Nexal Gaming to launch Africa’s LinkedIn for gamers, Esports NG in 2024

The Nexal Gaming Company (NGC), formerly known as the Nigerian Gaming Community (NGC), has announced the launch of its cutting-edge esports platform, Esports NG. In a release sent to Technext, the company described the launch as a dynamic move to revolutionize the African esports ecosystem.

Established in 2019, Nexal Gaming has evolved from a regional gaming community to a pan-African gaming powerhouse, boasting over a hundred thousand members across the continent.

More than 33 per cent of the world’s population play video games. Whether it be on consoles, computers, mobile phones or virtual reality, video games will certainly continue to remain an integral part of modern life and Africa is no different. This led to Nexal Gaming’s venture into the Gaming and Esports Scene where it recognised the need to utilise tech in building sustainable Esports ecosystems for gamers to thrive, collaborate and excel.

Journey into Esports

Founded by a group of passionate gaming enthusiasts, Nexal Gaming initially emerged as the Nigerian Gaming Community (NGC) with a singular mission—to cultivate a sustainable esports presence in Nigeria. Recognizing the potential to impact a broader audience, the company underwent a strategic rebranding in 2023, morphing into the Nexal Gaming Company (NGC).

Chief Technology Officer, Bakare Paul explained that the community’s unwavering commitment to its vision led to the development of the new gaming platform, a groundbreaking platform designed to become the LinkedIn for gamers in Africa.

“The Esports NG’s platform was born out of the discovery that gamers and Gaming Teams in Nigeria and Africa do not have a platform that publicly projects their activities in the gaming scene, and considering sponsorships and advertising account for more than 55% of monetization options for Esports, this is certainly a big issue

Bakare Paul

Nexal Gaming has recorded significant milestones in its journey so far. The gaming platform emerged victorious at the ICAN and Bank of Industry Hackathon in May 2023 where it showcased the company’s innovative approach to gaming technology and community building. This recognition underscored Nexal Gaming’s position as a leading force in the African esports landscape.

The company has also successfully cultivated thriving gaming communities, with notable platforms like the Call of Duty Mobile Nigeria Community boasting over 60,000 members on Facebook and the FreeFire Nigeria Community reaching 40,000 members. These vibrant communities serve as a testament to the company’s ability to create spaces that resonate with gamers, fostering connection and driving interaction.

Esports in Africa

Electronic sports is a new segment that adds a competitive flavour to gaming and is touted to be “one of the biggest and fastest growing industries in the world.” Statista expects eSports to be worth $1.8 billion by 2025. 

Although Esports is highly popular in Asia, Europe, and North America, the niche is gaining ground in Africa with local and regional competitions being organized regularly. The games fall into the following categories: first-person shooter (FPS), a multiplayer online battle arena, real-time strategy, etc. 

Prize money is typically funded by various sources, including sponsorships, advertising, and revenue from ticket sales and merchandise. This price is often split among the top performers in a competition, with the winners receiving the largest share of the prize money.

Interestingly, electronic sports have a sizable followership in Africa with 21 countries from the continent belonging to the International Esports Federation (IESF).

Nexal Gaming’s evolution from a local gaming community to a continental gaming powerhouse signifies a transformative moment for African esports. The company noted in an Instagram story that the launch of its platform is expected to go public in Q1 of 2024 on the Playstore and App stores.

With this, the company is poised to redefine how gamers connect, compete, and collaborate in the region with a focus on the social elements of gaming as is seen in their mantra “Where Social Meets Gaming”.

See also: The state of eSports in Nigeria: Why more investors should jump on gamers’ newest interest