The African gaming market is gaining attention as a promising frontier for Korean game developers. According to the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), Africa's gaming market is expected to grow from $2.14 billion in 2024 to $3.72 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 11.62%. This remarkable growth reflects the region's increasing potential for global and regional developers.
The GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association) predicts that by 2030, there will be 700 million mobile subscribers in sub-Saharan Africa, achieving a penetration rate of 50%. This rising mobile adoption has led major global gaming companies to invest heavily in the region. Disney partnered with Nigeria’s Maliyo Games to create a mobile game based on its animation Iwaju. EA operates its EA FC mobile service across the continent, while Riot Games has introduced an African server for League of Legends.
Sony has committed $10 million to support African game and tech startups, including investments in South African publisher Carry1st. Microsoft is hosting its Xbox Game Camp in South Africa, Kenya, and Morocco in 2024, providing local developers with platforms to showcase their projects.
However, Africa's gaming market faces significant challenges, including limited internet infrastructure. Many rural and remote areas struggle to achieve the minimum 4 Mbps speed necessary for smooth online gaming, and latency below 50ms remains difficult to attain. Additionally, low average incomes hinder in-app purchases, complicating monetization strategies.
KOCCA highlights the importance of optimizing games for diverse network conditions and implementing offline functionalities. Developers are encouraged to explore ad-based revenue models, localized payment systems, and microtransactions to align with the economic realities of the region.
Africa's youth population is projected to grow by 50% by 2050, positioning the region as the largest global hub of young consumers. The number of gamers in sub-Saharan Africa has already increased from 77 million in 2015 to 186 million in 2021. With approximately 95% of African gamers using mobile devices, developers must prioritize mobile-first strategies while incorporating culturally resonant content to attract local audiences.
Game optimization is crucial, as many African gamers use low-spec smartphones with limited processing power and memory. Developers should focus on reducing app sizes, minimizing in-app data usage, and including offline features. Examples like Far Cry 2, which was optimized for low-end systems and featured African landscapes, illustrate the importance of localization. Similarly, Command & Conquer simplified its graphics and controls to appeal to gamers with lower-spec devices.
Global game companies have collaborated with local telecommunications providers to address internet speed and infrastructure issues, while also working with local developers and publishers to integrate regional cultural elements and consumer preferences. This localization strategy is key to successfully entering and thriving in the African market.
KOCCA emphasizes that Korean developers must expand beyond traditional markets like China, Japan, and the United States to emerging regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Korean game companies, known for their high-quality offerings, have the potential to attract African consumers by maintaining their standards while adapting to local conditions. By incorporating cultural elements and collaborating with local partners for marketing and infrastructure development, Korean developers can enhance their visibility and impact in this rapidly growing market.
Sayart / Jack Lee, wangjb77@gmail.com
IWAJU, Courtesy of Disney Games
The African gaming market is gaining attention as a promising frontier for Korean game developers. According to the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), Africa's gaming market is expected to grow from $2.14 billion in 2024 to $3.72 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 11.62%. This remarkable growth reflects the region's increasing potential for global and regional developers.
The GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association) predicts that by 2030, there will be 700 million mobile subscribers in sub-Saharan Africa, achieving a penetration rate of 50%. This rising mobile adoption has led major global gaming companies to invest heavily in the region. Disney partnered with Nigeria’s Maliyo Games to create a mobile game based on its animation Iwaju. EA operates its EA FC mobile service across the continent, while Riot Games has introduced an African server for League of Legends.
Sony has committed $10 million to support African game and tech startups, including investments in South African publisher Carry1st. Microsoft is hosting its Xbox Game Camp in South Africa, Kenya, and Morocco in 2024, providing local developers with platforms to showcase their projects.
However, Africa's gaming market faces significant challenges, including limited internet infrastructure. Many rural and remote areas struggle to achieve the minimum 4 Mbps speed necessary for smooth online gaming, and latency below 50ms remains difficult to attain. Additionally, low average incomes hinder in-app purchases, complicating monetization strategies.
KOCCA highlights the importance of optimizing games for diverse network conditions and implementing offline functionalities. Developers are encouraged to explore ad-based revenue models, localized payment systems, and microtransactions to align with the economic realities of the region.
Africa's youth population is projected to grow by 50% by 2050, positioning the region as the largest global hub of young consumers. The number of gamers in sub-Saharan Africa has already increased from 77 million in 2015 to 186 million in 2021. With approximately 95% of African gamers using mobile devices, developers must prioritize mobile-first strategies while incorporating culturally resonant content to attract local audiences.
Game optimization is crucial, as many African gamers use low-spec smartphones with limited processing power and memory. Developers should focus on reducing app sizes, minimizing in-app data usage, and including offline features. Examples like Far Cry 2, which was optimized for low-end systems and featured African landscapes, illustrate the importance of localization. Similarly, Command & Conquer simplified its graphics and controls to appeal to gamers with lower-spec devices.
Global game companies have collaborated with local telecommunications providers to address internet speed and infrastructure issues, while also working with local developers and publishers to integrate regional cultural elements and consumer preferences. This localization strategy is key to successfully entering and thriving in the African market.
KOCCA emphasizes that Korean developers must expand beyond traditional markets like China, Japan, and the United States to emerging regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Korean game companies, known for their high-quality offerings, have the potential to attract African consumers by maintaining their standards while adapting to local conditions. By incorporating cultural elements and collaborating with local partners for marketing and infrastructure development, Korean developers can enhance their visibility and impact in this rapidly growing market.
