E-gaming, or electronic gaming, has become a global phenomenon, creating a multi-billion dollar industry that rivals traditional sports in popularity and revenue. However, in Ghana, professional gamers face significant challenges that hinder the growth and recognition of this burgeoning field. Despite considerable progress in the Ghana gaming industry by different stakeholders such as Ghana Esports Federation, Ghana Esports Association, Professional gamers, and Gaming centers there is so much more to be done as a nation to further the growth of our ecosystem.
Currently, the Esports World Cup is underway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with thousands of participants from all corners of the globe competing across 21 games like Call of Duty, FC 24, League of Legends, and Dota 2. It will have the largest combined prize pool in esports history at over US$60 million, encompassing individual tournament prize pools, rewards for teams that qualify for EWC events, most valuable player awards, and the Club Championship. This cross-game competition aggregates the individual game results of all participating organizations (known as “clubs” to the EWC) to crown a Club Champion. Sadly, Ghana is not a part of this competition since we didn’t qualify for it.
We might have missed out on the Esports World Cup but Ghana’s Counter-Strike 2(CS2) team earned the nation a spot in the upcoming IESF African Esports Championship 2024 after placing fourth in the North African Qualifiers just above Nigeria. With a prize pool of $25,000, Team Ghana will have the opportunity to further elevate our standing in the world of e-gaming by securing a win in the tournament.
Private organizations and people passionate about the future and growth of our gaming industry are doing their best to make our blossoming ecosystem thrive. However, there are still obstacles plaguing the path. To understand these challenges, I speak to Ritalucia, a Ghanaian-Nigerian avid gamer and content creator building an enviable fan base on Twitch’s live streaming service. She has a lot to say about the current e-gaming scene, its problems, and potential ways the government can help. After my conversation with her, I understand the current landscape and the worries plaguing its community.
The e-gaming scene in Ghana is facing difficulties due to various economic challenges, including high internet costs, a weak economy, and unfavorable exchange rates. The rising data prices are also leading to a decline in viewership, and gamers are reducing their spending on items such as new games and skins, opting for free games or previously owned ones instead. Gaming venues like Arena 233 have had to increase their prices understandably, making gaming less affordable. For example, Rita herself used to purchase five hours of gaming time but can now only afford three hours. The financial strain has also caused a sharp drop in tournaments and competitions, reducing investor interest.
To address these issues, there is a call for the government to tackle data costs and stabilize exchange rates, as gaming equipment and software are usually priced in foreign currencies. While the Esports Federation in Ghana is active and performing well, it lacks adequate funding and government support. Suggestions include providing data waivers for gamers signed to e-sport teams and solving server issues in our region.
Despite these challenges, the e-sports community remains resilient, with gamers continuing to stream, organize small-scale competitions, and even qualify for international events. However, the lack of resources and support makes it difficult to produce substantial gaming content, leading to the misconception that the scene is stagnant when in reality, it’s simply underfunded and undervalued.
The resilience of players who continue to participate in international competitions, organize events, and keep the scene alive, even with limited resources, is a testament to the potential of the industry. However, without meaningful support from the government and other stakeholders, this potential may remain untapped. Addressing issues like data costs, exchange rates, and funding could open up new growth opportunities, allowing the e-gaming industry in Ghana to thrive. Until then, the scene remains in a precarious position—full of talent and enthusiasm, yet held back by economic realities.
