The streaming company introduced Netflix Playground as a standalone app built for children aged eight and under.

Now available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Philippines and New Zealand, a wider rollout is planned for April 28.

The app brings together games based on familiar children’s titles, including Peppa Pig and Sesame Street, as well as stories from Dr Seuss.

Users can play titles such as Playtime With Peppa Pig, Dr Seuss’s Horton! and Sesame Street games without an internet connection.

Netflix said the app is included in all subscription plans and does not carry adverts or in-app purchases. It also comes with parental controls to manage what children can access and how long they spend on the platform.

In a statement, John Derderian, vice president of Animation Series and Kids & Family TV at Netflix, said: “We’re building a world where kids can not only watch their favourite stories, they can step inside them and interact with their favourite characters. We’re creating a seamless destination for discovery, learning, and play.”

The launch adds to Netflix’s gaming focus, which began in 2021 but has yet to become a major source of growth.

Some of its better-known titles include games linked to its own productions, such as Squid Game, alongside licensed content like GTA: San Andreas.

Children’s content is said to be highly important for subscriber retention. Families are less likely to cancel when younger viewers are actively engaged, and gaming offers another way to keep that attention within the platform.

However, competitors such as Disney+ and Apple Arcade have stronger libraries of children’s characters and franchises than Netflix, which can be easier to convert into games.

Alongside the new app, Netflix confirmed new additions to its children’s catalogue. A new preschool series, Young MacDonald, is in development, while existing titles such as Trash Truck and The Creature Cases have been renewed.

More episodes from familiar names, including Sesame Street and Ms Rachel, are also on the schedule.

The company said children’s programming performs strongly on its service. Between 2023 and 2025, kids’ titles ranked among the most-watched content, making it one of the platform’s top genres.

With Playground, Netflix is now linking video and gaming. The aim is to keep children watching and give them something to do when the screen stops playing shows.

This digital explosion in Nigeria is triggered in periods like Easter. What used to be a calm religious period has become a peak window for streaming, mobile engagement and digital spending.

Lately, Easter has gone beyond being observed in churches to being consumed across screens.

Pews to platforms

There is still strong church attendance, which has not changed. What has changed is what happens before and after.

Phones are now part of the experience.

Nigeria has over 151 million internet subscribers, almost entirely driven by mobile access. This means Easter is no longer a shared schedule but a personalised, on-demand experience.

The growth of the “digital pulpit”

One of the most obvious changes this year is what I would call the digital pulpit.

Worship is no more tied to location, it moves with the user.

Podcasts, livestreams and recorded sermons are now done alongside traditional services. In many cases, they extend them. A message heard on Sunday is replayed on Monday morning traffic.

The data supports it:

• Faith-based podcast listening is steeply increasing
• More than 90% of streams happen on mobile devices

This is structured engagement not casual listening. Voices like Emmanuel Iren and Femi Lazarus are building large digital audiences. Their content blends theology with production quality, clear audio, clipped messages, and distribution across platforms.

The growth stresses that spiritual influence is longer limited to physical reach because digital distribution now defines it.

What Nigerians are watching: streaming takes over

Easter viewing has changed completely.

It used to be scheduled television, a few biblical films, and fixed times. Now it is on-demand.

• Church services stream live on YouTube
• Films are watched on mobile screens
• Content is replayed, clipped, and shared

At the same time, Nollywood is adjusting.

New titles like Avante (released April 3) are entering a congested digital space, while Behind the Scenes still tops as the highest-grossing Nollywood title into 2026.

Looking at distribution, platforms such as Africa Magic and YouTube are competing for attention, especially for indigenous content. Yoruba and Igbo language productions have seen around 87% growth in viewership and listening over the past year.

Easter is now a competition for attention, not just a moment of reflection.

The gospel streaming explosion

Music is still major during Easter, but the format has changed. Streaming platforms now carry most of the weight.

Data from Spotify shows that gospel and praise streams have grown by over 5,000% since 2021, ascertaining structural growth.

This week, playlists are doing the work once handled by choirs and CDs.

