How the gaming industry is creating a positive social impact across African communities

The global video game industry is on the rise, with revenue expected to reach $95.4 billion by 2022 and accounting for half of all video game sales. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Jay Shapiro, the Founder and CEO of Usiku Games, shared insights on how the continent is contributing to this growth trend and creating positive social impacts in communities. Usiku Games has a mission called 'Gaming for Good,' believing that games can be a powerful tool for creating positive behavioral change in education and the community. Shapiro highlighted the significance of gamification in driving change and emphasized the importance of creating locally relevant gaming content for African audiences. With the increase in smartphone usage and mobile app development in Africa, coupled with the accelerated digital needs brought about by the pandemic, the gaming industry has experienced a significant boost. People being lockdown at home have turned to gaming for entertainment, leading to a surge in interest in locally produced games. Usiku Games stands out in the industry by offering games created in Africa, featuring African heroes, music, environments, and challenges. Shapiro discussed the challenges facing the continent, particularly in talent development for game production. To address this, Usiku Games has established the Nairobi Game Development Center, offering scholarships to graduates to foster local skills and build up the game development industry in Africa. The gaming industry is also focused on creating positive social impacts in communities. Usiku Games is dedicated to developing social impact games, with themes ranging from climate change to healthcare and women's empowerment. 'Gaming for Good' is a core principle of Usiku Games, driving their mission to make a difference through gaming. Policymakers in Africa play a crucial role in supporting the gaming industry's growth. Shapiro highlighted the importance of broadband infrastructure and government support in fostering the industry. He praised the regulatory framework in Kenya, emphasizing the need to focus on building the skills base and nurturing the industry further. The youth population in Africa presents a significant opportunity for the gaming industry to address rising levels of unemployment. Shapiro noted that the diverse roles in gaming, beyond coding and development, provide numerous opportunities for young people to enter the industry. The beautiful game created by Usiku Games, focusing on fashion and empowerment for African women, exemplifies the power of gaming in showcasing the African narrative. By offering a platform for African women to dress authentically and share their stories, the game aims to boost self-esteem and empower women. 'Beautiful' challenges the beauty standards imposed by mainstream fashion games, offering a more inclusive and empowering experience for African players.