A number of video game developers are eager for investment opportunities after presenting their projects at a recent camp organized by Microsoft.

Among the showcased projects were “Tingish” and “Finke Desert Race” from Arkitech Studios, which won the Fak’ugesi Festival Awards in 2022—marking a significant achievement as the first African award for excellence in video gaming, animation, XR (VR and AR), digital art, and music.

The African video game industry is projected to generate $1 billion in revenue for the first time this year, an increase from $800 million in 2022. However, the Africa Games Developer Survey indicates that around 63% of local developers have five years of experience or less, and only 19% have managed to secure external funding.

“The expansion of Africa’s gaming industry presents a unique opportunity for both local developers and the global gaming community. By collaborating and sharing resources, we can enhance this growth and build a thriving ecosystem that benefits everyone,” stated Esteban Lora, a game technology and music supervision expert at Xbox Game Studios, after the event.

The two-day hybrid camp, held in Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Casablanca, brought together industry professionals from Xbox, aspiring developers, and gaming enthusiasts from across Africa to promote innovation and collaboration.

Irene Githinji, education engagement lead at the Microsoft Africa Development Centre, highlighted the significance of skills development and training within the industry. “The Xbox Game Camp offers a valuable platform for us to engage with the Xbox team and game developers, exploring ways to collaborate in this exciting space,” she remarked.