Microsoft, through its Africa Transformation Office (ATO), has announced the return of Xbox Game Camp in Africa, aiming to enhance local developer talent and accelerate the growth of the continent’s gaming industry.
This two-day online conference, set for 16-17 July, will also feature in-person events in Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Casablanca.
“We’re thrilled to bring Game Camp back to Africa and anticipate strengthening its impact on the gaming community with new, practical additions to the program. Africa has a rich history of producing top developer talent, and we believe this capability can drive a new era of exponential growth in the African gaming industry,” said Phyllis Migwi, Country Manager for Microsoft Kenya.
Africa is projected to become one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets, offering substantial business and employment opportunities for its young population.
The gaming industry in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is expected to reach $1 billion in revenue for the first time in 2024.
The region’s video game market has shown promising growth, defying the global decline in video game activity. In 2022, games sold in SSA generated over $862 million in revenue, an 8.7 percent year-over-year increase.
With the youngest population globally, Africa’s emerging talent is set to drive continued momentum in game development, particularly as smartphone ownership in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to reach 88 percent by 2030.
However, significant challenges remain. The Africa Games Developer Survey indicates that around 63 percent of local game developers have five years or less of development experience. Furthermore, African gaming professionals face difficulties in developing financially viable careers, with only 19 percent having secured external investment for any of their projects.
The struggle to monetize gaming in Africa is compounded by a major lack of awareness about locally developed games.
According to GeoPoll’s Gaming in Africa 2024 Report, 56 percent of local gamers are unaware that games are developed in Africa.
To support young creators and leverage Africa’s growing gaming market, Game Camp aims to ease the financial burden of video game development education by offering the conference free of charge.
Microsoft stated it aims to build on the success of the first Game Camp Africa, which saw 600 developers participate.
Following the conference, several African studios joined the Microsoft Founders Hub. For instance, Kunta Content, the first African Minecraft Marketplace developer, partnered with the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program to release an Xbox console version of their action game Hiru, based on African lore.
International developers like 343 Industries have also recognized the innovative potential of African talent and plan to integrate this talent into the global game development ecosystem through outsourcing, co-development, and other opportunities.
“In its second year, Game Camp Africa will again offer workshops on various game development topics, providing young talent with the opportunity to learn from industry leaders. New this year, participants can present gaming and business ideas to a panel of experts for mentorship and coaching,” Microsoft noted.
Participants can join remotely via Microsoft Teams and at three open-house locations in Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Casablanca.
The online resources include training modules tailored to developers’ skills and interests, accessible both before and after the event.
“There is extraordinary talent across the continent, but many lack access to the tools and resources needed to transform their skills into successful ventures. To unlock the potential of gaming, we need to close the opportunity gap and level the playing field. By investing in initiatives like Xbox Game Camp, we can help build thriving gaming ecosystems and positively impact the broader economy,” said Lillian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa.
To participate, individuals must be of legal age, reside in an African country, and be studying or working part- or full-time in software development, visual arts, 3D, music and audio, web design, narrative design, or project management.
For more information on how to apply, visit the official site before applications close on 15 June 2024.