THE BUSINESS OF GAMING: HOW PIXELS, PLAYERS & PROFITS ARE SHAPING NIGERIA’S DIGITAL ECONOMY

Описание: What if the most powerful economy of our time doesn’t live in oil wells, factory floors, or stock exchanges—but on screens, servers, and virtual worlds? On this episode of the Eastern Business Report – Discussion Segment, we turn the spotlight on an industry that now earns more globally than film and music combined: the gaming industry.

From casual mobile games to high-stakes esports tournaments, from content creation and live streaming to advertising, virtual assets, and game development, gaming has evolved far beyond leisure. It is now a fully structured economic ecosystem—one that fuels jobs, attracts global investment, drives technological innovation, and enables digital exports across borders.

But where does Nigeria, and more specifically the South-East, stand in this booming global gaming economy?

Anchored by Nneoma Aninwene, this conversation goes beyond controllers and consoles to examine the real business of gaming. Together with our guest expert, we break down what the gaming industry truly is, dispel the myth that it is “just play,” and explore the multiple categories that make up its value chain—from developers and publishers to streamers, esports athletes, advertisers, and platform owners.

We interrogate the size of the gaming market in Nigeria, asking whether the South-East is merely consuming games or actively building a gaming economy. Is gaming here still seen as a hobby, or can it become a sustainable career path? Who actually makes money in gaming, and how does the revenue flow—from in-app purchases and ads to brand partnerships and digital merchandise?

This episode also opens up overlooked opportunities: career paths beyond playing, the capital requirements for gaming startups in the region, and the policy actions that could unlock rapid industry growth if government takes gaming seriously as an economic sector. We examine gaming’s economic multiplier effect—how it creates jobs, builds tech skills, supports exports, and drives digital entrepreneurship.

We also challenge stereotypes, addressing gender inclusion in gaming and the role of women in what is often perceived as a male-dominated industry. Finally, for entrepreneurs and enthusiasts watching, we outline the smartest entry strategies for anyone looking to build a business in gaming—not just play games.

The conclusion is clear: gaming may look like entertainment on the surface, but beneath it lies one of the most sophisticated and scalable business ecosystems of our time. For the South-East, the real question is no longer whether gaming matters—but whether we are ready to position ourselves to profit from it.

This is the Eastern Business Report.
Thank you for watching.

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