Artists like:

• Nathaniel Bassey
• Moses Bliss
• Dunsin Oyekan

are topping streams.

Dunsin Oyekan’s “Naija Worship” playlist takeover in early April reflects a wider shift. Curation has become as important as creation.

Worship is now on-demand, replayable, and algorithm-driven.

Reading, but differently

Reading has not disappeared, it has just changed shape.

Long books have given way to:

• Daily devotionals
• Short scripture posts
• Mobile-first reading

Apps like YouVersion Bible App are highly used here.

WhatsApp broadcasts and social media captions now carry a large share of spiritual content. It is quick, shareable and constant.

Reflection has been compressed into digital moments.

Gaming: the competitor

There is another aspect to Easter that isn’t usually unnoticed, and that’s gaming.

Holidays create downtime. Downtime drives play.

Titles like:

• Call of Duty: Mobile
• EA Sports FC Mobile

compete directly with films, sermons and music for attention.

Attention is limited.

Even during religious periods, platforms are competing for the same hours.

Social media: where Easter is performed

Easter now lives online.

• Instagram carries fashion and lifestyle
• TikTok spreads choir clips and sermon highlights
• WhatsApp distributes devotionals

What used to be private is now shared.

Easter is no longer just experienced, it is performed.

The economics: follow the data

Behind all this activity is money.

Nigeria’s telecom sector has changed. Data, not voice, now drives revenue growth.

Monthly internet spending has surged, with Nigerians spending an estimated ₦721 billion on data in a single month in 2025.

The beneficiaries are:

• MTN Nigeria
• Airtel Nigeria
• Streaming platforms
• Content creators

There is also a behavioural change.

People are now gifting:

• Data bundles
• Subscriptions
• Digital access

instead of physical items.

Easter consumption can now be measured in gigabytes.

A change driven by pressure

The high prices have made travel and large gatherings more expensive. Many people are staying in, and when they stay in, they go online.

Digital becomes the substitute.

It is cheaper, flexible and fits the moment.

The contradiction

There is a tension at the centre of all this.

Faith encourages stillness.
Technology encourages engagement.

The same platforms that deliver sermons and worship are designed to keep users scrolling, watching and listening.

That tension is not going away.

The change is permanent

Easter itself has not changed, the meaning is the same. But the way Nigerians experience it is what has changed.

Looking at podcasts, playlists, livestreams and even data bundles, we see what Easter is.

It is mobile.
It is personalised.
It is monetised.

And most of all, it is measured in data, in streams, and in time spent on screen.

In a largely analogue system, legitimacy has been something you hang on the wall, not something you prove in real time.

But in a digital gaming economy, where bets are placed in milliseconds and platforms operate across borders, that approach is no longer just outdated. It is risky.

Nigeria’s gaming industry has outgrown paper regulation. Online sportsbooks, mobile lotteries, virtual casinos, and offshore platforms now dominate player activity.

Yet regulatory verification still depends too heavily on documents that can be forged, reused, or misrepresented. Recent incidents involving fake licenses and cloned regulatory approvals have only reinforced a hard truth: if regulation remains offline, fraud will always be one step ahead.

Digital proof changes that equation entirely.

Moving gaming regulation fully online means shifting from static documentation to live, verifiable compliance. Instead of asking, “Do you have a license?” the real question becomes, “Are you currently compliant, right now?”

This distinction matters. A paper license tells you what was approved at a point in time. Digital proof tells you what is actually happening on the platform today.

At its core, digital regulation is about visibility. Regulators cannot supervise what they cannot see. When operators are required to connect their platforms to regulatory systems, through dashboards, APIs, or automated reporting tools, compliance stops being a monthly or quarterly exercise and becomes continuous.

Turnover, payouts, player activity, system uptime, and even responsible gaming triggers can be monitored without waiting for manual reports that arrive late, incomplete, or disputed.

This is not about control for control’s sake. It is about credibility.

Serious operators benefit the most from digital regulation. When compliance is automated and transparent, legitimate businesses are no longer lumped together with questionable actors.

