Unmissable Sessions at Africa Games Week 2023

The Africa Games Week is returning, offering industry professionals a chance to delve deeper into the region's gaming market and allowing local developers to share the challenges they face. GamesIndustry.biz will be attending the event and has curated a selection of the most notable talks from the comprehensive program for those attending in person or online. The event spans three days, each with a distinct theme: - Make Games Africa (Thursday, November 30) : This day is dedicated to developers and experts who will examine the realities of operating a gaming business in the African market - Games for Change Africa (Friday, December 1) : A series of talks, panels, and workshops centered around 'From Awareness to Action,' led by Games for Change President Susanna Pollack - Play Games Africa (Saturday, December 2) : The final day puts the spotlight on Africa's burgeoning gaming industry, exploring the requirements for involvement in this region. Each day features a mix of workshops and auditorium sessions, all of which will be livestreamed on the event's official website. Some notable sessions to consider include: Funding opportunities for African game developers (12.45pm - 1.05pm | Auditorium) African gaming experts will discuss potential financial avenues and investment options available to developers. Creating and sustaining a successful gaming brand (1.05pm - 1.50pm | Auditorium) Thunderful Games CEO and co-founder Brjánn Sigurgeirsson will share insights into the challenges of running a gaming business. Every job is a climate job (1.55pm - 2.55pm | Auditorium) A panel of African gaming experts and industry professionals will discuss climate-conscious practices for gaming businesses. What defines an African game? (5.30pm - Event close | Auditorium) This final panel of the first day explores the unique characteristics and influences that shape games developed in Africa. Debunking myths about the African gaming industry (10.30am - 11am | Event space) This rapid-fire interview aims to dispel common misconceptions about the African gaming industry, highlighting its growth and potential. Lightning talks (11am - 12pm | Event space) This session will cover a wide range of topics in short, sharp talks, including gaming's role in education, health, sustainability, and more. Game changers gathering (2pm - 4.30pm | Event space) Attendees can contribute to a discussion on a strategic plan to address key challenges in the gaming industry. Pitch to change (4.30pm - 5.30pm | Event space) Young African creatives and developers will pitch their game concepts to a panel of industry veterans, who will provide feedback. Pro Helvetia: She Got Game (9.45am - 10.30am | Seminar Room A) This organization will discuss the importance of business support and an entrepreneurial mindset for female game developers. Unlocking the potential of incubators in Africa (10.30am - 11.15am | Seminar Room A) Representatives from the IGDA will explore how an alliance of gaming ecosystem builders can support the future of game development in Africa. Empowering education through esports and casual gaming (1.30pm - 2.15pm | Auditorium) This panel will examine the role of gaming in the future of education, from gamifying lessons to aligning esports and education. The future of African gaming and esports: Opportunities for content creators (3.15pm - 4.45pm | Auditorium) The final panel of Africa Games Week will explore the prospects for content creators as the African gaming industry, particularly esports, continues to grow.