Event information
Playtopia is Africa’s first annual destination Indie Games & Immersive Arts festival and conference. It is a gathering of South African and global creators and players, in celebration of the African gaming scene: a place for people to come together to share ideas, connect across continents and disciplines, and to exhibit work.
The event programme is jam-packed with talks, arcades, exhibitions, and after parties, and features a drinks bar, food, a chillzone and a rooftop terrace for attendees to enjoy. The conference talks are a major highlight and are conducted by international speakers representing various leading game companies, that delve into indie games, art, the industry and technical aspects of game development.
A key part of the festival are the arcades showcasing a curated selection of both local and international creators' works, which offer attendees a wonderfully varied gaming experience. In addition to the main arcade, there is the Super Friendship Arcade (SFA), a homegrown experimental punk games event that challenges the status quo, injecting a healthy dose of playfulness into games as a communal experience.
There are also Playtopia immersive and interactive artworks, which allow attendees to step beyond the traditional gallery setting and explore installations that encourage active participation. These artwork exhibits aim to break down the barriers between the viewer and the artwork, fostering a more dynamic and personal connection. Finally, guests have access to various after-parties at which to meet and mingle with fellow enthusiasts.