Regulators can quickly distinguish who is playing by the rules and who is not. Investors gain confidence. Disputes reduce. Enforcement becomes targeted rather than arbitrary.

More importantly, digital proof protects the public. Players should not have to guess whether a platform is licensed.

A simple verification portal, where anyone can confirm an operator’s live regulatory status, can do more to fight illegal gaming than dozens of press statements. When legitimacy becomes easy to verify, illegal operators lose their camouflage.

Nigeria already understands this logic in other sectors. Banking, telecommunications, and payments have all moved decisively toward real-time digital oversight. Gaming should not be the exception.

In fact, because gaming involves money, data, and behavioural risk, the case for digital regulation is even stronger.

Another often overlooked benefit is revenue accuracy. Disagreements over Gross Gaming Revenue, tax calculations, and levies frequently stem from delayed or self-reported data.

Digital systems reduce friction by grounding discussions in shared, verifiable numbers. Regulation becomes less adversarial and more technical, exactly how mature industries function.

Critics sometimes argue that full digital regulation will burden smaller operators. In reality, the opposite is true.

Standardized digital compliance lowers long-term costs by eliminating repetitive audits, reducing paperwork, and creating predictable regulatory expectations. Once integrated, operators spend less time proving compliance and more time building products.

There is also a strategic angle Nigeria cannot ignore. As gaming technology becomes more sophisticated, countries that regulate digitally attract better operators and better technology partners.

No serious global platform wants to operate in a market where compliance is vague, manual, or subjective. Clear digital rules create certainty, and certainty attracts investment.

This shift does not require Nigeria to reinvent the wheel. The tools already exist. What is needed is regulatory will, technical capacity, and cooperation between state regulators and relevant federal institutions.

Digital regulation should not be fragmented or politicized; it should be practical, interoperable, and focused on outcomes.

Paper licenses served their purpose in an earlier era. But today’s gaming economy moves too fast, too quietly, and too digitally for yesterday’s tools.

If Nigeria wants a gaming industry that is credible, investable, and safe for consumers, regulation must move at the same speed as the platforms it oversees.

The future of gaming regulation is not framed on a wall. It is live, verifiable, and online. And the sooner Nigeria fully embraces that reality, the stronger the industry will become

The tax charge, linked to cross-border payments made between 2022 and 2025, led to a net income of $2.5 billion and diluted earnings per share of $5.87, below analysts’ expectations of $3 billion and $6.97. 

The company reported an operating margin of 28%, noting it would have exceeded its 31.5% guidance without the unexpected charge.

Chief Financial Officer Spence Neumann explained that the tax issue is not unique to Netflix, saying it affects “other global streaming and technology companies operating in Brazil.” The company added that the development does not mean a long-term threat to its financial outlook.

Despite the setback, Netflix forecast fourth-quarter revenue of $11.96 billion, slightly above Wall Street’s $11.90 billion projection, and projected earnings per share of $5.45, just ahead of analysts’ estimates. “We’re finishing the year with good momentum and have an exciting Q4 slate,” Netflix said in its letter to shareholders.

The company’s shares, which had risen 39% this year before the report, fell 5.6% to $1,171.24 in after-hours trading on Tuesday. Paolo Pescatore, an analyst at PP Foresight, said, “All things considered, this was another robust quarter, despite a blip due to an unforeseen expense.”

Netflix continues to diversify beyond streaming, investing heavily in advertising, gaming, and new technologies. The company said it recorded its best ad sales quarter in history, driven by its ad-supported plan launched in late 2022. 

Although it withheld figures, analysts believe advertising could become a growth driver by 2026 as subscriber growth steadies.

Netflix’s gaming vision is also in focus. With over 80 titles in development or live, including tie-ins to popular series like Stranger Things and The Queen’s Gambit, the company is testing cloud gaming in select regions to allow users to play directly on TVs and PCs without downloads. Analysts, however, caution that gaming will take time to deliver meaningful revenue.

Co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters addressed industry consolidation and acquisition speculation during an analyst call. Sarandos said the company remains selective: “Nothing is a must-have for us to meet our goals that we have for the business.” 

