Now imagine a young Kenyan just trying to get by selling phone minutes. Today, he makes more money by playing a mobile game than he ever did on the streets! This isn’t some far out sci-fi dream. With the popularity of MMOs and play-to-earn (P2E) models already driving demand on the continent, a new potential future is being realized. The continent is ready for an MMO revolution, driven by rising mobile penetration and a desire to find economic opportunity. Under the glitz and glamour of this thrilling new frontier looms the dark shadow of exploitation. It also threatens to turn that dream into a nightmare.

Will P2E Become Digital Colonialism?

The worldwide MMO market is surging, projected to hit a mind-boggling $113.69 billion by 2034. Asia Pacific, and especially China, are leaders today, but Africa’s promise is impossible to ignore. As such, thanks to its natural monopoly over tech talent and rapidly expanding internet access, the continent is a tremendous target for MMO developers. Mobile platforms, which are already outpacing the field with 41% of market revenue, are instrumental to this potential. The siren song of F2P models has an incredible allure. In 2024, they only accounted for 48% of the market—creating an even more favorable condition for other players to enter.

Many P2E models are designed to benefit Western investors far more than the players themselves. We've seen it before, haven't we? Extracting digital resources from Africa. This time, the resource is their time and effort in a metaverse. Absurdly high transaction fees, volatile token prices and outright scams have already begun to prey on these vulnerable players. It’s an insidious kind of digital colonialism, concealed by the allure of digital economic inclusion.

Consider the parallels to the diamond industry. For many decades, foreign companies have taken advantage of African countries for their gemstones. In the meantime, local communities have been forced to suffer in poverty, receiving none of the profits. Are we doomed to just have this history repeat itself in the digital world? Will African gamers end up as the digital age’s version of diamond mine workers? Will they just slough off in virtual quarries to enrich the rest of the world?

Are We Building Virtual Sweatshops?

The shutting down of Axie Infinity’s Project T should be a loud and clear alarm bell. The hope that came with a sustainable, blockchain-based economy crumbled on the brutal rocks of player interest and economic sustainability. While companies experiment with hybrid models and NFTs, the question remains: Are we creating genuine economic opportunities or simply building virtual sweatshops?

I’ve been introduced to some of the most inspiring stories from Nigerian gamers. They spend thousands of hours grinding in these games, just hoping to earn enough to provide for their families. Under threat 24/7, they warrior against themself, bot-players and fellow man for scarce resources. The mental and emotional toll can be huge, but they carry on, holding onto that hope of a better life. This is not the kind of future we need to be creating.

The key is education. We need to equip African gamers with the tools and education to maneuver within the intricacies of the P2E environment. They deserve to know the dangers that lurk out there, how to spot a scam, and be trained up to fight for more equitable systems. Community-led efforts are equally important, though, offering support and mentorship and mobilizing a unified voice on behalf of players.

A Call For Ethical Game Design

We believe it’s high time for a fundamental shift in the underlying architecture of P2E games to promote more equitable outcomes. It means developers taking responsibility for their players' well-being over their profit margin. That starts with more equitable, sustainable economic models—lower transaction fees, more transparent tokenomics, stronger anti-fraud protections—just for starters.

  • Education: Provide resources and training to help players understand the risks and opportunities of P2E.
  • Community: Support community-led initiatives that empower players and advocate for fair practices.
  • Regulation: Advocate for responsible regulation that protects players from exploitation without stifling innovation.

We should weigh against that the unintended consequences of widening or extending existing inequalities. If we don’t approach P2E models with a critical eye, they risk exacerbating the digital divide. This approach would only further benefit those with access to the newest technology and highest level of skill.

The African MMO revolution could be a leading force in providing economic empowerment and social change. Only if we resolve to construct it on a bedrock of equity, openness, and dignity. With this patriarchal, greedy exploitation, let’s not allow them to rob us of the sustainable and equitable – bright – future ahead. Let’s make sure this revolution really works to the benefit of the African gaming innovators who are very much at its core. Let’s ensure that it isn’t just another resource steal cloaked in the fabric of opportunity. The time to act is now.