Africa Games Week
Africa Games Week emerged around 2018, growing from smaller local gaming meetups in Cape Town. The initiative was born from the need to create a unified platform for Africa’s gaming industry, which was previously fragmented across different countries with limited collaboration opportunities.
Since its inception, the event has grown significantly. What started as a modest gathering of local developers has evolved into continental Africa’s premier gaming event, now attracting thousands of participants from across Africa and beyond. By 2023, it had established itself as a cornerstone event, drawing major industry players like PlayStation and Unity Technologies.
The event’s impact is reflected in its growth numbers – from hosting about 150 delegates in its early days to now managing over 2,500 participants annually. It’s played a crucial role in several African gaming success stories, helping studios secure publishing deals and funding. For instance, South African games like “Beautiful Desolation” and “Boet Fighter” gained international attention through connections made at AGW.
This growth mirrors the expansion of Africa’s gaming market, which has seen remarkable development over the past five years. The event has become instrumental in addressing key challenges like limited funding and market access that previously held back African game developers. Through its evolution, Africa Games Week has become more than just an event – it’s now a crucial catalyst for the continent’s gaming industry development.
More recently, the event has expanded its scope to include mobile gaming and esports, reflecting the changing landscape of African gaming, where mobile platforms dominate due to greater accessibility. The introduction of the Africa Games Awards has also helped establish industry standards and recognize excellence across the continent. Now in its 7th edition, it enacted itself as the premium business event in Africa for the video game industry. Developers, content creators and industry leaders from across Africa and the globe are invited to come connect, engage and grow the African Game Industry.
What to expect at this year’s event
Industry professional speakers:
Gain valuable insights and expertise from seasoned experts, empowering your growth in the gaming indu
Workshops
Acquire practical skills and knowledge through interactive workshops, advancing your proficiency and game dev tool-set
B2B Meetings & Matchmaking:
Cultivate vital connections with key players in the gaming market, fostering collaboration and business opportunities
Africa Game Exhibition:
Explore and showcase the diverse creativity and innovation emerging from Africa, fostering recognition and collaboration on a global scale
Cape Town Tours:
Connect with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge trends, and immerse yourself in the vibrant gaming community against the backdrop of stunning landscapes and rich culture.
Venue:
Workshop 17 in the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa
Date:
2 DEC – 5 DEC, 2024