Peters added that ongoing mergers in the media sector don’t necessarily alter Netflix’s competitive position, stating, “Watching some of our competitors potentially get bigger via (mergers and acquisitions) does not change in and of itself, at least our view, the competitive landscape.”

Netflix plans to close the year with several major releases, including the final season of Stranger Things, new international hits like Berlin (a Money Heist spinoff), and two live NFL games on Christmas Day.

Although its path this quarter was impacted by a financial stumble, Netflix appears to be leaning into its strengths such as content, technology, and advertising, to maintain growth in the streaming market.

In the digital gaming economy, visibility is only half the battle; the other half is getting players to actually pay.

And here again, Nigerian operators often find themselves up against global giants who, without ever calling it “blackmail,” impose restrictions that can make or break a business.

The Payment Puzzle

For many Nigerian gaming operators, integrating payment gateways is a nightmare. While local fintechs like Flutterwave, Paystack, and DalaPay are making strides, global payment processors remain selective.

Many refuse outright to process gaming-related transactions from Nigeria, lumping licensed operators together with unregulated or offshore outfits.

This means players who might want to deposit with their debit cards or wallets are either blocked or redirected to cumbersome alternatives.

The irony? Rogue offshore platforms often bypass these restrictions by using foreign accounts, while homegrown, licensed operators are the ones left stranded.

It’s a digital form of economic discrimination: “Yes, we’ll let Nigerians stream, shop, and trade stocks online, but gaming? Not so fast.”

App Stores: The New Gatekeepers

Then there’s the issue of app distribution. Apple’s App Store and Google Play are the default marketplaces for mobile gaming apps, but Nigerian operators frequently hit brick walls. Even with state licenses, some applications are rejected or delayed under the blanket category of “gambling.”

The process is opaque: an offshore casino app with questionable compliance might somehow slip through, while a Nigerian state-licensed lottery app faces endless back-and-forth over “regional policies.”

In practice, this means that operators who play by the rules locally often find themselves invisible on the very platforms where Nigerian players spend most of their screen time.

The Hidden Cost

For operators, these restrictions translate to higher costs, developing web-based alternatives, running parallel wallet systems, or even resorting to foreign partnerships just to keep their doors open.

For players, it creates confusion: why is the flashy offshore app available in the store, but the local, government-approved lottery missing?

For regulators, it’s even worse. Their authority is undermined, making their licenses look weak when global payment gateways and app stores essentially say: “Not good enough.”

The Way Forward

Negotiated Access – Nigerian regulators, perhaps through a joint national gaming forum, need to initiate structured talks with payment providers and app store managers. Just as fintechs lobbied for global recognition, the gaming industry must make its case.

Local Payment Resilience – Platforms like DalaPay, highlighted at the Enugu Gaming Conference 2025, show that local innovation can fill the gaps. Strengthening homegrown gateways not only solves access but also keeps transaction fees and data within Nigeria.

Alternative Distribution Channels – Operators may need to think beyond app stores. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), local app hubs, and telco-driven platforms could provide players with access points immune to global vetoes.

Unified Messaging – Just as we argued in Week 7 about responsible gaming, there must be a clear, united voice from the Nigerian gaming industry that says: “Exclusion isn’t just unfair, it’s unsafe.” Blocking local operators while allowing shadowy offshore apps only drives consumers toward higher-risk options.

The Bottom Line

The gaming industry is not asking for freebies. Licensed operators are willing to comply, pay fees, and play by the rules.

What they need is a level playing field. But right now, the global giants controlling payments and app stores are holding too many cards.

Without solutions to these payment and distribution barriers, Nigeria risks building a regulated gaming ecosystem that can’t transact, can’t scale, and can’t compete.

Because in gaming, as in life, it’s not enough to be seen, you also need to be paid. And right now, Nigerian operators are being told they don’t have the right key to unlock the cashbox.

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‘Gaming Grid’ is your weekly pulse on Nigeria’s gaming industry, its trends, and its trailblazers. Stay plugged in on TechEconomy.ng as we unpack the opportunities beyond the odds.

