NAIROBI, Kenya- Microsoft is bringing back the Xbox Game Camp to Africa, aiming to supercharge local developer talent and propel the continent’s burgeoning gaming industry to new heights.
This initiative is being implemented through its Africa Transformation Office (ATO).
The two-day online conference, slated for July 16-17, will feature in-person events in Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Casablanca.
Empowering African Game Developers
The Xbox Game Camp Africa, now in its second edition, is all about nurturing local talent.
Phyllis Migwi, Country Manager for Microsoft Kenya, expressed excitement about the program’s return, saying, “Africa has a long track record of producing top developer talent, and we believe this affinity for tech can usher in a new era of growth in the gaming industry.”
Africa is going to be one of the fastest-growing gaming markets globally. By 2024, the gaming industry in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to reach $1 billion in revenue.
The region’s gaming market is defying global trends, showing promising growth with games generating more than $862 million in revenue in 2022, an 8.7pc increase year over year.
Tackling Challenges and Bridging Gaps
Despite the potential, African game developers face significant hurdles. According to the Africa Games Developer Survey, about 63pc of local developers have five years of experience or less.
Additionally, only a small percentage have secured external investment for their projects, highlighting the financial struggles in the industry. There’s also a notable lack of awareness about locally developed games.
To address these challenges, Xbox Game Camp aims to reduce the financial burden of game development education by offering the conference free of charge.
The event builds on the success of the first edition, which saw 600 developers participating and led to multiple African studios joining the Microsoft Founders Hub.
Workshops, Mentorship, and Networking
This year’s Game Camp will feature workshops on various game development topics, allowing young talent to learn from industry leaders.
For the first time, participants will pitch their gaming and business ideas to a panel of experts for focused mentorship and coaching.
The program will also leverage online resources, enabling developers to participate remotely via Microsoft Teams or at open-house locations in Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Casablanca.
These resources include training modules tailored to developers’ skills and interests, accessible both before and after the event.
Lillian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa, emphasized the importance of initiatives like Xbox Game Camp in narrowing the opportunity divide.
“There is extraordinary talent across the continent, but many individuals lack access to the necessary tools and resources. By investing in initiatives like Xbox Game Camp, we can help grow thriving gaming ecosystems and tap into amazing talent that can positively impact the broader economy,” she stated.
With applications having opened on May 29, coinciding with the start of GITEX Africa, the Xbox Game Camp is set to be a game-changer for developers in Nairobi and across Africa.
Initiatives like this, organizers said are crucial in providing the support and resources needed to transform potential into success as the local gaming market continues to grow.
