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About Playtopia

a festival
for creators

about playtopia festival

Founded in 2018, 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, where we celebrate the African “scene”. A place for people to come together to share ideas, connect across continents and disciplines, and to exhibit work.

Playtopia is the festival component of the Playtopia Foundation, a not for profit company which aims to generate opportunities in game development in South Africa. It consists of the Maker’s Massive, the Jam Dole, Super Friendship Arcade and the Playtopia Festival.

Team

Dominique Gawlowski – Festival DirectorBen Rausch – Program DirectorAnja Venter – Assistant Program DirectorJeremy Moyle – Production ManagerKayla Gordon Hogg – Production ManagerMelissa Nzuza – Project Manager & Volunteer CoordinatorCrystal Ball – Assistant Program Director and Volunteer CoordinatorAmy Blanchard – Production CoordinatorJessica Hinds – Social Media & CommunityKeshet Karidi – Social Media and Content EditorZahra Hartle – Social MediaDe Villiers “Dan” Venter – Arcade CoordinatorDanielle Hitchcock – Website & DesignAl John “Hyphen” Sproat – Community ManagerJean-Luc Chappell – Community and VolunteersNatasha Davidson – Head of DecorRachelle Crous – Public Representation

Indie Planet

Indie Planet is Playtopia’s dedicated showcase for other indie festivals around the world. Borne from a desire to expose the South African audiences to our festival brethren from distant lands.

We have displayed best-in-show from our Australian counterpart, Freeplay, our Japanese friends, BitSummit, our longtime lover from Germany, A MAZE. and BCN Game Fest from Spain in our Indie Planet arcade.

A MAZE.
BitSummit
Freeplay
BCN Game Fest

Media Partners

Africa’s games industry is emergent, and Games Industry Africa is here to make sure the world is paying attention. From spotlighting the continent’s incredible developers and studios to delivering industry news, insights and research, GIA is an essential resource for anyone passionate about the past, present and future of African games.

Games Industry Africa