Power of Play: Nigeria

What makes gamers around the world tick, and how do they differ from country to country? These questions and many more are addressed in the Power of Play study, which was conducted and published by industry associations. In addition to global evaluations, the report also compiles the most important answers to essential questions at the level of the 21 countries that participated.

In Nigeria, AudienceNet surveyed a total of 1,082 people aged 16 and older. The results from Nigeria differ significantly from the global averages in many responses. This applies to demographics, platform usage, and responses to specific questions, such as those about mental resilience.

Video games as a tool for mental resilience

Video Games... 

• Help me feel less stressed: 90% in Nigeria vs. 77% globally
• Help me feel happier: 91% in Nigeria vs. 73% globally
• Provide a healthy outlet from everyday challenges: 83% in Nigeria vs. 72% globally
• Help me feel less anxious: 86% in Nigeria vs. 70% globally
• Help me feel less isolated: 89% in Nigeria vs.64% globally
• Help me get through difficult times: 76% in Nigeria vs. 62% globally

The influence of games also appears to be very pronounced in professional and private life in Nigeria. 67% of Nigerians surveyed agreed with the statement “Influenced my career and/or educational path positively.” Globally, the figure is 43%. The statement “Allows me to continue or pursue a hobby or interest that I wouldn't otherwise be able to do” was agreed with by 82% of Nigerians surveyed, but by 64% of gamers surveyed worldwide.

Nigerian gamers also seem to get very good connected to each other while gaming. 90% of gamers surveyed in Nigeria play online with others at least once a month. 84% even play in-person with others at least once during the same period. 76% use in-game communications. Also interesting: 78 percent of parents say that playing video games has positively impacted their relationship with their kids. Some of these figures are more than double those from Germany.

Gamers from Nigeria are also extremely positive when it comes to improving skills through games, as the support for the following statements shows.

Players agree that video games can improve…

• Critical thinking: 93% of Nigerian Gamers vs. 71% globally
• Creativity: 92% of Nigerian Gamers vs. 77% globally
• Problem-solving: 90% of Nigerian Gamers vs. 76% globally