Gaming has surged in popularity among Gen Z, both globally and in Nigeria, for a variety of reasons—chief among them being improved internet access. The introduction of faster, more reliable, and affordable internet connections and devices has made gaming much more accessible and enjoyable. Players no longer have to worry as much about network loss or interruptions, which previously disrupted their gaming experience. As a result, gaming has become a seamless and integral part of daily life for many young people.
Unlike in the past, when gaming was purely a form of entertainment, it has now evolved into a viable source of livelihood for many. Today, people can earn money and build careers through activities such as competitions, live streams, gaming conventions, and tournaments that offer substantial cash prizes and rewards.
Abiola Folu, a 400-level student at the University of Jos, shared that he has been gaming since the start of his university days and sees it as a valuable way to relieve stress. After a long day of classes, he unwinds by loading up Call of Duty Mobile on his iPad. For Abiola, gaming isn’t just about relaxation—it has also enabled him to connect with people from around the world who share his interests, expanding his social circle far beyond campus.
Eric Feyi, a 20-year-old student at Nile University in Abuja, says gaming is one of his sources of income. Having played games for over a decade—and professionally for more than five years—he has been earning money from gaming successfully for the past three years. What began as a form of entertainment for Eric has now transformed into a genuine source of livelihood.
What do parents think about this growing interest in gaming among their children? Aromeh Ogene, whose son is an avid gamer, shared his perspective. He acknowledges that gaming can serve as a viable source of income, especially in today’s challenging job market, and he fully supports his son’s passion. Aromeh notes that through gaming, his son has learned valuable skills and connected with people from diverse backgrounds—opportunities he believes have been, and will continue to be, beneficial as his son navigates life.
Another parent, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed strong opposition to gaming among Gen Z. As the parent of a 16-year-old son, he shared concerns that gaming has become a major distraction, taking away time from school assignments and reading. He noted that his son often stays up late playing games, which he believes is detrimental to both his eyesight and overall health. Additionally, he worries that exposure to violent content in games may negatively influence young people, potentially encouraging aggressive behavior or poor choices in society.
Maryam Badamasi, a secondary school teacher, also supports gaming, having observed its positive impact as a tool for socializing and building connections. She notes that gaming helps keep young minds engaged, reducing the likelihood of idleness that can lead to crime or substance abuse. Additionally, Maryam highlights that gaming encourages critical thinking and learning through reward systems, allowing students to develop problem-solving skills while staying productively occupied.
There are several positives to gaming, some of them being the creation of e-sports (Electronic-sports), which is the casual or organised, competitive playing of video games by professional or amateur players. E-sports has created jobs beyond playing, including coaching, commentating (casters), event management, game development, marketing, streaming, and even content creation. Another positive of gaming is that it has opened up a new wave of content creation which is streaming.
Streaming platforms allow gamers to earn income through subscriptions, donations, sponsorships, advertisements, and brand partnerships. It also helps to build the gaming communities and helps gamers learn new techniques and skills as well as promote new games.
Drawing from the perspectives of both parents, it is clear that while gaming offers notable benefits—such as opportunities for income, socialization, and skill development—it also has potential downsides, including distraction from academics and exposure to inappropriate content. As a result, some parents advocate for monitoring the types of games their children play, while many Gen Z gamers themselves suggest managing their gaming time to maintain a healthy balance with their educational and daily activities. Ultimately, the impact of gaming varies depending on the individual’s personality, habits, and approach to the activity.
