In my short life within this wonderful world, Africa and the Africa Esports industry, I have worked for the young and old, in students leadership, corporate Ghana and family life. And I have come to a firm conclusion that the future belongs to digital experiences powered by the youth.
The future of Esports on the continent of Africa will largely depend on critical and deliberate actions on the part of leadership and individuals willing to take the big risk of investing in Esports now.
The emerging Africa Esports market place is very nascent and holds a lot of business opportunities. This article and presentation is my attempt in identifying some viable business ideas within the Africa Gaming ecosystem. Some ventures dovetail into some other products and services others can successfully stand alone in providing value to clientele with specific expertise and products.
Here we go:
1. GAME DEVELOPMENT, STUDIO & PUBLISHER
Development of games for all platforms, mobile, console, PC and VR. Both competitive and casual games, Africa has enough content to develop AAA-rated games.
2. STORYTELLING
Great Storytelling produces Great Digital Experience via VideoGame story mode or a movie. A great Story Writing specifically for video game creation can be a source of business for Creative Africa Writers. Story Telling African Cultural via video games can be a source of employment, generating authentic and immersive content for story mode for game studios and publishers.
3. ESPORTS / GAMING HARDWARE VENDOR
An outfit dedicated to sales and distribution of gaming hardware either direct to gamers or to teams or to institutions with after-sales support in maintenance with a fee. Creating a business dedicated to a niche community of users.
Specific Standalone Products:
Gaming Ergonomics, Gaming Systems, Gaming monitors, Gaming peripherals
4. CUSTOM PC BUILT & ASSEMBLING PLANT
Custom-built PC for esports organizations, gaming enthusiasts, educational institutions, leagues, cafes, arenas, etc.
5. ESPORTS SOFTWARE PLATFORMS
Creative Software Solutions that facilitate the growth of Esports. Events platform, Teams platforms, Tournament Platforms, Communication platforms via a web portal or an app that is uniquely created for gamers, brands and their audiences to interact
6. ESPORTS ACADEMY / EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
An education outfit for the training of skill sets within the Esports and gaming ecosystem. An Esports Academy or University trains young students the totality of the business of gaming and esports.
7. ESPORTS FINTECH/BANKING
Financial Technologies dedicated to Esport transaction from platform to platform, e-commerce and microtransaction in one own currency plus blockchain integration.
8. ESPORTS WEAR, APPAREL & LIFESTYLE BRANDS
Esports Team jersey design, manufacturing and printing firm. Esports Fashion and lifestyle wearables…jerseys, t-shirts, hoods, cups, socks, footwear.
9. ESPORTS ARENAS, STADIUM / HUB / GAME LOUNGE
Gaming Arenas, hubs, Cafes, of various sizes for both online and offline engagements. Multi-purpose gaming complex can serve the tech community since it has all the state of the art facilities for all digital summits and a youth convention centre.
10. FOOD / DRINKS / SNACKS
Gamers must eat healthy foods to stay in top shape. Nutritional foods, drinks and snack for gamers is another business venture. Also Catering or Food vendor for large gaming events is a business opportunity.
11. TOURNAMENT ORGANIZER & PRODUCTION
Independent event operators to coordinate competitions leveraging Esport Game Titles
12. ESPORTS MEDIA PRODUCTION
Esports communication & Content Production agency have to capacity to create content to inform, educate or entertain a wide audience via web content to social media to TV, video and radio content.
13. ESPORTS TRAVEL & TOURISM AGENCY
A travel agency specializes in services that provide, Destination, travel and tourism-related services to the Esports players and fans for flight ticketing, hotels, transportation to Esports events grounds. Sights & Sounds of City Tour.
14. ESPORTS DATA ANALYTICS
An agency, that helps brands adapt and develop solutions with Big Data-related Esports technologies business strategies and practices.
14. MUSIC & SOUND
Music for game production. Music for Live Broadcast or Stream Soundtrack, intros, outro music for gaming festivals, events and more. Specialize Sound Setup for Esports Events as the requirements for gaming setup is a bit different and delicate.
15. ESPORTS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The Business of Planning and Execution of Esports Events with entire production workflow, resource estimation, branding requirements and total budget. BDs also plans out auxiliary business avenues via specific games, people and place.
16. ESPORTS MARKETING FIRM
Dedicated marketing firm for all things gaming and esports with direct targeted audience; esports fans and the younger generation
17. ESPORTS SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT
An agency that represents an esports company across social channels as the sole voice of the brand. Respond to comments, compile campaigns and create content. Enhance online presence via Esports and Gaming engagements that bring unbeatable value and credibility of services that take brands channels to the next level.
18. ESPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Taking photographs at an esports tournament. A photography agency that represents a varied roster of Esports organizations with a wide range of specialities working globally,
19. ESPORTS TEAMS & CLUBS
Dedicated Esports teams or club as an international Esports organization participating in major local and global leagues / competitive tournaments. Providing value for players, community, owners, investors and Brands sponsoring such an entity.
