About Playtopia
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.
Dominique Gawlowski – Festival Director
Ben Rausch – Program Director
Anja Venter – Assistant Program Director
Jeremy Moyle – Production Manager
Kayla Gordon Hogg – Assistant Production Manager
Melissa Nzuza – Project Manager & Volunteer Coordinator
Crystal Ball – Assistant Volunteer Coordinator
Kirsten-Lee Naidoo – Business Development
Amy Blanchard – Production Coordinator
Kgosi Motsepe – Social Media Liaison
De Villiers “Dan” Venter – Arcade Coordinator
Danielle Hitchcock – Website & Design
Al John “Hyphen” Sproat – Community Manager
Natasha Davidson – Head of Decor
Organising committee
a festival
for creators
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 Now Play This from the UK in our Indie Planet arcade.
In 2025 we are excited to welcome BCN game fest.
Media Partners
