Gaming as a career: Diving into the youth's perception of gaming as a career

The youth is constantly being exposed to new ways of making money. What was once only seen as just a recreational and niche activity has evolved beyond entertainment and can now not only be monetised, but also be a thriving career. 

Gaming culture is a worldwide media subculture formed by video game hobbyists. Over the years, it has evolved with internet culture and created a platform through streaming, for those with similar interests to also take their gaming hobby online to either watch or also join in on the fun and games. 

Multinational information technology company, HP, embarked on a study where they explored the landscape of the gaming industry in Southern Africa, that includes the economic value and the job and education opportunities that it presents.

By tapping into this rapidly evolving  market, HP is positioning itself as a key player in fostering innovation, growth, and inclusion in the gaming ecosystem.

“What is resoundingly clear from the report is that there is strong interest in SA’s gaming and eSports industry and careers within it,” said Yesh Surjoodeen, Managing Director of HP Southern and Central Africa

Globally, the gaming industry is valued at over $200 billion, with Africa emerging as one of the fastest-growing markets, according to research by HP. 

Southern Africa, led by countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, is becoming a hotspot for gamers, developers, and investors. In South Africa alone, the gaming sector is expected to generate $26.4 million (around R473 million) in 2024, with projected growth to $34.9 million by 2029. 

HP’s study revealed that the gaming industry offers well-paying career paths, with entry-level salaries in South Africa ranging from R10,000 to R30,000 per month, depending on qualifications.

However, a significant challenge remains, 70% of South African gamers are interested in pursuing careers in the field, but 80% cite a lack of knowledge about educational and job pathways as a barrier to access.

Southern Africa’s gaming industry is also driving conversations around diversity and inclusion. Women, who have traditionally been underrepresented in gaming, are increasingly stepping into roles as gamers, developers, and esports competitors.

As an initiative HP is making a contribution to the gaming world with their  HP Gaming Garage - a free online programme, offering courses in Esports Management, Game Design, Game Programming and Gen AI Game Development.  

Giving insight into what the gaming space is like for a female gamer is Naledi Matutoane also known as Androvais the gaming world. She is a Twitch streamer and gaming content creator who started playing video games towards the end of high school. 

Her interest in gaming has since grown and she has now been officially a gamer for eight years, streaming five times a week. 

Matutone shared that when she started out as a gaming creator, there were only a few women who were also in the space, however now is a different story as more and more women are joining. 

“My focus is the gaming community in South Africa is to be a point of representation for other black women in gaming. When i started streaming there was about two other women of colour streaming from South Africa, and now four years later it has boomed”

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