20. ESPORTS NEWS MEDIA
News media agency as a portal for Esports and gaming industry-related news. Creating Awareness, Recognition and Acceptance of Esports as a mainstream sport.
21. ESPORTS EVENT LOGISTICS
Dedicated logistics firm for all things rental of esports tournament equipment, venue setup and event amenities
22. ESPORTS SCOUTING AGENCY
Dedicated scouting agency with a credible record of scouting the very best of talent within the esports industry and getting these talents good placement in top leagues
23. ESPORTS REAL ESTATES
Real Estates developers specialist in building esports facilities, arenas, stadiums, cafes, hubs, lounge, hotel additions, gaming-friendly homes. Digital Recreation Facility will be the future playground and esports will play a critical part.
24. ESPORTS LAW FIRM
A legal firm dedicated to all things Intellectual Property, Contracts, Arbitration, Dispute negotiations and more.
25. ESPORTS ADVERTISING AGENCY
An advertising agency, aka creative agency or an ad agency, Esports business dedicated to creating, planning, and handling advertising, promotion and marketing of Esports engagements for corporate clients and Esports Teams
26. HARDWARE REPAIR CENTRE
Service Center that specializes in full range hardware & computer repair services to the gaming community
27. MERCHANDISE/ COSPLAY SALES SHOP
Digital or in-store, retailer providing one-stop-shop for all things Esports merchandise and Cosplay products.
28. BRANDED GAMING, R&D CONSULTANCY FIRM
A business outfit of experts that provides professional feedback to brands or an organization for a fee wishing to incorporate their brand in an esports or gaming setting either in-game or on-site. Research and technological development, in developing new services or products, or improving existing services or products via Esports Engagements, Activations and Industry workflow and know-how.
29. ESPORTS PLAYER MANAGEMENT
Esports Talent management business, managing a pool of talents across several leagues and tournament for specific teams or individual investors.
30. ESPORTS PSYCHOLOGIST
Psychologists that care for the metal wellness of players and Esports Team members. Esports psychologists also perform research on safe Gaming, develop new training modules and routines, and help in the recovery of players state of mind after defeating in tournaments
31. ESPORTS FITNESS & THERAPY
Trainers and Expert that cares for the physical wellness of Players. Fitness Trainers, massage therapist and Gym instructors.
32. LIVE ESPORTS/SPORTS VIEWING CENTER BAR & RESTAURANT
Esports Fans convention environment for all things digital entertainment experience via Esports. A place to meet new friends of similar game title lovers, network and enjoy.
33. ESPORTS INSURANCE
Insurance outfit dedicated to Esports industry, risk management and innovative insurance packages targeted at emerging gaming culture and lifestyle
34. ESPORTS INVESTMENT PLANS
Good investment portfolio and packages for Esports players and investors. Creating worth via opportunities within the esports industry with packages targets at players even after retirement or playing days. Such also advise players where to invest their finances.
35. ESPORTS HEALTH CARE / CENTRE
Dedicated health unity for Esports Athletes, fans and the general public with a bit of gaming look and feel to the recovering wards and rooms. This will be great as a kids hospital or kids wellness centre.
36. ESPORTS PRODUCTION FIRM
Total Esports Events setup agency, stage, lights, video, sound, branding, security.
37. ESPORTS LIVE REALITY SHOW
Live Gaming Reality Show with brands sponsorship over traditional tv and online streaming platform. Such a reality show should be innovative with public participation to get more mileage and engagement from the gaming community and also to attract viewership.
38. ESPORTS CLIMATE CHANGE
Esports global organization or forum dedicated to climate change and campaign. Cultivating engagements on all levels for climate change initiatives, promoting tree planting, wildlife conservation and global environmental watch.
39. ESPORTS SECURITY FIRM
Security firm with gamers as security guards. Such a firm understands the rules and engagements of gaming titles for Tournaments to serves as the third eye to referee for fair play, no cheating, and no violence policy. And also good coordination and order during Esports Events.
40. ESPORTS EDUCATION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Specialist in Adult Education of Esports and helps senior citizens to transcend into the digital environment in a more relax and fun engagement via a modular training system
41. ESPORTS DESIGN AGENCY
Concept development and Design of Esports design collateral for Teams and brands within the Esports industry for social media platforms, branding of events and communication material for all media platforms and activations.
42. DEDICATED STREAMING PLATFORM
A dedicated streaming platform for Gamers and fans of Africa Gaming content with easy monetization and realtime fan engagements plus reward systems.
THIS IS NOT THE END.
At the end of the day what really matters is Esports for change, profitability and scalability… that each idea or business venture is providing value for investors, players, community and country. The business possibilities in Esports are endless, one only needs to identify a need and be innovative in creating a business around that need or emerging market.
Untile another article… Cheers, and enjoy your day!
Written by: Kwesi Hayford | EsportsGhana President | Email: qkwecy@gmail.com
