5 Ways to Make Millions Playing Video Games in Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa is the fastest-growing area in the world for mobile gamers and game payers.

Gone are the days when video games in Africa were for people with consoles at home or using personal computers at cyber cafes. The market is growing, not just for individuals who play games but also for those prepared to pay for them.

According to a survey published by Newzoo, a games analytics company, the video gaming business in Africa experienced a surge in revenue to $590 million (over N247 billion) as the continent’s population of players doubled. 

The report says Sub-Saharan Africa is the fastest-growing area in the world for mobile gamers and game payers.

The 2021 survey showed that the number of gamers in Sub-Saharan Africa is now 186 million, up from 77 million recorded in 2015. In the video games market, South Africa has 24 million players making it the continent’s largest video game market, with 40% of the population playing video games.

Since the market is expanding and projected to have one billion users in the next five years, here is how to monetise your video games skills in Africa.

Have a Youtube channel

YouTube is an excellent way of making more money doing what you love. This is because ardent game players are leveraging it to generate money in the gaming world. While playing the game, you can broadcast live or upload pre-recorded footage of your gaming for others to watch and learn.

To increase your subscribers and monetise your YouTube channel, you can upload video game lessons, gameplay tutorials, game reviews, and general gaming tips. When your visitors watch video or banner advertising on your gaming videos, you will receive a share of ad income.

Be a video game developer

If you want to work backstage and be a competent player and a game designer, being a video game developer may be the right career for you. 

Working with game design businesses to build a new game is a great way to make money while contributing to the video game industry. 

For instance, in South Africa, a game developer earns approximately $4,978.13 monthly. The average game developer’s pay is $59,737.50 per year or $30.67 per hour. The starting salary for entry-level is $33,857.25 per year, with most experienced professionals earning up to $449,226 per year.

Be a game tester

A game tester comes into the equation of every new game before it is launched into the market. You test the game by playing it and giving feedback on the quality and gameplay, and reporting any bugs or issues you find.

This means you will help improve a new or upgraded game. In South Africa, a game tester earns $33,187.50 every month. The average game tester income is $398,250.13 per year or $204.24 per hour. The starting salary for entry-level occupations is $108,523.13 per year.

Create a video game coaching business

If you enjoy teaching and playing video games, you can start video game coaching. You will be responsible for guiding players through gaming tutorials, providing tips and guidance, and assisting gamers in improving their skills as they prepare for video game competitions.

You may build up your coaching business to combine one-on-one instruction with video viewing so that customers are interested and driven to improve their game.

Compete on the game tournament

The chances of becoming a professional gamer may appear minimal, but nothing worthwhile is easy. The gaming industry is continually expanding, presenting new opportunities for those willing to take them.

Create a team for a tournament or join your local gaming community on Facebook or Discord. You can also start a Twitch or YouTube stream. In South Africa, Twitch broadcasting is on the increase, but there is still a need in the market for up-and-coming gamers to carve out a name for themselves. Be patient and persistent, but most importantly, always play for the sake of fun and enjoyment.

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