The 10 Most Popular Games in Nigeria 2023

Online gaming is a very popular pastime around the world, and it is no different in Nigeria. Most
people who are playing video games in Nigeria are of the younger generation.

According to Statista, the revenue produced by the video games market in Nigeria is projected to reach $483.4 million in 2023 and hit $683.1 million by 2027 – a compound annual growth rate of 9.03%, which is very similar to the global growth rate projected.

Smartphones have made accessing the internet and online gaming in general more accessible to people in Nigeria. There are around 126 million mobile game users in Nigeria, making it one of the biggest sectors for the video game industry.

READ: 4 Reasons Why Video Games Are So Addictive

It is also interesting to note the prevalence of football-related entertainment and games in Nigeria – as well as casino games, which you can find out more about below.

Top 10 Most Popular Games in Nigeria in 2023

League of Legends

This multiplayer video game was released by Riot Games, and it remains one of the most popular MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games in the world. There are eSports tournaments globally where players compete to win significant sums of money playing LoL – and it is hugely popular in Nigeria too.

This is a team-based game where the primary objective is to destroy the opposition’s base (the Nexus). Players can choose their own champions to play with, and each have their own playing styles and benefits.

The game is free to download, which makes it even more attractive to players.

Dota 2
Another MOBA, Defence of the Ancients 2 (Dota 2) has basically the same idea as League of Legends-teams work together to destroy an enemy’s base.

Players can choose their own heroes to play with, and gain XP and gold to use in levelling up their chosen character and to gain weapons.

Dota 2 is also huge in the competitive eSports scene and remains one of the most popular games of its type to this day – especially in Nigeria.

Casino Games
Online casinos have made it simple for players to access their favourite card, wheel, and slot games online – and thanks to better regulation and licensing, it has never been a better time for players to get involved.

A simple account signup process for those who are over 18 gets players access to real money games, where jackpots can grow exponentially and money is there to be won. Games available include the typical roster of blackjack, poker, roulette, and slots, as well as Slingo games and sports betting – tying in with the nation’s pastime of passionate football support.

Football Simulations
FIFA, Football Manager, and similar games are all popular in Nigeria, as is football in all it’s forms.

Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal all have passionate followers in Nigeria, and it is no surprise that gamers want the opportunity to play as their favourite teams (or get the opportunity to manage them) in these simulation-style video games.

READ: Top 5 Best Sports Based Video Games of 2021

Grand Theft Auto V
GTA V might have been out for a while but the popularity of this expansive open-world game continues to grow. Playing as a series of different characters, you get a wide array of different storylines, action, and experiences to take on – with cars, women, stunning scenery, and excellent voice acting to go with it.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
The top First Person Shooter in Nigeria, CS:GO is one of the best-selling games ever – and another that is popular in the world of tournament eSports. Teams (either terrorists or counter-terrorists) battle against each other to complete a particular challenge.

Fortnite
Battle Royale style games remain popular, and Fortnite is one of the most popular, especially with the younger generation. Be the last person standing for the ‘Winner Winner Chicken Dinner’ designation, upgrade your character, and manipulate your surroundings to give yourself the best chance of survival.

Call of Duty
Gritty realism and a background of war alongside the excellent FPS mechanics in the CoD franchise make it still as popular today as when it was first released all those years ago. Players can complete the built-in story mode, or focus on playing with others online, either cooperatively or competitively.

God of War
God of War is not something that is often mentioned in these top ten lists, but for Nigerian players, the game offers so much. The franchise offers epic storytelling as well as fast-paced action and combat, perfect for those who wish they were a Spartan warrior.

Mortal Kombat
The classics still hold up in many ways, and the Mortal Kombat franchise is going through a bit of a resurgence thanks to the remakes and movies that are bringing it back to the forefront of our consciousness. Play as your favourite character and launch attack after attack before you can ‘finish him’ and get the (rather gory) win.

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