Gaming remains incredibly popular in South Africa. The way in which people play continues to change as the years go by. It isn’t just the case of going onto your console to play enjoy video games or switching your computer on and visiting an online casino. Improvements in technology are changing the way South African gamers play online, and more changes are on the way in the future. Let’s take a look at just which devices are being used and what the future holds.
Statistics show that last year ZAR 4.8 billion ($266 million) was spent on video games in South Africa. It’s estimated that by 2026, that figure could reach ZAR 6.1 billion ($333 million). Analyzing the amount being spent on games shows just how the gaming industry is changing. Mobiles accounted for 91% of the spending with 5% for PCs and the remaining 4% for consoles. The number of South Africans playing video games is also on the rise. It was 26.5 million last year, a rise of 5.4% since 2020. That’s nearly 44% of the nation’s population, with 53% of the players being male. The most popular games being played are ‘Fortnite,’ ‘The Sims 4,’ ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’ and ‘Minecraft.’
Twitch is proving extremely popular with South African gamers. 64% of gamers said that they watch live-streamed games in that way. It’s more popular with male players as they account for 57% of users. Going online to play their games is the most popular method with 61% saying that they watch and play online gaming content. The statistics reflect the way in which South African gamers play their games is changing. In the past consoles and PCs had been the main way in which games were played. The arrival of the internet and the gaming opportunities that it has created have been behind those changes.
Even more important have been the improvements seen in the mobile phone industry. Why sit at home on your console or PC when you could be enjoying your games here, there, and everywhere? That’s what the arrival of smartphones has allowed players to do. The days when phones were used simply to make or receive calls are long gone. Now, their owners have the ability to go online and enjoy using their mobile devices in ways they couldn’t in the past. This isn’t just being able to play some great video games. Smartphones are also being used to place bets while out and about. The cost of the mobile devices has also been to the advantage of gamers. An increasing number of South Africans are now able to afford them. There has also been growth in eSports, which has boosted the popularity of online games. Those hours spent playing ‘Fortnite’ might just lead to some success in the future.
When it comes to gambling, there has been tremendous growth in recent years. Online betting is so popular now and offers South African gamblers the opportunity to be placing bets at all times of the day. Such is the popularity of gambling. It’s estimated it could become a trillion rand industry this year. There are many who gamble on their PCs and laptops. Although many love to gamble on the latest sports fixtures, that is not all that South African players can enjoy. Many try their luck on Lucky Numbers, which is based on lottery draws from around the globe with huge winnings possible.
Playing on your mobile is again a vital part of the way in which players gamble. Sites either have a mobile version of their site or offer an app. This allows their customers to enjoy gambling at all times. They can check the results, follow the live action, and make deposits and withdrawals. Those who love to play casino games are also guaranteed an exciting time. They can play video versions of games such as poker, blackjack, and roulette. That’s not all, as they can experience the Live Casino, which replicates the environment of a land-based venue.
What does the future hold? Well, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are the way forward. These allow games to become more immersive, and some amazing experiences will be had. VR headsets do look a tad foolish at times, but the benefits of using them are going to be incredible in the future. The graphics of games have already seen massive improvements in recent years. There are going to be huge steps forward in the future in this respect. Just imagine what it is like to put on your VR headset and start playing a video or casino game. You can enter a whole new world (perhaps even another planet) or play at what appears to be one of the most famous casinos on our planet. You will feel like part of the game, and escapism is the name of the game.
The way in which South African gamers play has already seen huge changes. More are on the way, and it certainly looks to be a very exciting future that lies ahead of us.
