Collaboration Holds the Key to Unlocking South Africa's Gaming Future

Limpho Moeti, with nearly eight years of experience in the South African gaming industry, has witnessed significant growth and evolution. Starting her career at Free Lives, she progressed to deputy festival director at Playtopia and later to production and business development at Nyamakop. Currently, as business development manager at RocketRide Games, Moeti helps studios navigate development cycles and secure funding. Her agency supports developers from pre-production to post-launch, focusing on creative direction, executive production, and marketing. Moeti emphasizes the importance of collaboration in the industry, highlighting the need for a win-win approach that benefits both developers and the industry as a whole. Through her involvement in organizing game jams, speaking at events, and participating in panels, Moeti has been instrumental in promoting the growth of the South African gaming community. She believes that the industry's strength lies in its immense talent and the increasing number of studios securing funding. However, Moeti also acknowledges the structural challenges that hinder growth, including load shedding, funding, and support. The high cost of game development, prototypes, and travel to industry events poses significant barriers to entry for many developers. Moeti hopes that the South African government will provide more support to the industry, citing examples of successful government-backed initiatives in other emerging markets like Malaysia and the Philippines. Looking ahead, she envisions a thriving gaming industry in South Africa, with a mix of AAA, AA, and indie studios, as well as a strong presence of local publishers across mobile, PC, and consoles.