The gaming and eSports industry is transforming. Global gaming revenue is estimated to be about $553B in 2027, and Afrocentric gaming communities are emerging as key players in reshaping the landscape. These communities celebrate African and Afro-diasporic cultures, champion diverse narratives, and advocate for greater representation within the gaming space. 

A recent gaming study by Eyes4Research found that 23 percent of gamers identify as Black or African American, proving that the gaming community is much more diverse than previously thought. 

With 22 percent of Black gamers stating that they are at least casual fans of eSports, let’s explore the multifaceted aspects of Afrocentric gaming and dig deeper into its cultural significance, community dynamics, and opportunities for collaborations with gaming brands. 

Embracing Cultural Identity 

Afrocentric gaming communities serve as vibrant spaces for lifting cultural identity and heritage. Through gaming, storytelling, and artistry, these communities showcase diverse narratives that reflect the richness of African and Afro-diasporic cultures. 

For instance, games like “Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan” by Kiro’o Games draw inspiration from African mythology and traditions, offering players a unique gaming experience rooted in cultural authenticity. “Assassins Creed III: Liberation” positions gamers to play as a half-African, half-French assassin in the Antebellum South. The core of the game centers around how the player navigates public spaces as a biracial woman, moving through white society as an aristocrat, spying on enemies dressed as a slave, and finally eliminating them as an assassin. 

In addition, Afrocentric content creators such as Afrogamer and Black Girl Gamers utilize platforms like Twitch and YouTube to share their experiences, amplify marginalized voices, and promote cultural representation in gaming. By centering African narratives, these creators contribute to a more inclusive gaming ecosystem that resonates with diverse audiences worldwide. 

Encouraging Inclusive Spaces

In 2023, there were slightly over 3 billion active gamers worldwide, with the number of Black players growing every year. Inclusivity lies at the core of Afrocentric gaming communities, which prioritize creating safe and welcoming spaces for gamers of African descent. 

Organizations like Black Gamers for Change advocate for diversity and representation within the gaming industry, challenging stereotypes and advocating for equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups. 

Initiatives such as the African eSports Champion provide platforms for aspiring esports athletes from Africa and its diaspora to showcase their skills and compete on a global stage. By creating a sense of community and belonging, Afrocentric gaming communities empower gamers to embrace their cultural identities while pursuing their passions in gaming and eSports. 

Afrocentric Gaming Drives Social Impact

Beyond entertainment, Afrocentric gaming communities leverage their influence to drive social impact and advocate for positive change. Projects like “Hair Nah”, a game created by Momo Pixel, challenge stereotypes and address issues of cultural appropriation by celebrating Black hair and identity playfully as it tells the story of a Black woman tired of people touching her hair. 

With only 5 percent of video game developers identifying as Black, there is an opportunity to increase the selection of games that center Black characters and tell stories that Black gamers can relate to. 

Additionally, organizations like Gaming Sisters utilize gaming as a tool for education and empowerment, providing young girls in Africa access to STEM education and leadership development through gaming. Using the power and allure of gaming for social good allows Afrocentric gaming communities to effect tangible change and promote greater inclusivity within the gaming industry. 

Reaching young Black gamers is key for brands– a recent study found that young POC play for longer stretches of time, averaging about 30 minutes longer per day than young white gamers of the same age. Additional studies found that Black children are twice as likely to have a video game console in their bedrooms and start playing video games earlier than white children. 

What Are the Opportunities for Collaboration with Gaming Brands?

For gaming companies, engaging with Afrocentric gaming communities presents a unique opportunity to connect with diverse audiences and demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusion and representation at all levels of the gaming community. 

By partnering with Afrocentric content creators, sponsoring esports tournaments, and developing culturally relevant gaming experiences, brands can reach a growing market segment and encourage authentic connections with gamers worldwide. 

For example, Ubisoft collaborated with The AfroGamer to host a livestream event featuring gameplay from “Assassins Creed: Origins” highlighting the game’s depiction of ancient Egypt and its relevance to African history and culture. Such partnerships not only enhance brand visibility but also contribute to meaningful dialogue around cultural representation in gaming. 

Electronic Arts (EA) partnered with Tanya DePass, founder of the nonprofit organization “I Need Diverse Games” to promote diversity and inclusion within the gaming industry. DePass, an Afro-Latina gamer and advocate, worked with EA on initiatives such as promoting diverse characters in games and creating a more inclusive gaming community. 

Microsoft collaborated with Black Girl Gamers, a community dedicated to supporting Black women in gaming, to promote diversity and representation within the Xbox ecosystem. This collaboration included events, livestreams, and community initiatives aimed at amplifying the voices of women gamers and content creators. 

These collaborations increased the visibility and representation of Afrocentric gamers and content creators within the space. As the gaming industry continues to boom, and these communities grow in influence and visibility, there is a deep potential for collaboration and innovation between gaming companies, brands, and Afrocentric gamers and content creators. 

In embracing Afrocentric narratives, celebrating cultural diversity, and considering marginalized audiences, the gaming industry can chart a more inclusive and equitable future for gamers across the globe.