Introducing Africa to the Global Gaming Industry

Africa Games Week, now in its sixth year, has become a premier destination for game developers and industry professionals from around the world. The event, held in Cape Town, brings together African game developers with international publishers and investors, providing a unique opportunity for networking and collaboration. In a recent interview, co-founders Nick Hall and Rex Bowden discussed the evolution of the event and the challenges faced by the African gaming industry. Hall noted that the global gaming ecosystem often ignores Africa, making it difficult for developers to access international markets. To address this, Africa Games Week aims to provide a platform for African developers to connect with international publishers and investors. The event has grown significantly over the years, with over 1,980 attendees and 360 companies represented in its latest edition. While the event has tried online and hybrid models, the co-founders agree that the physical event is the most valuable, allowing for meaningful connections and genuine conversations. The South African gaming industry has seen significant growth, with a varied ecosystem and a number of successful game development studios. However, Hall notes that the industry is facing challenges, including a lack of access to funding and the poaching of talent by other industries. To address these challenges, the co-founders believe that the industry needs more entrepreneurs and businesses that can scale and provide opportunities for developers. Africa Games Week aims to be a springboard for African nations, with 25 of the 54 nations represented at the event. The co-founders hope to see more events and activities take place during the week, including a consumer show, which would provide a missing piece in the Cape Town gaming scene.