly embraced decentralized currencies, particularly Bitcoin and Ethereum. As a result, P2E gaming has begun to gain traction with residents, particularly games native to the continent such as OpiPets and Metaverse Magna. A 2022 report from NFT Finder saw P2E adoption jump from 16% to 33%, indicating the strong potential crypto gaming has to be a dominant trend.
The Mobile Gaming Revolution
While traditional consoles and gaming PCs aren’t as scarce in Nigeria as other African countries, the population as a whole has fully embraced mobile gaming. Statista’s annual report on mobile gaming in the country indicated that the market could grow at a CAGR of 16.1% from 2021 to 2025. It’s clear that gaming app developers have taken full advantage of Africa’s status as a “mobile first” continent, with titles like Free Fire, Call of Duty Mobile, and PUBG Mobile amassing a large player base in the country.
Interestingly, as well as democratizing gaming for Nigerian players, the mobile gaming market has also provided Nigerian developers with increased opportunities to reach audiences in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa. Local startup Gamesole has targeted an Africa-wide base, resulting in their apps being downloaded over 9 million times across the continent.
eSports and Competitive Gaming
Professional competitive gaming has swept the world and Nigeria is no exception to this trend. Several eSports tournaments and events have emerged in the country, which have seen increased participation and viewership year after year. Moreover, a number of Nigerian-based eSports organizations have entered the market in recent years, helping to build a robust ecosystem for pro gaming and elevating the country’s position in the global eSports landscape in the process.
The global startup finder F6S has identified several Nigerian eSports startups that are showing strong disruptive potential. Triads Entertainment, for instance, has all the makings of becoming a major African eSports brand, especially when it comes to talent management and player development. Meanwhile, the Nigerian eSports Federation (NesF), which comes with a seal of approval from the Nigeria Olympic Committee, is working to establish elite-level events in the country and represent Nigeria on the international stage.
Localisation and Cultural Representation
While international trends and foreign game imports have been key players in developing a foundation for gaming in Nigeria, there’s a growing demand for content that reflects the culture and diversity of Nigerian society. Developers like Kuluya are increasing their focus on creating localized experiences that resonate with native gamers, with games such as Ayo: A Rain Tail gaining popularity for their portrayal of Nigerian culture and daily life.
