Every year, a vibrant wave of energy rolls through Africa’s tabletop community, bringing with it laughter, strategy, and a spirit of togetherness that can only be described as electric. At the center of this surge is ABCon, Africa’s largest tabletop gaming convention. But to call it just a “games fair” would be missing the point. ABCon isn’t only about board games; it’s about people, culture, creativity, and the growing heartbeat of a movement.
A Gathering That Feels Like Home
ABCon began as a small gathering of enthusiasts but has grown into a national celebration of play. Hosted annually in Abuja, the event brings together designers, players, publishers, and curious newcomers under one roof. It’s a space where strangers become teammates, laughter fills the air, and every table tells its own story.
Unlike many pop-culture events that are dominated by spectacle, ABCon focuses on something beautifully simple: play. Whether it’s a strategic game of Catan, a fast-paced trivia challenge, or a proudly homegrown title, the magic lies in the shared experience.
A Catalyst for Nigerian Creatives
One of the most powerful aspects of ABCon is its role as a platform for local creators. Nigerian designers, many of whom have had limited opportunities to showcase their work internationally, are given center stage. Here, prototypes meet eager players, feedback flows freely, and collaborations spark.
For some, this is where a passion project becomes a business. For others, it’s the beginning of a creative journey. Over the years, ABCon has supported the growth of homegrown designers, helping Nigerian board games travel beyond the country’s borders, proving that play can be a serious creative export.
Building Community, One Game at a Time
What truly sets ABCon apart is its community-first spirit. It’s not just about showing up to play; it’s about belonging.
Gamers travel from different parts of the country to meet old friends, make new ones, and reconnect through the language of games. For many attendees, this isn’t just an event on the calendar, it’s a reunion. A tradition. A reminder that play is universal, and that joy has a way of bridging backgrounds, accents, and experiences.
Local gaming communities like Nzuko Games and R2 Playhub have also used AB Con as a springboard to grow their visibility, forge collaborations, and build stronger networks. What begins as a game night in a city can find a national spotlight at ABCon.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Players and Designers
There’s also something quietly revolutionary happening at AB Con: it’s inspiring young Nigerians. Every year, more students, families, and curious onlookers walk through the doors, discovering a new world of pla
Workshops, live demos, and designer showcases don’t just entertain, they educate. They show kids and young adults that game design is a real creative path. That play isn’t childish; it’s powerful.
Beyond the Convention Hall
What lingers long after ABCon isn’t just the memory of a great game, it’s the feeling of connection. It’s the WhatsApp groups that keep buzzing weeks later. It’s the collaborations that begin with a handshake over a deck of cards.
In a country where creative industries are rapidly evolving, AB Con stands as proof that tabletop games have a place in the cultural and economic landscape. It’s a reminder that joy itself can be a powerful force for building community and industry.
The Spirit That Keeps Growing
AB Con isn’t just a date on the gaming calendar. It’s the spirit of play: alive, growing, and unstoppable. It’s proof that when people gather around a table, something magical happens. And in that magic lies a future where Nigerian games aren’t just played here, but celebrated around the world.
Written by: Hilda Alagada