Under the theme “From Unification to Diversification: Shaping Nigeria’s Gaming Future,” one debate bubbled to the surface: how can individual states regulate an industry that exists everywhere and nowhere at once, especially when it’s online and offshore?

On paper, state gaming commissions are empowered to oversee all gaming activities within their borders.

In practice, however, that jurisdiction is about as useful as a fishing net with very large holes when it comes to digital platforms.

You can monitor a physical betting shop in Enugu or a lottery kiosk in Kano, but how do you regulate an online sportsbook operating out of Malta, streaming odds to Nigerian smartphones, and accepting payments via global fintech platforms?

The Challenge of Invisible Borders

The core problem is that gaming regulation in Nigeria has been designed with geography in mind, but the internet doesn’t do geography.

An operator based in Gibraltar can legally reach Nigerian customers without opening a single local office, renting shop space, or registering with a state commission. That means states lose revenue, lose control over responsible gaming measures, and lose the ability to enforce consumer protection standards.

Add to that the proliferation of crypto-based gaming platforms that bypass traditional banking channels, and you have a regulatory nightmare, one where the operators are virtually invisible, the transactions are borderless, and the consumers are often unaware they are playing outside any enforceable legal framework.

Enter the NCC: The Gatekeeper That Isn’t Guarding

If there’s a body with the reach to at least partially address this challenge, it’s the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

This is the agency that licenses internet service providers, monitors telecommunications infrastructure, and can block access to non-compliant platforms.

In theory, the NCC could work closely with all state gaming regulators to identify illegal or unlicensed platforms targeting Nigerians and block them at the ISP level, much like some countries block pirate movie sites or fraudulent banking portals.

This would make it significantly harder for rogue operators to access the Nigerian market without compliance.

In reality, however, NCC’s current involvement in gaming regulation is minimal, if not entirely absent.

This isn’t because they don’t care; it’s because there’s no strong legal or policy framework mandating such collaboration. The NCC is in the telecoms business; gaming is someone else’s problem.

The Case for Multi-Layered Regulation

If Nigeria is serious about addressing this, three things need to happen:

1. Inter-Agency Agreements: The NCC, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and each state regulator should enter into formal protocols to share intelligence and enforce joint actions.

If an online gaming operator is not licensed locally, they shouldn’t be able to advertise, process payments, or operate unmonitored in Nigeria.

2. Technology-Based Monitoring: States need to invest in or subscribe to global gaming monitoring software. These platforms can track online betting traffic, identify unlicensed domains targeting Nigerian IP addresses, and flag suspicious activity.

3. Consumer Education: Nigerians are increasingly tech-savvy, but not always regulation-savvy. Public awareness campaigns should educate consumers on the risks of using offshore gaming platforms, including the lack of payout guarantees and recourse mechanisms.

The Reality Check

Even with these measures, no one should pretend that perfect enforcement is possible. Offshore operators will always be a step ahead in technology, and the lure of tax-free profits will keep them coming. But reducing the size of the loopholes is still worth the effort.

The truth is, regulation in the digital era is not about building higher fences, it’s about building smarter networks. State regulators, left alone, will always be overmatched in this fight.

But in a coordinated ecosystem, where NCC acts as the gatekeeper, CBN controls the payment pipelines, and states enforce licensing, the odds of success improve dramatically.

Because if there’s one thing the gaming industry teaches us, it’s that you can’t win every bet… but you can still play to increase your chances.

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*‘Gaming Grid’ is your weekly pulse on Nigeria’s gaming industry, its trends, and its trailblazers. Stay plugged in on TechEconomy.ng as we unpack the opportunities beyond the odds.

And just when you thought they had hit a ceiling, ASUS decided that you deserve all three in one device–a gaming tablet that thinks it’s a laptop but secretly wants to be a desktop.

The ROG Flow Z13 (2025), a machine that refuses to be labelled. With the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor and Radeon 8060S Graphics, this device handles AAA gaming, AI tasks, and content creation while still being light enough to toss into a backpack. 

It’s ASUS’ equivalent of giving a sports car wings and telling it to fly. After a week of testing this machine to its limits, here’s what I found.

