Video gaming: Is 'the biggest industry in the world' sustainable in South Africa?
The video gaming industry in South Africa continues to grow annually, with projections indicating that the sector will surpass $559 million in revenue.
Gaming / Pixabay: monikabaechler
Relebogile Mabotja interviews Thabo Tsolo, CEO and Game Designer at SpaceSalad Studios.
Listen below.
The video gaming industry in South Africa continues to grow annually, with projections indicating that the Middle East and Africa gaming sector will surpass $559 million in revenue by the end of this year, reflecting an 8.2% year-on-year increase.
This impressive growth has led many to view a career in gaming as potentially lucrative.
Beyond streaming, Tsolo highlights a variety of job opportunities within the gaming industry, including developer, sound designer, writer, marketer, and graphic designer.
Additionally, development studios operate as businesses, necessitating various support roles such as accounting, business analysis, and management.
"The gaming industry is the biggest industry in the world."
- Thabo Tsolo, CEO and Game Designer – SpaceSalad Studios
Entering the market can be challenging, and long-term employment isn't always assured.
Tsolo notes that earning potential could reach millions of dollars; however, in the local context where gaming is still emerging, obstacles like connectivity issues and infrastructure makes it difficult to build a sustainable career through local sales.
As a result, he explains that many studios choose to sell their products to international clients.
Tsolo emphasises that achieving stability in this field will require time and effort.
"There is opportunity to make lots of money, where you can even retire young."
- Thabo Tsolo, CEO and Game Designer – SpaceSalad Studios
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.