A significant number of video game developers are anticipating investment opportunities following their project pitches at the recent Xbox Game Camp. The camp, hosted by Microsoft, featured a range of innovative projects, including “Tingish” and “Finke Desert Race” by Arkitech Studios, which received notable recognition at The Fak’ugesi Festival Awards in 2022, marking a milestone for African video gaming.
The African video game industry is poised for remarkable growth, with revenue projections set to reach $1 billion this year, up from $800 million in 2022. Despite this growth, the Africa Games Developer Survey reveals that around 63 percent of local developers have five years of experience or less, and only 19 percent have secured external investment for their projects.
The two-day hybrid event, held physically in Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Casablanca, brought together Xbox industry experts, aspiring game developers, and gaming enthusiasts from across the continent. This gathering aimed to foster innovation and collaboration within Africa’s growing gaming sector.
Esteban Lora, a game technology and music supervision specialist at Xbox Game Studios, emphasized the global opportunity presented by Africa’s burgeoning video game industry. He highlighted the potential for growth through collaboration and resource sharing, which could create a thriving ecosystem benefiting both local and international communities.
Irene Githinji, Education Engagements Lead at Microsoft Africa Development Centre, underscored the importance of skills development and training. She noted that the Xbox Game Camp provides a valuable opportunity to engage with developers, understand emerging talents, and design initiatives that align with industry needs across different countries.
Melissa Boone, Principal Xbox Research Manager and Chief of Staff at 343 Industries, reaffirmed Xbox’s commitment to nurturing gaming talent. Boone praised the creativity and passion of African developers and expressed Xbox’s dedication to supporting and transforming innovative ideas into reality.
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