Esports in Africa have come a long way. We can still remember when competitive gaming on the continent was in its infancy, with only a handful of tournaments and little industry support. The first major step toward professional esports came in 2008 with the establishment of CAES (Confederation of African Esports), which started with just five African countries (Egypt, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tunisia). Fast forward 16 years, and things have changed drastically. What began as a niche interest has become a thriving industry with major investors, talent development programs, career opportunities, and even university courses dedicated to gaming and esports.

One of the key players in this transformation is a name we all recognize, HP. Known for its household PCs, laptops, printers, and high-performance gaming rigs, Hewlett-Packard has been a driving force in the tech world for decades. But beyond everyday tech, HP has made significant contributions to the esports industry, supporting gamers with cutting-edge hardware and helping shape the competitive gaming landscape. In this article, we’ll be talking about a recent contribution they have made within the industry. The HP Gaming Garage.

The HP Gaming Garage is an initiative designed to equip individuals with essential skills for careers in the gaming industry. Through a range of free online courses, the program provides foundational and advanced knowledge in esports management, game design, and game programming. Whether you’re an aspiring game developer, a future esports manager, or someone interested in the business side of gaming, HP Gaming Garage offers valuable learning opportunities. You know the amazing icing on the cake? It’s free. You can access the coupon codes on their HP section on the EDx platform.

The HP Gaming Garage is also known to host a GameOn Hackathon for university students who want to create games and win prizes. The challenge is designed to help students showcase their creativity and enthusiasm for creating games. 

Courses Offered in the HP Gaming Garage

1. Esports Management

This course provides an in-depth look into the esports ecosystem, covering the various roles that make competitive gaming possible. Students will learn about:

• Esports team management – How to build, manage, and grow professional teams.
• Event organization – The logistics of hosting tournaments, from grassroots events to major international competitions.
• Technology and infrastructure – Understanding gaming hardware, networking, and streaming platforms.
• Esports marketing and branding – How to attract sponsors, engage audiences, and grow an esports brand.

By the end of this course, participants will have a solid understanding of what it takes to run successful esports organizations and events.

2. Game Design

This course focuses on the creative process behind video games, teaching learners how to bring ideas to life. Topics include:

• Conceptualization – How to develop compelling game ideas, storylines, and mechanics.
• Game elements – Exploring gameplay mechanics, player interaction, and progression systems.
• Art and sound design – Understanding how visuals and audio create immersive gaming experiences.
• User experience (UX) and interface design – Ensuring that games are intuitive and engaging for players.

Students will gain a deeper appreciation for how games are designed from the ground up, preparing them for roles in game development studios or independent projects.

3. Game Programming

For those interested in the technical side of game development, this course provides training in coding and software development. Key topics include:

• Programming languages – Learning game development languages such as C++, Python, and Unity’s C#.
• Game engines – Understanding how engines like Unity and Unreal Engine are used to create interactive worlds.
• Gameplay mechanics coding – Developing player movement, AI behaviors, and real-time physics.
• Testing and debugging – Ensuring games run smoothly and fixing issues that impact performance.

By completing this course, participants will be equipped with the skills needed to pursue careers as game developers, software engineers, or independent creators.

Course focus: Esports management

One of the standout courses offered through the HP Gaming Garage is the Esports Management course on edX. Given that the esports industry in Nigeria and West Africa is still in its early stages, there is a clear need for skilled professionals to drive its growth and sustainability. This course provides aspiring esports managers with essential skills to effectively run teams and organizations, addressing a critical gap in the sector.

Industry insiders in Nigeria have pointed out that the lack of experienced professionals in key areas, such as team management, player development, and long-term career planning, poses a major challenge. Many teams struggle with continuity, structuring, and player career management due to a shortage of trained personnel. By equipping individuals with the right expertise, courses like HP Gaming Garage’s Esports Management program could play a pivotal role in shaping a more structured and professional esports ecosystem in the region.

Applying for the hp gaming garage courses

Hosted on edX, the HP Gaming Garage provides free access to 82 learning modules in 12 languages, including Swahili and French. This initiative offers curated courses designed to equip aspiring professionals with essential skills in Esports Management, Game Design, Game Programming, and Generative AI Game Development.

To apply for these courses, simply select the one you’re interested in and use the coupon codes provided. These codes grant free access, making it easier for learners to dive into the world of gaming and esports. Below are the codes available at the time of publication:

• Esports Management Course: 6FJGJOTX7MFH5M2H
• Game Design Course: 6FJGJOTX7MFH5M2H
• Game Programming Course: 6FJGJOTX7MFH5M2H

These codes may change over time, so if they no longer work, you can check the HP Gaming Garage section on edX for updated codes and course details.

With its commitment to nurturing talent and expanding opportunities, HP Gaming Garage is helping to shape the future of the gaming industry by making high-quality education accessible to everyone. You can still find these codes at the main website on edX at HP’s section.

Last Updated on March 4, 2025