Table Of Contents 1. Welcome Note 2. Introduction 3. Understanding the Video Games Industry 4. Games As a Business 5. Prepping the Scene for an African Games Industry 6. The State of Play 7. The African Game Developer Survey 8. Final Word 9. Report Credits

Foreword When I was invited to attend the Brazil Indie Games Festival earlier this year, I realized I needed to learn more about the games industry in Brazil. Upon research, I came across the Brazil Games Industry Report put together by Abra Games, I read through it on the long flight from Lagos, via Paris to Sâo Paulo and gained valuable insights that informed my discussions during the trip. Similarly, I had the opportunity to visit Helsinki, Finland. Although I was aware of the ecosystem built there, I knew very little about the games industry in Finland overall however, very much like Brazil, I found a report by Neo Games that outlined the state of the industry, its key players, challenges, and opportunities. It was at this time I realized how a lack of a comprehensive report on the African Games Industry could hinder its growth and progress. As many African studios move to the global stage to engage with publishers, investors, and policymakers, few of them understand the makeup of the market, it’s geographic spread, key players, risk areas, challenges, growth opportunities, thereby hampering their decision-making process. I didn’t just want to dream of a time when such a comprehensive report will be accessible to key decision-makers who can influence the growth trajectory of our industry, I was determined to create it so that when any of my colleagues finds themselves on the world stage, they can use this report as a reference for anyone looking to explore opportunities in the market.

will be accessible to key decision-makers who can influence the growth trajectory of our industry, I was determined to create it so that when any of my colleagues finds themselves on the world stage, they can use this report as a reference for anyone looking to explore opportunities in the market. I feel incredibly proud of the work my team and partners have done to get this report published. We are keen to explore ways we can improve this report and we welcome opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue with governments, educational institutions, policymakers, investors, etc. We see this report as a starting point and invite your feedback as you read through, on ways we can improve. We hope you enjoy reading this report, as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Hugo Obi Founder & CEO, Maliyo Games 5 © Attrybute

This Report Provides... An overview of the global games industry, because in order to better and analyse our market, we must look to similar or more mature markets in the industry, understand their economic activities, the various players in the ecosystem, recent developments in technology, consumers, culture exportation and culture participation. An overview of some regional and emerging markets to understand their similarity with the African industry and how key stakeholders can identify and replicate factors contributing to their growth. Key African demographic and market insights on the African continent. Readers will understand the mobile ecosystem and internet penetration trends, particularly as it relates to the effect of foreign culture on consumers and games being developed. An understanding of Africa through its culture, questions around what games are people playing and who is paying? Who’s making games in Africa? The challenges and opportunities available within the industry, such as policies and enabling business environments. A challenge to the bias and public opinion against games and how these can influence the development of the industry as sought. A challenge to the bias against Africa, the continent and underlying assumptions as we present verifiable facts and encourage readers to embark on their research to understand the region. 7 © Studio Bolland

Who This Report Is For $ General Public Games Industry Investors Policy Makers This report is aimed at clarifying Indie & Game development Investment in the games industry P o l i c y m a k e r s ( i n c l u d i n g any bias towards the industry, studios sit at the heart of the is quite different from traditional Government, NGOs, Civil Society by helping the public realize the ecosystem and are strategically investment options. Oftentimes, & Developmental Agencies) are potential career opportunities positioned to take advantage of game investors are either key levers for change in any in games (both as players and the cultural export inherent in successful entrepreneurs within business environment. This developers). While there isn’t their games. These individuals the games industry or are game report highlights regulatory yet an official demography of or organizations set the pace for makers or enthusiasts. In this gaps that need attention, such Africa’s game players, the genre growth in the industry and define report, we’ll provide information as the development of the talent of games they consume and the the creative and cultural trends on the investment terrain unique pipeline, which begins with a devices they prefer, this report is that define African games. to the games industry, in Africa strong tertiary and vocational relevant to this consumer group There have been myriad and around the world. We’ll educational system. Additionally, in particular.

ain unique pipeline, which begins with a devices they prefer, this report is that define African games. to the games industry, in Africa strong tertiary and vocational relevant to this consumer group There have been myriad and around the world. We’ll educational system. Additionally, in particular. African gamers difficulties in building up talent look at how investors (domestic building a conducive investment have the potential to influence as well as retaining them in and foreign) can examine the environment with targeted numerous industry stakeholders the long-run within the African major trends and appreciate policy development should help and have a vested interested in games industry. We also highlight the investment potential within foster public participation in the the success of the industry. the role of policymakers and these new and developing games industry. investors in supporting the talent markets. development pipeline through relevant and well-designed training initiatives and regulatory instruments.