Design – A Practical Build

ASUS took inspiration from the 20th-century Space Race, carving the high-density aluminium alloy chassis with precision CNC machining. 

This results in a sleek and durable design that weighs only 1.2kg without the keyboard and 1.59kg with it. The kickstand opens to 170 degrees, enabling flexible usage, whether in gaming, working, or binge-watching Netflix.

A unique RGB-lit window at the back reveals the machine’s internals, adding to its futuristic look. Unlike traditional laptops, the keyboard is detachable, giving it an ultra-portable form factor. 

However, for those who are used to a full-size mechanical keyboard, the smaller keycaps and touchpad might take some getting used to.

Connectivity

Despite its compact size, the Flow Z13 doesn’t skimp on ports. You get:

• 2x USB-C (USB4 + DP 2.1 + PD 3.0)
• 1x USB 3.2 Type-A
• 1x HDMI 2.1
• 1x microSD Card Reader (UHS-II)
• 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack

For a device this small, the dual USB4 ports supporting Thunderbolt eGPUs (like the XG Mobile external GPU) is a massive plus for serious gamers and creators.

Performance and Portability

The ROG Flow Z13 GZ302EA I tested was powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, a 16-core, 32-thread processor capable of handling AAA gaming, creative workloads, and AI tasks. 

Combined with the Radeon 8060S Graphics, this device delivers gaming performance comparable to some dedicated GPUs while consuming less power.

Memory & Storage

ASUS built the Z13 with 32GB LPDDR5X 8000 on board RAM and 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD storage. A unique feature is the unified memory design, which allows the system to dynamically allocate RAM between the CPU and GPU, optimising performance based on the task at hand.

Gaming Performance

With integrated Radeon 8060S Graphics, the Flow Z13 isn’t just for casual gaming—it’s built for serious play. I tested a range of games, and here’s how it performed:

While the performance is commendable for an integrated GPU, users looking for higher FPS and ray tracing might want to pair it with an external GPU (XG Mobile).

AI & Content Creation

Thanks to AMD’s XDNA AI Engine, the Z13 can handle AI tasks like running local LLMs (large language models) with DeepSeek R1. It also breezes through video editing, music production, and 3D rendering, making it a solid choice for content creators.

Cooling – Smart and Efficient

One of the biggest challenges with high-performance tablets is cooling, and ASUS has tackled this with:

• A stainless steel & copper vapor chamber
• 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans
• Ultra-thin cooling fins

These allow the CPU and GPU to stay cool even under full load. While the device does get warm during long gaming sessions, it never became uncomfortably hot, and the fans remained quieter than most gaming laptops.

Display – 180Hz of Smoothness

The 13.4-inch 2.5K ROG Nebula Display is one of the interesting features of the Flow Z13.

• 180Hz refresh rate ensures ultra-smooth gameplay
• 3ms response time reduces motion blur
• Pantone Validated & Dolby Vision support for colour accuracy
• 500-nit brightness makes it usable outdoors

Whether for gaming, video editing, or general productivity, the 16:10 aspect ratio touchscreen is a joy to use. The Gorilla Glass DXC coating also helps reduce glare while improving durability.

Battery Life – Better, But Still Needs Work

The 70Wh battery in the 2025 model is a noticeable improvement over the previous model’s 56Wh unit. However, given its powerful hardware, you shouldn’t expect all-day battery life.

The 200W fast charger gets the battery from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes, and USB-C PD charging means you can use a portable power bank on the go.

Audio – Surprisingly Good for a Tablet

The quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos produces clear and immersive audio. It’s loud enough for gaming and movies, and the AI noise-cancelling microphone ensures crystal-clear voice calls. While bass isn’t as deep as full-sized laptops, the overall sound quality is better than most 13-inch devices.

Software & Features

Armoury Crate

ASUS’ Armoury Crate software allows customisation of performance modes:

• Silent Mode – For quiet operation, ideal for office use
• Performance Mode – Optimises power for gaming without excessive noise
• Turbo Mode – Maximises CPU and GPU speeds for heavy workloads
• Manual Mode – Allows full fan and power customisation

Game On & Stay Covered: Exclusive Perks with Your ASUS ROG Purchase!

