This archive report was first published on 30 August 2019.
On August 30, 2019, the global E-sport 'world cup' was held, with participants competing for millions of dollars in prizes.
Research has shown that gaming can be beneficial for brain development, contrary to previous perceptions.
According to a study, the number of active video gaming players in Africa increased from 23 million in 2014 to 500 million in 2018, largely due to the rise of smartphones.
Kenya is now ranked the eighth most popular gaming hub in Africa, with the local gaming landscape transforming due to the presence of high-speed internet connections and gaming cafes.
Tilomai Ponder, CEO and co-founder of What's Good Studios, stated, 'All we need to do is make African E-sports tournament games at international standards (to) put Africa on the map.'
The Kenyan market was worth US$63 million in 2017 and is projected to grow at a 13.2 per cent CAGR to US$118 million in 2022, with social/casual gaming being the fastest-growing segment.
Google's acceptance of M-Pesa payments on its Google Play apps and games store has led to the establishment of gaming arcades in Nairobi, where enthusiasts can play professional games.
Safaricom launched an e-sports tournament in partnership with Pro Series Gaming and Standard Group, offering cash prizes to participants.
The tournament will feature FIFA 19 and Tekken 7 knockouts, with at least 64 players competing in each knockout round.
