Playtopia 2024

ABOUT

Playtopia Summit

Our two full day summit has a wide variety of talks that delve in indie games, the creative process, the industry and technical aspects of game development. We’re excited to welcome an impressive array of international speakers, from leading games companies around the world.

LIST OF SPEAKERS!

Xalavier Nelson JR (USA / Stange Scaffold) | Fey Vercuiel (UK / Omeda Studios) | Even Greenwood (Free Lives CEO) | Andrew Putter (Artist/Teacher/ Putter School) | Rodwin Malinga (Game Developer) | Felix Pedulla (Larian Studios) | Tom Kleinenberg (Larian Studios) | Robin Baumgarten (Germany / Artist) | Craig Fairweather (UK / We Throw Switches / Alt Control Designer) | Thomas Waterzooi (Belgium / Game Developer) | Rick Treweek (Eden Labs) | Dope Saint Jude (Artist / Musician) | Ulysses at Sea (Composer) | Henk Scheepers (Game Developer) | Dominique Gawlowski (Free Lives MD) | Joanna Oluoch (Kenya / Game Developer) | Tim Browne (Sweden / CPO Bright Gambit / ex Assassins Creed, Candy Crush) | Aleksandra Korabelnikova (Russia / Narrative Designer) | Mascha Camino (Netherlands / Quest Designer) | Bracken Hall (Game Developer) | Michaela Bussey (Nyamakop / Producer) | Leon van Niekerk (Clockwork Acorn / Producer) | Kyle Jantijies (Writer / Fantasy Author) | Johann Ungerer (Entrepreneur) | Rohun Ranjith (Free Lives / Game Developer) | Lars Espeter (Academy of Design) | Crystal Ball (Team Laserbeam / Producer) | Kane Forster (Free Lives / Game Developer) | Céline Veltman (Netherlands / Game Developer) | Deon Van Heerden (Composer) | Elben Schutte (Composer)

Main Arcade

Our main arcade offers a diverse selection of indie games, representing both local talents and international contributions. We’ve carefully curated a mix of titles from our local gaming scene, showcasing the creativity and innovation of our homegrown developers. Alongside these local gems, we’re excited to present a selection of international games that bring different perspectives and gameplay styles to our arcade.

From narrative-driven experiences to fast-paced challenges, our goal is to provide a varied experience for visitors. It’s not just about the games; it’s about appreciating the creativity and effort that developers, both local and international, put into their work.

Super Friendship Arcade

Born out of a desire to inject a healthy dose of irreverence and playfulness into games as a communal experience, SFA is our homegrown experimental punk games event that challenges the status quo. This unique gathering dares to defy expectations by transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, appropriating anything that can move into an alternative controller. At SFA, innovation knows no bounds – from everyday objects to unconventional devices, everything becomes fair game for reinvention in the name of playful exploration.Come be silly with your friends!

Indie Planet

Playtopia has a dedicated section to expose the South African audience to our festival brethren from distant lands. For the second edition of Indie Planet, we welcome back Bitsummit (Japan), A.Maze (Germany), FreePlay (Australia) and newcomers Now Play This (UK).

Immersive and Interactive Artworks

As always, Playtopia puts out a general call for immersive and interactive artworks and selects the most inspiring pieces to entertain and delight our festival attendees.

Step beyond the traditional gallery setting and explore installations that encourage active participation. Our exhibits aim to break down the barriers between the viewer and the artwork, fostering a more dynamic and personal connection.

From interactive displays that respond to your presence to thought-provoking virtual experiences, our exhibitions offer a blend of creativity and technology. 

LIST OF ARTISTS!

• Sara Laubscher | Gaby Mathurine | Stephan Erasmus = As Above So Below
• Diana Tinkerbell | Alastair Campbell = CUBE
• Keabetse Maake | Karabo Monyenmangene = Playground
• Emma Gilpin = 
• Wessel Albertse = Convergence
• Inka Kendzia = Play Play Rev
• Jeff Rusch | Cam Lofstrand | uJochi | Ridhô Jeftha | Dylan Date = PRISM
• Argo | Rheece | Carlo | Manuel = OASIS
• Elgin Rust | Jane Appleby = Clould
• The IFAS collective workshop exhibit = Unrecorded Voices

The main event kicks off on Friday the 6th of December and runs until 9pm the 7th of December. We have a program jam-packed with talks, arcades, exhibitions and after parties!

The festival will have bars, a food zone, a chill zone and a rooftop terrace for attendees to enjoy.

Please take note!!!

There is a delegates only pre party on the 5th of DECEMBER and a delegates only after party on Saturday night 7th DECEMBER. Details will be on the ticket once purchased.

Friday || 6 DECEMBER 2024

Event running time: 09:00 - 22:00

On Friday, the festival opens to all ticket holders!

Saturday || 7 DECEMBER 2024

Event running time: 09:00 - 21:00

The festival will maintain its full spectrum of activities, including our summit program.

Saturday After Party || 7 December

VENUE: BOTANIK

HOSTED BY: Diskotekah

More info coming soon!

Playtopia is a family friendly gamers delight that celebrates the art of game design and aims to draw more people into the local industry. With the support of global publishing giant Devolver Digital, local game studio Free Lives, Landfall games (Sweden), Uwu Biz, Atomic, IFAS, 24Bit, Flanders, Goethe Institute and many more....

We look forward to welcoming you back to the 4th edition of Playtopia Festival!

DATE: 6-7 DECEMBER 2024

VENUE: Homecoming Centre in Cape Town CBD

WEBSITE: www.playtopiafestival.co.za

ID required at the door

African Delegate Pass (18yrs +) - Full weekend access + Talks + Exhibitions + Delegates only mixer on the 5th of December + Official after party on the 7th of December

Limited Phase 1 - R800 SOLD OUT

Limited Phase 2 - R900

Limited Phase 3 - R1000

Non African International Delegate Pass (18yrs +) - Full weekend access + Talks + Exhibitions + Delegates only mixer on the 5th of December + Official after party 7th of December

Limited Phase 1 - R1000 SOLD OUT

Limited Phase 2 - R1300

Limited Phase 3 - R1500

(please note: If you are from an African country, you may purchase an African Delegate pass)

Two Day Pass Adult (18yrs +) - Full weekend access + Talks + Exhibitions + Official after party 7th of December

Limited Phase 1 - R450 SOLD OUT

Limited Phase 2 - R550

Limited Phase 3 - R650

Friday Day Pass (18yrs +) - One day full access to talks + exhibitions

Limited Phase 1 - R250 SOLD OUT

Limited Phase 2 - R350

Limited Phase 3 - R450

Saturday Day Pass (18yrs +) - One day full access to talks + exhibitions (No Saturday after party access)

Limited Phase 1 - R250 SOLD OUT

Limited Phase 2 - R350

Limited Phase 3 - R450

Friday MINI GAMER Pass (Under 18's) - One day full access to talks + exhibitions

Limited Phase 1 - R180 SOLD OUT

Limited Phase 2 - R250

Limited Phase 3 - R350

Saturday MINI GAMER Pass (Under 18's) - One day full access to talks + exhibitions

Limited Phase 1 - R180 SOLD OUT

Limited Phase 2 - R250

Limited Phase 3 - R350

Saturday Family Pass x2 Adults and X2 Under 18's - SATURDAY ONLY - One day full access to talks + exhibitions

Limited Phase 1 - R800 SOLD OUT

Limited Phase 2 - R1000

Limited Phase 3 - R1300

(no Saturday after party access)

WEBSITE: www.playtopiafestival.co.za

CONTACT: [email protected]

DIRECTIONS