~ with Sibusiso T
Sibusiso, will you kick this off with some clarity, what is Game Development all about anyway, in the business sense?
Sibusiso T:
For development studio, Game Development, in the business sense, is the process of creating and designing interactive games for various platforms. It involves a combination of creative design, programming, and strategic planning to bring a game from concept to reality. From a business perspective, Game Development opens up avenues for revenue generation through game sales, in-app purchases, advertisements, and partnerships.
For Businesses, recently we have seen how they have turned to games for Brand Engagement and Visibility, Games simply provide a unique and interactive way for businesses to engage with their audience. Whether they are mobile apps or web-based, they can increase brand visibility and foster a deeper connection with consumers.
In short, they offer businesses the opportunity to tell their brand story in a fun interactive way.
Alan W:
I read an article recently that the African market is the biggest growing game industry in the world and expected to generate over R18B by 2024. It is also forecasted that there will be around 400M gamers in Africa by 2027!
How did you even come across this topic of Game Development, what’s the backstory?
Sibusiso T:
My journey into Game Development began during my student years when I became interested in participating on a call for solutions to South Africa’s energy crisis. This led me to explore solutions, eventually bringing me to the world of computer aided designing. I quickly became fascinated on explaining my tech solution using computer generated illustrations as they provided a clearer means of communicating my solution. It was better than just using words or still pictures or even drawings. I found it easier to tell my story.
So, as my solution gained traction, I discovered my passion for creating product demos, which evolved into Game Development. The transition occurred organically as I realized the potential for impact and innovation in this space.
Is Game Development something that CE’s should be considering?
Sibusiso T:
Yes, Creative Entrepreneurs should definitely consider Game Development. It's not just about creating games for entertainment; it's a dynamic industry that offers opportunities for innovation, storytelling, and engagement. Games have become a powerful medium for communication, education, and even social impact, making it a worthwhile avenue for entrepreneurial exploration.
Games offer a unique way to engage with one’s audience. By creating entertaining and interactive experiences, CEs can strengthen their brand identity and build a community of loyal followers. The immersive nature of games can leave a lasting impression on users, contributing to brand recall and recognition.
Today most leading companies in tech especially the online space (whether entertainment or bank or retail) are integrating multiple services to their offerings and gaming is fast gaining attention.
Alan W:
And it is applicable to any age group, in my view it is a myth that it is only for the younger generation and why i say that many of the so called “older” generation grew up with electronic or digital games - it has been around for 50+ years, those consoles one used to get, the Atari’s and Nintendo’s and so on. And even before that games and gaming has been part of human existence for thousands of years, just not in digital format!
Sibusiso, what are the benefits of investing in/doing Game Development?
Sibusiso T:
The benefits of investing in Game Development are multi-layered. Firstly, it allows entrepreneurs to tap into a massive global gaming market. Additionally, games can serve as effective marketing tools, enhancing brand visibility and engagement as I mentioned before. Furthermore, the interactive nature of games fosters a deeper connection with your audience, leading to increased customer loyalty and retention.
Alan W:
And games tell stories too, interactive stories, right? And we all want to hear stories that we can associate with.
What are the questions I should be asking myself, if I'm considering pursuing Game Development for my business?
Sibusiso T:
Before venturing into Game Development, entrepreneurs should ask themselves:
What is the purpose of incorporating games into my business strategy?
Who is my target audience, and what type of games would resonate with them?
What resources, both human and financial, am I willing to allocate to the development process?
How will games complement my overall brand message and business objectives?
What platforms and technologies should I focus on for game distribution?
Alan W:
So true, I also ask myself if it is worth NOT considering game development as part of my brand message.
Final pearls of wisdom to share on this topic?
Sibusiso T:
As a parting thought, I would advise fellow entrepreneurs to approach Game Development with a balance of creativity and strategic thinking. Embrace the iterative nature of the industry, be open to learning from both successes and failures, and, most importantly, stay true to the unique value your games can bring to your audience. In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, innovation and adaptability are key. Games teach us this fact every time, and with AI permeating every industry including game development we are about to see interesting innovations.
Alan W:
So true, as CEs we are problem solvers afterall, so this might just be another way of doing just that!
~ From the podcast, "GAME DEVELOPMENT WITH SIBUSISO T", take a listen over here
Work with SIBUSISO T