The inception of game development in Nigeria can be traced back to Nigerian traditional gaming. Some of the traditional games played in the past include “Ayò,” “Ten-Ten,” “Tinko,” and “Abula” among others. These traditional games are sometimes peculiar to tribes, cultures and traditions of people.
Recently, game development in Nigeria has hit significant milestones in the game culture which can be attributed to several factors. First of all, the increasing accessibility of technology and internet connectivity has opened up new opportunities for aspiring game developers to showcase their skills and reach a wider audience.
Additionally, the country’s youthful population and passion for gaming have fueled the demand for locally developed games that reflect Nigerian culture and experiences. This article will discuss game development in Nigeria and how the gaming culture has progressed so far.
Table of Contents
History of Game Development in Nigeria
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Video game cafes
In Nigeria, the gaming culture started with video game cafes that were present in almost all neighbourhoods. These cafes are usually packed with passionate gamers who oftentimes take turns using the gaming consoles.
The cafes usually offer services that give gamers access to computers and consoles for their onscreen adventures. The gaming culture started with popular games titled FIFA, PES, Counter-Strike, etc. These gaming cafes played a crucial role in introducing gaming culture to the Nigerian populace.
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Mobile game development
The rise in the use of smartphones was also a further prompt of the gaming culture in Nigeria. With the accessibility, affordability and ease that comes with the use of smartphones, the Nigerian gaming populace soon adopted smartphones for gaming.
Smartphone gaming culture inspired Nigerian developers to develop games that corroborate with the Nigerian gamers’ fantasies, thereby giving rise to locally developed games in Nigeria.
Read also: The History of the Gaming Industry and the Evolution of Video Games
3 Key Contributors to Nigeria’s Gaming Culture
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Local game development studios
Hosting local game development studios in Nigeria has increased the quality of game culture. Game development studios in Nigeria include Kuluya games, Maliyo games, etc. They have all stepped up to the challenge of progressing the gaming culture.
The local game development studios are dedicated to creating games that reflect Nigerian culture and experiences. These studios give Nigerians a new, better experience when it comes to gaming.
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Educational initiatives
Not only do educational institutions in Nigeria now prompt the teaching and learning of game development, but other educational initiatives are dedicated to this course.
Nigerian universities and technical colleges and many other educational initiatives provide learners with the opportunity to offer courses. This allows learners to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career related to game development.
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Gaming events and communities
The establishment of gaming communities and events has fostered a sense of belongingness and improved gaming culture in Nigeria. Organization of game development fairs and game tournaments in Nigeria are part of the events that bring gamers together and progress the gaming culture. There are also several social media platforms where Nigerian gamers interact.
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Challenges Facing Game Development in Nigeria
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Lack of infrastructure and access
Many Nigerian educational institutions and initiatives lack suitable infrastructure for game development. Also, the internet connectivity and stable power supply which are the primary needs in gaming are sometimes limited in several areas in Nigeria. Consequently, this situation might delay the progression of gaming culture.
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Lack of funding
Developers have found it challenging to monetize games in Nigeria. Not many grants support game development in Nigeria, which can be a hassle for game developers.
The provision and access to financial support and venture capital peculiar to the gaming industry can empower game developers to create games that improve Nigeria’s gaming culture.
Major Impacts of Game Development in Nigeria
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Local and global impact
In recent years, game development has experienced remarkable growth thereby increasing Nigerian gaming markets too. The development has undergone a significant transformation through the local game developers who create games that resonate with the Nigerian gaming community.
They also address cultural nuances and storytelling. The peculiarities of this gaming standard have gained the attention of international gamers and game investors thereby impacting locally and on the global stage.
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E-sports
E-sports, which is also known as “electronic sports,” is a form of competition using video games. E-sports often take the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams.
In the Nigerian gaming community, e-sports is becoming well known. It includes competitive gaming leagues and tournaments. One of the bodies that organizes e-sports events in Nigeria is the Nigerian Esports Federation.
This body has been beneficial in promoting e-sports events, thereby putting more validity on gaming culture in the country.
Read also: Top 9 Genres of Video Games for Teenagers in 2023
5 Pathways to Improving Game Development in Nigeria
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Securing international collaboration
The improvement of Nigeria’s game culture will increasingly attract the collaboration of international investors and bodies to support the endeavours of game development in the country. International collaborations for game development in Nigeria will expose gamers to global gaming platforms.
Moreover, local developers will be equipped with opportunities for knowledge acquisition on an international basis.
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Adoption of advanced technologies
Emerging gaming technologies include virtual realities (VR) and augmented realities (AR) among others. The advancement in gaming technology will influence the gaming community by improving their gaming experiences.
The incorporation of these advanced gaming technologies by local game developers will create explicit gaming experiences for gamers.
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Availability of government incentives and supports
The recognition and support of gamers and local game developers can set the improvement of game culture at a steady pace in Nigeria. Game development can be encouraged by the provision of incentives and grants from the government. Gaming startups will also be prompted by this act to come up with better innovations to improve the gaming culture.
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Depiction of Nigerian cultural heritage
The peculiarity of the Nigerian gaming industry is its unique representation of the country’s rich culture and diverse narrative in games. The commitment of the local developers to game development with cultural relevance will keep depicting Nigeria’s cultural heritage, thereby defining and widening the niche of the Nigerian gaming industry.
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Conclusion
From gaming in video game cafes to mobile gaming, to using advanced technology innovations including VR and AR, Nigerian gaming culture has evolved.
Game development has seen several phases due to the efforts of local game development studios, educational institutions, and passionate gamers. It is therefore noteworthy that the Nigerian gaming industry is headed towards the global gaming scene.
Edited by Priscilla Ajayi.
About Author
- Mercy is a writer at Insight.ng. She writes SEO content, and her articles are engaging, informative, and easy to read. Her interests span Lifestyle, traveling, career and Technology.
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