Video games in Cameroon: Growing passion or luxury hobby? 🎮

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In Cameroon, video games are attracting more and more young people. However, this passion faces several obstacles, including the high cost of equipment, difficulty accessing games, and limited infrastructure. Yet, the gaming community continues to grow, driven by the rise of mobile gaming and e-sports. Here’s a look at player testimonials and the current state of an evolving market.

A significant budget to play 💰

First of all, buying a console or a gaming PC in Cameroon is often considered a luxury. A PlayStation 5 costs an average of 700,000 FCFA, much more than in Europe or the United States, where it is around 500,000 FCFA. Additionally, gaming PCs can reach up to 1.5 million FCFA, depending on their configurations. Given these prices, many players turn to the second-hand market or gaming lounges.

« I had to save for a year to buy a PS5. That’s because I have a steady income. But beyond the console, you also have to buy games and pay for an internet connection to play online. It’s a big investment, » explains Rodrigue, a passionate gamer.

However, for those who cannot afford a console, mobile gaming appears to be a more accessible alternative. Indeed, games like Free Fire, Call of Duty Mobile, Candy Crush, and PUBG dominate the market, as they only require a smartphone and an internet connection.

Are gaming lounges still popular ? 🕹️

Once essential, gaming cybercafés still exist, but their numbers are gradually decreasing. Nevertheless, in the city of Yaoundé, some gaming lounges continue to attract players, mainly for multiplayer matches of FIFA or Call of Duty.

« Consoles are too expensive for me. I go to a gaming lounge three times a week; it’s more economical. I can play as much as I want, and I even save my pocket money for it, » says Junior, a gaming enthusiast.

Thus, even though gaming lounges are no longer as widespread as before, they remain a viable option for those who cannot afford their own gaming setup.

E-sports: A developing sector 🏆

Moreover, video game competitions are starting to take shape in Cameroon. Tournaments for FIFA, PES, and Tekken are attracting more and more participants. In 2023, the Cameroonian Association of Electronic Sports even organized official competitions.

« The problem is that gaming is not yet considered a real profession here. However, there is potential. We have talented players who could represent Cameroon internationally, » says Kevin, a player.

« Insomnia » is the first professional e-sports club in Cameroon, created in 2023. It has more than 15 professional players, including Ousseyni Sali, a two-time African champion.

The challenges of online gaming 🌐

Beyond the cost of equipment, online gaming presents another major challenge. On the one hand, internet connection quality remains inconsistent, and on the other, costs are high. For example, a high-speed internet subscription can cost up to 50,000 FCFA per month, an amount unaffordable for some gamers.

« When I play online, there are often lags because of the connection. Sometimes, I lose a match just because of the network, » complains Franck, a Call of Duty player.

Thus, even though online gaming attracts many players, network quality still limits its expansion.

A passion that remains strong ❤️

Despite all these challenges, gaming in Cameroon continues to grow. On one hand, mobile games are opening new opportunities. On the other, e-sports is becoming more organized, and the community is expanding. Players now hope that equipment prices will drop and that internet access will become more affordable. In the meantime, they are adapting, switching between mobile gaming, gaming lounges, and local competitions.

Your opinions matter !!
Are you a gamer in Cameroon? What are your favorite games, and what challenges do you face? Share your experience in the comments! 🎤