TikTok’s ‘Month of Gaming’ Spotlights Nigeria’s Gaming Community

In a remarkable tribute to the burgeoning gaming sector in Nigeria, TikTok, the short-form video social platform, spearheaded the Nigeria Gamers Brunch recently, writes Iyke Bede

 The event held at the Landmark Towers attracted an array of gamers, game developers, game publishers, and stakeholders. 

The groundbreaking event introduced TikTok as a platform that fosters collaboration and propels the growth of the dynamic gaming sector through its programmes that provided attendees with the opportunity to engage, collaborate, and amplify their passion for video gaming, increase reach, monetise content, and grow a following for career longevity. 

“We are launching our official month of gaming in Nigeria this June,” Partnerships Lead, Gaming and Sports, TikTok,” Janine Anthony, disclosed. 

“With this event, we are encouraging gamers to create any kind of creative content and collaborate among themselves. This is not just about how to TikTok, but also how to succeed in the gaming industry in Nigeria and beyond,” Anthony added. Although gaming is a smaller ecosystem when compared to other industries in Nigeria, it is growing.”  

In her presentation, Anthony enlightened the attendees on tips for engaging audiences to convey their unique selling points and identifying their audience’s needs to increase their subscriber base, which will serve as parameters to attract investors and sponsors. 

To further elucidate her points, a fireside chat was held to aid attendees in tapping into the strategies implemented by established gaming influencers on the platform. The fireside chat included Okoawo Jonah (Tactical Ceza), Ayere Victor (Khalamanja), Franklyn Nnamdi (Lordmoon the Pope), and Oyesanya Tosin (Queen of Venus). 

The panellist began the session by addressing the negative perception of the video gaming industry in society and the impact of such perception on the economy. They collectively acknowledged that this perception had hindered the sector’s growth. However, they also highlighted the positive role of social media in changing this erroneous perception.  

Currently, gamers can push informative content on the platform through online gameplay, gamers’ stories, and showcasing of gaming setups. They also provide in-depth analyses and reviews of gaming products, game coding, and publishing information to help investors better understand the ecosystem. 

In the area of collaboration between gamers to drive the advancement of the multibillion-naira industry, some gamers are beginning to break the mould by gaining recognition in the international gaming community utilising TikTok’s live-streaming feature. This allows them to connect and interact with like-minded individuals and enables them to benefit from the distinctive in-app gifting feature, which can be exchanged for monetary value.

“The algorithm doesn’t choose a part of the country it sends your videos to, it is worldwide. When you get people to reach out, you want to make sure that you are friendly. I always pay attention to my comments. I have worked with people from the UK, and the USA, to create gaming content,” Ayere revealed. 

Game developers and publishers also had the opportunity to connect with talented gamers and content creators, fostering partnerships that can create innovative games and captivating gaming content. This collaborative spirit not only fuels the growth of the gaming industry but also cultivates a sense of community and support among its members.

Additional keynotes were delivered by SSA Editorial Specialist (Gaming and Entertainment) at TikTok, Chidi Chiwetalu, on harnessing storytelling on the platform. 

The event also highlighted the importance of inclusivity and diversity within the gaming community. Panellists emphasised the need for a more inclusive representation of gamers from various backgrounds, genders, and ethnicities. They stressed that by amplifying diverse voices and stories, the gaming industry could become more vibrant, engaging, and reflective of the wider society it serves.

With TikTok’s commitment to nurturing the gaming sector in Nigeria, the event began a month-long celebration dedicated to gaming. This initiative serves as a catalyst for aspiring gamers to showcase their creativity, build their brands, and explore avenues for success in the gaming industry. 

By embracing gaming as a viable career path and leveraging the power of social media platforms like TikTok, Nigerian gamers are poised to make significant contributions to the global gaming landscape, propelling the industry forward with their unique talents and perspectives and reshaping perspectives in the gaming sector.