Consumer Insights: The State of Gaming in South Africa

Key insights

6 takeaways

01
In 2019, South Africa's gaming market generated $210 million in revenue, marking a 9.4% increase over the previous year.
02
The country's gaming population reached approximately 20.3 million individuals in 2019.
03
Approximately 57% of South African gamers play FIFA, reflecting a strong local preference for sports-themed titles.
04
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of South Africa's urban online population watched professional sports in the six months leading up to May 2020, a rate significantly higher than most global markets.
05
The South African esports scene is identified as a primary growth area for the local industry, supported by the presence of internationally ranked players like Thabo ‘YvngSavage’ Moloi, Mohamed ‘KingCJ0’ Alioune Diop, and Kaylan ‘MBCKaylan’.
06
Local indie developers, including studios such as Free Lives and Nyamakop, continue to contribute to the country's gaming landscape.

Summary

The South African gaming market experienced significant growth in 2019, with consumer spending reaching $210 million. This figure represents a 9.4% increase compared to the previous year, reflecting a robust and expanding digital entertainment sector. The market is driven by a population of approximately 20.3 million gamers, who demonstrate a strong preference for mobile gaming and sports-themed titles.

Data indicates that sports games hold a dominant position in the local gaming landscape, with 57% of South African gamers engaging with the FIFA franchise. This trend aligns with broader consumer behavior, as 65% of the urban online population reported watching professional sports in the six months leading up to May 2020, a rate that exceeds most global markets. The popularity of competitive sports titles has also fostered a burgeoning esports environment, with several South African players achieving recognition in international rankings.

While the country maintains a growing indie development scene, the intersection of high sports engagement and competitive gaming remains a primary catalyst for industry expansion. The findings, based on consumer insights research, highlight a unique market dynamic where traditional sports fandom directly influences digital consumption habits. This combination of a large, active player base and a deep-seated cultural affinity for sports positions South Africa as a notable participant in the global gaming and esports ecosystem.