Seven (7) Blogs Exploring the Continent’s Video Game Industry

Africa's video game industry is rapidly evolving, fueled by passionate creators and a growing community of gamers eager to tell their own stories. As the continent’s gaming culture flourishes, several blogs have emerged as critical voices, providing insights, news, and analyses that highlight the unique narratives, challenges, and innovations within Africa's gaming landscape. Whether you're a developer, marketer, or simply a gaming enthusiast, these top blogs offer an essential window into the heart of Africa’s video game industry. In this article, we’ll explore the leading blogs that are not only documenting this exciting journey but are also shaping the future of gaming across the continent.

Founded in 2019 by Vic Bassey, Games Industry Africa provides a rich variety of content, including news, interviews, and opinion pieces that spotlight the continent's vibrant game development scene. The platform is dedicated to showcasing the work of developers across Africa, offering a space for emerging and established creators to gain visibility and engage with an international audience. Through its detailed reports and statistical analyses, GIA plays a crucial role in tracking the growth and trends within the industry, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in African gaming.

GIA provides custom reports and recommendations to help businesses and individuals navigate the African gaming market. Their country-specific overviews offer valuable insights for understanding and succeeding in the industry. With a focus on both local and global perspectives, GIA is an essential resource for anyone looking to engage with and contribute to Africa's evolving gaming sector.

GasBros Gaming Network: Youthful Enthusiasm Energizing Africa’s Gaming Landscape

GasBros Gaming Network is a vibrant hub celebrating the gaming culture of Ghana and the broader African continent. Founded by a team of young professionals, GGN showcases the emerging talent and creativity across Africa. Their coverage spans local gaming news, reviews, and insightful features on global industry trends, offering a comprehensive view of the evolving gaming landscape.

Driven by a deep passion for gaming, the GGN team plays a key role in highlighting the latest developments in African gaming. Their content covers everything from new game releases to major industry events, including mobile gaming and esports tournaments. Through their dedicated approach, GGN fosters a strong sense of community among gamers in Ghana and beyond, effectively bridging local and global gaming cultures.

The AfroGamer: Centralizing Esports Content in Africa

As the leading platform for esports news and content in Africa, The AfroGamer has established itself as an essential resource for anyone interested in the region's esports landscape. Founded with the mission to consolidate and highlight the vibrant esports communities across Sub-Saharan Africa, The AfroGamer provides a tapestry of content, ranging from the latest news and stories to interviews, opinion pieces, and spotlights on emerging talents.

What distinguishes The AfroGamer is its thorough coverage of esports. The platform provides weekly podcasts with in-depth discussions on the latest industry developments and serves as a central hub for current and upcoming esports events in the region. By consistently delivering timely and relevant content, The AfroGamer enhances the global visibility of African esports, amplifying the stories, achievements, and challenges of the continent's gamers. Recently, they launched the AfroGamer esports show in collaboration with the AfroSports Media Network.

Nexal Gaming Company: Empowering Africa’s Gaming and Esports Scene

Nexal Gaming Company, initially launched as a Nigerian Gaming Community in 2019, has evolved into a pivotal organization dedicated to the growth of gaming and esports across Africa. Rebranded in November 2023, Nexal Gaming Company continues to focus on providing esports news, updates, company developments, and strategic partnerships. Their website and blog serve as essential resources for gamers and esports enthusiasts, offering in-depth consultation services, data reports, and marketing programs tailored to the African gaming scene.

Through their platform, Nexal Gaming Company strives to satisfy the informational, financial, and networking needs of gamers in Nigeria and beyond. Their blog is a key component of this mission, consistently delivering valuable content that keeps the gaming community informed and connected. They have also recently started publishing Magazines and Industry reports . By promoting corporate participation and fostering a vibrant esports community, Nexal Gaming Company is committed to driving the future of gaming in Africa.

Esport Africa News: Elevating the Continent's Esports Scene

Esport Africa News is a crucial platform dedicated to covering the rapidly growing esports scene across the African continent. The blog provides comprehensive coverage of tournaments, player profiles, and industry news, giving readers an inside look at the development of esports in Africa. With a focus on elevating African talent, Esport Africa News highlights the achievements of local players and teams, while also exploring the challenges and opportunities within the regional esports landscape.

The blog serves as a key resource for anyone interested in Africa's esports industry, offering in-depth analyses and timely updates on the latest events. By shining a spotlight on both emerging and established figures in the scene, Esport Africa News plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community among African gamers and promoting the continent’s presence in the global esports arena.

SquidMag.ink: Showcasing Africa's Creative Digital Arts

SquidMag.ink is a dynamic platform that covers a broad spectrum of Africa's creative digital arts, focusing on comics, animation, games, and related initiatives and events. It serves as a vibrant hub for exploring African storytelling and artistry, offering in-depth coverage of the continent’s creative scene.

The site features a diverse range of African comic stories, celebrates achievements in animation, and delves into the gaming industry and various creative initiatives. SquidMag.ink not only highlights the growth of these sectors but also provides a platform for African creators to connect with global audiences and inspire the next generation of storytellers and artists.

