In a country known more for its diverse landscapes and cultural richness than its digital creations, South Africa’s video game industry is slowly gaining momentum. What was once a dream for many has become an emerging reality for the country’s young and ambitious game developers. The growth of the industry is a testament to a mix of local ingenuity, international recognition and the determination of a new generation of tech enthusiasts.
Early dreams and emerging talent
Devlin van der Walt’s journey from a small town to becoming a developer at 24 Bit Games is symbolic of the rising tide in South Africa’s gaming sector. Growing up in Middelburg, far from the bustling tech hubs, van der Walt’s early fascination with video games inspired him to create his own paper-based versions of games as a child. His passion for game development grew, leading him to hone his game design skills as well as pursue a career in software development.
Today, van der Walt is part of a dynamic team at Johannesburg-based 24 Bit Games. The studio, known for its successful titles such as “Broforce” and “Cocoon,” has recently garnered international attention, with “Cocoon” receiving multiple nominations at the 2023 BAFTA Games Awards. The studio’s growth and its acquisition by Californian publisher Annapurna Interactive reflect the growing recognition of South African talent on the global stage.
The rise of local studios
The South African video game industry, though still relatively young, is expanding rapidly. Nicolina Visentin-A’Silva, studio manager at 24 Bit Games, attributes this growth to local talent and the growing number of educational programs dedicated to game development. “The industry has definitely boomed,” she says. “We’re seeing more junior staff entering the field, and the positive attitude of locals really helps.”
This spirit of resilience and adaptability is a hallmark of South African developers. According to Arabella Rogerson, marketing manager at Sea Monster, the local industry benefits from a unique cultural perspective. “South Africans are incredibly adaptable,” she says. “We rise to the challenges and do what’s necessary to get the job done.”
Challenges and opportunities
Despite the optimism, the South African gaming sector faces significant challenges. The industry is small compared to global giants, with many studios still in their infancy. The South African Cultural Observatory’s 2022 review identified around 50 studios, most of which were relatively new and focused more on service work rather than full-scale game production. The sector is growing, but it still relies heavily on international collaborations and service-based projects.
South Africa’s low cost of living makes its developers an attractive option for international companies looking to manage expenses, providing a competitive edge in a global marketplace. Additionally, the growing availability of game development courses at local universities is helping to create a skilled workforce. Eric Prinz, game designer at Nyamkop, recalls his excitement upon discovering a game design course at the University of the Witwatersrand. Along with his friend, they pursued degrees in game design, which led to their current roles in the industry.
A growing market and diverse audience
South Africa is not only fostering new talent, but is also developing as a significant market for video games. GWI analyst Chris Beer highlights that South Africans are avid gamers, showing greater engagement with smartphones, PCs and gaming consoles than the global average. This growing interest is reflected in the local gaming and digital entertainment expo, rAge, which has seen an increase in diversity and participation over the past few years.
Michael James, project director at rAge, has noticed that the event has grown to include a wider range of people, from young enthusiasts to professionals returning to the industry. “We’re seeing a more diverse crowd, and many of our attendees are now involved in game development themselves,” he says.
The digital divide and future prospects
The road to growth, however, is not without obstacles. Esports commentator Sam Wright points out that high internet data costs are a significant barrier for many young gamers in South Africa. The shift towards digital products and subscriptions further exacerbates this issue, as access to online content becomes increasingly expensive.
Despite these challenges, the future of South Africa’s video game industry looks promising. The combination of local talent, international partnerships and a growing market presents a solid foundation for continued growth. As the industry matures, the innovative spirit of South African developers could lead to further success locally and globally.
The story of South Africa’s video game industry is one of perseverance and potential. From small beginnings to international fame, the sector is achieving a distinct position.