By Ghazali Ibrahim
A Nigerian-made virtual life game, Lagos Life, has reportedly generated about $46,900 (roughly ₦62 million) in revenue just four days after its launch.
The browser-based game, created by Nigerian software developer Shalom Mathew, went live on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day, and quickly attracted millions of players.
By October 5, figures shared by the developer showed the game had recorded more than 1.8 million players, over 145,000 concurrent users and more than 16.5 million visits.
The reported $46,900 revenue figure, however, represents revenue and not profit, as the developer has not disclosed the cost of running the platform, including servers, development and other expenses.
Lagos Life allows players to create virtual characters, get jobs, earn and spend virtual naira, pay rent, buy homes and socialise in a digital environment modelled around everyday Lagos.
Unlike conventional games that require downloads or app-store installation, Lagos Life runs directly through a web browser, lowering the barrier for Nigerians using smartphones and computers.
Its business model also includes virtual advertising, with businesses able to rent billboards and plots within the game.
The platform says advertisers can place their brands where other players will see them while moving around the virtual city.
The game’s virtual naira, however, has no real-world value and cannot be withdrawn or converted into cash, according to its terms of service.
The explosive growth has turned Lagos Life into one of the most talked-about Nigerian gaming projects in recent days, while also raising questions about whether locally made games can convert Nigeria’s huge online audience into a sustainable commercial market.