LudiqueWorks Media: A Leading Voice in Africa's Video Game Industry

LudiqueWorks Media stands out as a premier blog for exploring Africa's dynamic video game industry. With its comprehensive coverage, the blog delves into a wide range of topics including game reviews, industry news, and developer insights, offering a nuanced perspective on the continent's gaming scene. Founded by Nathan Masyuko, Douglas Ogeto, and Lillian Nduati, LudiqueWorks Media is distinguished by its commitment to highlighting both emerging and established voices within African game development.?

What makes LudiqueWorks Media a leading source in this space is its dual role: not only does it provide critical updates and reviews, but it also serves as a platform for discussing broader industry trends and innovations. By focusing on the unique contributions of African developers and the regional gaming ecosystem, the blog fosters a deeper understanding of the continent's role in the global gaming industry.

SOME EXTRAS FOR YOU

For staying with us this long, here are some studios/community with their own private blog, through which you can keep up with their activities.

Leti Arts: Bridging African Culture and Gaming Through Dynamic Content

The Leti Arts blog provides a window into the vibrant world of African video game development and digital storytelling. Highlighting the latest in gaming innovations and cultural narratives, the blog features articles that showcase the company’s mission to bring authentic African stories to a global audience. Recent posts include updates on the Talent League program, which supports emerging creators through mentorship, and the debut of "SESA," a game developed by the World Food Program to address world hunger. The blog also delves into cultural trends, such as the rising popularity of Karmzah in the gaming industry and the significance of fighting games in reflecting cultural values.

Additionally, Leti Arts’ blog offers insights into the industry’s growth and the achievements of its team, such as Yash Saxena’s role in game design. It covers events like the launch of BRIDGE by SpielFabrique and training programs like Koliko for aspiring animators. By sharing stories about gaming icons, cultural impact, and technological advancements, Leti Arts’ blog stands as a crucial platform for discussing the intersection of gaming, culture, and social good in Africa.

Maliyo Games Blog: Your Window into the Pulse of African Gaming

Maliyo Games' blog is a dynamic hub for the latest updates and insights from one of Africa’s leading game developers. It covers a wide range of topics, from the company's participation in major industry events like Gamescom 2024 to community initiatives such as the GameUp Africa meetups and the Junior Internship Program. The blog provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Maliyo Games is shaping the future of African gaming, with posts highlighting milestones like the launch of the new GameUp Africa website and the exciting 2024 Maliyo Summer Game Jam.

Readers can also explore in-depth articles on Maliyo Games' impact at festivals like the Games for Change Festival and Hugo Obi's talk at the GDC about fostering African talent for the global gaming industry. By following the blog, enthusiasts and industry professionals can stay informed about the company's latest projects, industry trends, and opportunities to engage with the vibrant African gaming community.

Usiku Games: Amplifying Africa's Gaming Culture and Social Impact

Usiku Games has not only made a name for itself as a pioneering mobile game developer in Africa but also as a thought leader through its insightful blog. The blog serves as a platform for exploring the intersection of gaming, technology, and social impact, with a strong emphasis on how these elements shape the future of the continent. Covering topics such as blockchain gaming, gamification strategies, and educational games, Usiku Games' blog offers a rich resource for understanding how gaming can be leveraged for positive change. It highlights initiatives like #GamingForGood, showcasing how the studio's innovative approach is driving social impact while engaging with a broad audience across Africa.

Through the blog, Usiku Games also provides valuable insights into the broader gaming ecosystem, discussing trends, challenges, and opportunities in the African market. Articles on brand engagement, blockchain technology, and the future of mobile gaming demonstrate how Usiku Games is positioning itself at the forefront of the industry. The blog not only informs but also inspires readers, inviting them to be part of a movement that sees gaming as a powerful tool for education, social development, and cultural expression. This blend of industry knowledge and social responsibility underscores Usiku Games' commitment to shaping a vibrant and impactful gaming community in Africa.

Nerdiotaku Blog: A Hub for Anime, Comics, and Gaming Enthusiasts

The Nerdiotaku blog is a vibrant hub for gaming enthusiasts, anime fans, and comic lovers, offering a deep dive into the latest trends across these interconnected worlds. It serves as a dynamic platform for sharing personal gaming experiences, in-depth reviews, and updates from the broader geek culture. The blog covers a range of topics, from detailed analyses of popular games and anime series to thought-provoking articles on industry trends and event highlights like LScon and Animeet 2024.

Each post on the Nerdiotaku blog is crafted to offer insightful perspectives that spark discussion among fans. Whether exploring the crossover between video games, anime, and comics or providing firsthand accounts of local geek events, the blog is an essential resource for anyone looking to stay connected with Zambia’s growing geek culture. By featuring contributions from both community members and guest writers, Nerdiotaku ensures a diverse mix of voices and viewpoints, making it a must-read for gamers, anime enthusiasts, and comic aficionados in Zambia.

Wrap Up

Africa's video game industry is rapidly evolving, driven by passionate creators and a growing community of gamers. This article highlights the platforms playing the crucial role of documenting and shaping the continent’s gaming scene. These platforms offer diverse insights, from detailed industry news and analysis to celebrations of local and global gaming culture. They serve as essential resources for understanding Africa’s dynamic gaming landscape, providing valuable perspectives on trends, innovations, and the stories behind the continent’s gaming community. Through their comprehensive coverage, these blogs play a significant role in promoting and advancing Africa’s presence in the global gaming industry.

Article written by Chikondi Nkhoma