A one-month subscription to PC Game Pass is included, giving access to over 100 high-quality games.

For added peace of mind, ASUS Perfect Warranty (APW) covers accidental damages up to $250. Register your product within 90 days of purchase to secure your benefits.

And don’t forget to join the ROG Elite Rewards Program! Register your product to earn points, unlock exclusive game codes, ROG wallpapers, and more: ROG Elite Rewards.

Scenario Profiles

Automatically adjusts performance, fan speed, and lighting based on the application in use.

Finally – A Beast in a Small Package

The 2025 ROG Flow Z13 is an engineering amazement, successfully merging laptop-level power with the portability of a tablet. 

While integrated graphics limit gaming at ultra-high settings, the powerful Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, gorgeous display, and premium build make it one of the best portable gaming and creative devices out there.

Who Should Buy It?

Gamers who want a portable powerful device

Content creators needing a high-performance tablet

AI & data enthusiasts looking for on-device LLM capabilities

Professionals needing a flexible 2-in-1 device

Who Should Skip It?

Hardcore gamers who demand RTX-level graphics (unless paired with an XG Mobile GPU)

Budget buyers, as this device is premium-priced

Final Score: 8.5/10

The ROG Flow Z13 (2025) is one of the most powerful gaming tablets available today. If ASUS bundles an external GPU option at a lower cost, this could easily be the ultimate hybrid gaming machine…See more HERE: https://bit.ly/GZ302TechEconomy.

According to the analysis commissioned by Carry1st, the African gaming market reached over $1.8 billion in 2024 (representing 12.4% YOY growth vs. 2023), outpacing global gaming growth sixfold (2.1% YOY growth).

Mobile gaming drove this growth, representing nearly 90% ($1.6 billion) of Africa’s $1.8 billion gaming market in 2024. 

Data reveals an estimated 349 million gamers across the African continent, of which 304 million were mobile gamers. The number of gamers grew by 32 million from 317 million in 2023, representing a 10% year-over-year (YoY) increase.

These latest figures mark the first time data released by Carry1st has encompassed the entire African continent rather than being limited to sub-Saharan Africa, as it was in previous years. In 2021, when Carry1st’s analysis focused on sub-Saharan Africa, the number of gamers was estimated at 186 million.

Africa’s Gaming Revolution

Africa’s gaming market is evolving rapidly, emerging as a major force in the global gaming landscape. In 2023, Newzoo and Carry1st projected that sub-Saharan Africa’s gaming market would reach $1 billion by 2024. 

This growth highlights Africa’s evolution from an emerging market to a major player in the global gaming industry. With widespread mobile adoption, increasing internet access, and innovative payment solutions driving expansion, Africa’s gaming market continues to grow. As global markets see slower growth, Africa’s rapid growth underlines the market’s enormous potential.

Key findings:

• The number of gamers in Africa increased by 32 million in 2024, from 317 million to 349 million, representing a 10% year-over-year (YoY) increase.
  • Mobile gamers made up 87% of the total player base, with 304 million playing on mobile.
• Africa’s gaming market grew six times faster than the global average, with global growth sitting at just 2.1% YoY in 2024
• The African gaming market grew from $1.6 billion in 2023 to $1.8 billion in 2024, representing a 12.4% year-over-year (YoY) increase.
  • Mobile gaming continues to dominate, accounting for $1.6 billion of the total $1.8 billion market, with a 14% YoY increase

• Closely examining countries in the region based on forecasts for 2024, the data reveals:
  • Egypt led with $368 million in revenue, followed by Nigeria ($300 million) and South Africa ($278 million).
  • Eritrea and Niger were the fastest-growing countries in gaming revenue, while Equatorial Guinea and Seychelles were the slowest-growing.

