Event · Gaming Community

The Kickoff of the first-ever Joburg Games Fest

30 October, 2024 - 16:43
4 minute read

Event · Gaming Community

The Kickoff of the first-ever Joburg Games Fest

30 October, 2024 - 16:43
4 minute read

A space that unites video game enthusiasts, developers, and industry partners to celebrate gaming in all forms. This space was the first-ever Joburg Games Fest hosted at Goethe-Institut in Rosebank on Saturday, 26 October 2024.

The festival provided a platform for video game lovers to connect, share ideas, and showcase their talents through activities including arcade games, workshops, play tests, talks, networking, and live music performances.

Event Highlights

The event began with a youth-focused career day talk where Bandile Phuthuma, Homolang Marule and Khumo Moerane spoke on their journey in the gaming industry. The career day talk also included partners from Wits University and Academy of Digital Arts. Bandile emphasized that the career day aimed to create connections, inspire the future gamers, and open doors of opportunities for youth. He encouraged parents to support their children’s interests in gaming, highlighting its potential to expand many opportunities within the game development industry.

During a Q&A session, a guest inquired about advice for parents, especially in townships, where gaming as a career is less accepted. Khumo responded that access to spaces like Joburg Games Fest helps increase acceptance but acknowledged the challenge of overcoming societal biases. He also emphasized the need for more PR within the gaming community to boost exposure.

Insightful Panels

The festival featured insightful panels, valuable for industry professionals and newcomers alike. One notable panel included Raymond Ledwaba, who discussed the government’s role in supporting the gaming industry. The panel also included Ms. Qinisile Dwela, Deputy Director General at the Department of Small Business Development; Barba Gaoganediwe, Chief Marketing Officer at Gauteng Tourism; and Ms. Ilse Karg, from the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (4IR Technologies).

Panelists highlighted the importance of funding for small businesses, emerging technologies in gaming, and using gaming to promote South Africa’s tourism. Mr. Gaoganediwe emphasized the need for local stories, or “kasi” stories, in games and requests for games in South African languages, including Sign Language. He also suggested featuring South African stadiums to spotlight local landmarks over international ones.

Disputed Pods on Tour

Disputed People Games launched their first Disputed People Pods ‘Podcast on Tour’ episode at the fest, featuring event organizer Keiren Reid, Neo Ramathinyane from SpaceSalad Studios, and Avuzwa Ntshongwana from South Game Studios. The podcast focused on the importance of diversity in gaming and how events like Joburg Games Fest help grow the gaming industry and build community through the same interests.

Game Showcases and Evening Networking

The festival showcased several exciting games, including Metavoidal, Demon Forge, Mechtris, Tenderfoot, and more, sparking enthusiasm among both seasoned gamers and newcomers to the gaming world.

The night concluded with a networking activity via a Bingo game, where attendees connected by finding people with various gaming industry roles and interests. A raffle offered prizes from industry partners, emphasizing the value of networking in creating new opportunities, especially for the youth.

Live Music and Future Updates

Ending the night was a live performance by the band L.O.C., who impressed the audience with a vibrant blend of funk and punk music.