My Take on the Gaming Industry in Nigeria: Insights from My RootsTV Interview
As a video game developer with over five years of experience working with international organizations, I have seen firsthand how big the gaming industry has become. Globally, gaming is a multi-billion-dollar industry engaging billions of players. Nigeria is very much part of this growth, with over 45 million active gamers, making it one of the largest gaming markets in Africa. That said, we still have a long way to go locally. Game development is slowly gaining traction among young Nigerians, but awareness remains low. Many people still do not see it as a serious career. Early in my journey, when people asked what I did for a living, I often said I was a software developer instead of a game developer. I was worried about the usual reactions like “you just play games for a living.” That stigma is real, and it needs to change.I believe the government has a role to play, especially in creating awareness and supporting the industry with funding. Right now, many talented Nigerian developers end up working abroad because there are limited opportunities and little local support. With the right investment and policies, we could build a strong gaming ecosystem here and keep that talent at home.On the issue of addiction, gaming can be addictive, but so can many other things when there is no balance. Social media is a good example. I tweet a lot myself, and it also has addictive potential. The real issue is self-discipline and awareness. There is a time to play, a time to study, and a time to work. Gaming is not inherently bad. In fact, there are educational games for young children between the ages of five and nine that help improve learning and intellectual development in a fun and engaging way.When it comes to children and violent games, responsibility is key. Thankfully, Nigeria does not have easy access to guns, which already reduces some of the risks seen in other countries. Still, games that focus heavily on violence, such as Call of Duty, are not suitable for children aged five to ten. Parents play the most important role here. No government official will come into your home to monitor what your child is playing. It is up to parents to guide their children, set boundaries, and ensure they are engaging with age-appropriate content. Overly strict government regulations could stifle creativity, slow industry growth, and reduce both enjoyment and revenue. What we need is balance, not heavy restrictions.Game development is advancing faster than many people realize. In some cases, it is even growing faster than traditional software development in terms of opportunities and income. There is serious money in the industry if you work with the right teams and companies. While passion matters, game development is also a legitimate and lucrative career. Gaming elements are now being used across multiple industries, and this trend will only continue to grow.My hope is that more awareness will be created so young Nigerians can see game development as a real and viable career path. If you are thinking about getting into game development, go for it. There is huge potential here, and there is real money to be made. Let us build this industry right here at home.Watch the full interview on RootsTV Nigeria:
https://youtu.be/NELvj735BNQ