Carry1st CEO and Co-founder Cordel Robbin-Coker comments,  “Building on our previous collaborations with Newzoo, this new data illuminates the explosive growth of Africa’s gaming market. The dominance of mobile gaming, making up nearly 90% of the market, highlights the distinct path Africa is taking — leapfrogging traditional platforms. With such growth in players and spending, it’s clear that Africa is one of the few places to find secular growth in an industry that is otherwise showing signs of maturity.”

Michiel Buijsman, Principal Games Market Analyst at Newzoo, adds, “Africa’s gaming sector is growing rapidly and outpacing global trends, which signals that the continent is catching up and its growth cannot be overlooked. With a fast-growing mobile online population and 90% of its $1.8 billion market coming from mobile gaming, it’s clear where growth opportunities can be found.”

This partnership will enable the expansion of Blood Strike, the popular first-person shooter from NetEase Games, across the MENA region, home to over 380 million gamers. 

With a vision to enhance gaming accessibility, Carry1st brings its cutting-edge payment solutions to the region, making it easier for players to access and enjoy top-tier gaming experiences.

Carry1st will work alongside Stellar Gate Games to help drive the growth of the gaming ecosystem across the MENA region.

Having enabled access across Africa to some of the world’s most popular mobile titles, including VALORANT and Call of Duty: Mobile in recent years, Carry1st is now extending its payment solutions in the MENA region. 

As part of this targeted expansion to support Stellar Gate Games, the partnership leverages Carry1st’s proprietary Pay1st platform, enabling players to make payments using local methods such as mobile money, digital wallets, and bank transfers.

Building on the formation of Stellar Gate Games by NetEase Games and Sandsoft in 2024, this partnership will enhance accessibility for millions of gamers in MENA, one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets with over 380 million players.

First launched in 2023, Blood Strike has gained global traction as a highly popular first-person shooter battle royale game. Renowned for its fast-paced action and competitive gameplay, the title celebrated surpassing 50 million downloads worldwide in August 2024. 

“Partnering with Stellar Gate Games is a key step in our mission to make gaming accessible to players everywhere,” said Lucy Hoffman, COO of Carry1st. “We are excited to bring our payment solutions to select countries in the MENA region, helping deliver localized content and create a seamless gaming experience for players across the region.”

Steve Zhang, CEO of Stellar Gate Games, added: “We are excited to join forces with Carry1st to expand Blood Strike’s reach in MENA. The company’s deep understanding of local markets and payment solutions will ensure a smooth experience for players in the region.

“Carry1st’s expertise in local payment methods and its innovation in unlocking access to games makes it an ideal partner. This collaboration will make it easier for players to engage with and enjoy our games.”

With the gaming market projected to reach $513.70 million this year, gaming has firmly established itself as a key player in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

At the heart of this revolution lies the dynamic relationship between music and gaming. Music provides the emotional backdrop for gameplay, heightening immersion and transforming the gaming experience.

From epic orchestral arrangements to pulsating beats, the right soundtrack can create unforgettable moments for players.

Music streaming platforms like Spotify have seamlessly integrated with the gaming world, allowing players to discover new music and curate personalised gaming playlists.

In Nigeria, this connection is particularly strong, as seen by a 135% rise in gaming playlist creation between 2022 and 2023. Spotify’s Powered By Music playlist, specifically designed to enhance gameplay, perfectly captures this trend.

“We’re your personalised gaming soundtrack,” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa. “Our Powered By Music playlist offers a unique, curated experience tailored to gamers’ tastes. As Nigeria continues to lead in gaming innovation, we’re committed to supporting these communities with the ultimate soundtrack.”

Cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Benin City are at the forefront of this movement, home to young, tech-savvy gamers driving the fusion of music and gaming.

Popular tracks like Space Cadet by Metro Boomin, RAPSTAR by Polo G, and Enemy by Imagine Dragons featuring JID are staples in Nigerian gaming playlists, alongside artists like Travis Scott, 21 Savage, and Drake.

This powerful fusion of music and gaming extends beyond entertainment. It presents a unique opportunity to spotlight Nigerian talent, foster economic growth, and create immersive experiences for gamers across the country.

As the global gaming and music industries continue to converge, Nigeria is at the forefront of this cultural shift.