Gamathon is set to mark its fifth consecutive year with the rollout of its latest edition, which runs from September 30, writes Ikenna Bede In the months following the global COVID-19 outbreak, the call to slow the spread of the virulent coronavirus brought many sectors of the economy to a halt. Conversely, it increased revenue generation in others, particularly those that adapted to the new circumstances or provided succour. As the world retreated indoors, the gaming industry surged, generating over $175 billion in revenue in 2020 alone—a clear signal of its resilience and appeal.
This surge in activity boosted revenue across markets worldwide, with a 12 per cent increase in in-game purchases and a 22 per cent rise in paid downloads. In Nigeria, AfricaComicade responded by hosting Gamathon, an annual event showcasing African game developers. Held virtually at the time, it galvanised gaming enthusiasts, offering them a platform to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of video game development in Nigeria and across Africa.
Fast forward to 2024, the Gamathon is set to mark its fifth consecutive year with the rollout of its latest edition, which runs from September 30 to October 5, 2024. “It’s been fulfilling to watch,” founder of AfricaComicade, Michael Oscar, told GAMING WEEK, reflecting on the overwhelming response the Gamathon has received and its significant growth and impact on the industry. “We started as a pan-African community, and over the years, we’v.