The Federal Government is set to revamp its video game animation industry, with plans to incorporate Nigerian culture and elements into locally produced games.

The Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, announced these plans during the third quarter edition of the Xbox Developer Hangout organized by Microsoft in Lagos. She emphasized the need for collaboration with industry leaders like Microsoft to realize this vision.

“We want to look at the kind of innovation we can achieve through gaming, with the huge talent we have in the sector. I want the gaming space transformed and I know with collaborations we can achieve a lot.

“I promise to support in whatever capacity to actualise this and this is the reason I will continually remain grateful to President Bola Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.

“I perceive Nigerians as the most creative beings who will transform the gaming industry, the billion-dollar industry, with help and support from the government.

“We want to see a situation where our indigenous movies, peculiar fashion sense, music and elements of our culture will serve as contents of our locally produced video games,” she said.

Microsoft’s Country Manager, Olatomiwa Williams, expressed the company’s commitment to empowering individuals with the necessary tools to succeed in the gaming industry. She also acknowledged the importance of leveraging opportunities to align with President Tinubu’s agenda for economic diversification.

“Partnering with the Federal Government is a thing of delight for us, young Nigerians deserve every right to thrive, and we are creating an inclusive industry also for women to thrive.

“Microsoft has been in existence for over 20 years and I can say that Nigerians have been contributing to our solution areas,” she said.

Oluseye Soyode-Johnson, Founder of NuConti, highlighted the immense potential of the video game industry, surpassing even the Nollywood and global music industries. He urged stakeholders to take the sector seriously and explore its untapped potential.