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After more than two decades as Africa\u2019s most iconic gaming event,\u00a0rAge is preparing for its biggest evolution yet.<\/p>\n
Taking place at Fourways Mall in Johannesburg, South Africa from 27 to 29 November 2026, rAge is evolving from a traditional expo into a full-scale festival of gaming, esports, technology, creators, cosplay, anime, entertainment and community. The expanded format is designed not only for South African audiences, but for the growing network of players, creators, competitors, fans and technology enthusiasts across the wider continent.<\/p>\n
Gaming will always remain the beating heart of rAge, but this year’s spectacle has been designed from the ground up for a much broader audience. Families, young creators, technology enthusiasts, casual players, anime and cosplay fans, serious competitors, and curious first-time visitors will all find something unforgettable.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn’t simply another edition of rAge; it is a\u00a0bold reinvention of what a gaming event can be, says\u00a0Barry Louzada, managing director of Mettlestate. \u201cWhile gaming remains the beating heart of rAge, every part of the experience has been reimagined to reflect how gaming culture has evolved. Today’s gamers don’t just play games. They also watch esports, follow creators, build communities, embrace technology, celebrate cosplay, create content and experience gaming as a\u00a0culture that extends far beyond the screen. rAge 2026 has been built around that culture.\u201d<\/p>\n
rAge also boasts a new visual identity that signals the event that has officially levelled up. Bold, immersive and unmistakably rooted in gaming culture, it builds on the brand\u2019s legendary legacy while introducing a sharper, more future-facing look. It is a visual upgrade that reflects its evolution from expo to full-scale festival.<\/p>\n
The level up<\/p>\n
The event will expand beyond the traditional expo format into a festival designed around participation. Visitors can expect immersive attractions, live entertainment, creator-led content, interactive experiences, community spaces and competitions. Hardcore players, casual gamers, families, anime and cosplay fans, creators, tech enthusiasts and curious first-timers will each find their own route through the event.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s event will also introduce elements of\u00a0retrofuturism, combining the nostalgia and visual language of gaming\u2019s past with ideas, technology and experiences that look ahead to what the future of digital culture could become. From classic influences reimagined through new technology to immersive environments that blur the lines between then, now and next, retrofuturism will give rAge 2026 a distinctive creative identity. It is a creative direction that reflects rAge itself, honouring its legacy while looking firmly to the future.<\/p>\n
The legacy loadout<\/p>\n
Gaming remains the main quest. The iconic BYOC LAN, esports, cosplay, local game development, tabletop gaming, fandom, technology showcases, gear and show specials all remain firmly in play. The festival format builds out from that foundation rather than patching over the rAge experience its community has spent more than two decades shaping.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve spent 23 years building one of South Africa\u2019s most recognised gaming brands,\u201d says Michael James, project director of rAge. \u201cNow we are taking the biggest step in our history. Together with Mettlestate, we’re creating something that extends far beyond an expo. We’re building a festival that celebrates every part of gaming culture, and what comes next will take it to another level.\u201d<\/p>\n
Game on<\/p>\n
This brand evolution reflects gaming’s growing influence on culture. rAge embraces that shift with a more immersive festival experience, where visitors can move between gaming, competition, creativity and live entertainment, with Mettlestate bringing its competitive and community-driven experience expertise to the event.<\/p>\n
“rAge has always held a\u00a0special place in South African gaming, and we’re incredibly proud to be part of its next chapter,”\u00a0adds Louzada. “Every corner of the event has been designed to create moments worth sharing. And this November,\u00a0a new era begins.\u201d<\/p>\n
Visitors will\u00a0experience more ways to play, compete, discover and participate than ever before. Creators will have bigger stages to grow their communities. Esports will reach new audiences. Families will discover experiences designed for every generation. Brands will move beyond traditional exhibition stands into immersive activations that become part of the festival itself.<\/p>\n
\u201crAge is no longer simply an expo. With Mettlestate in co-op mode, it is becoming South Africa\u2019s premier gaming, esports, technology and digital culture festival that has the same legendary DNA with a bigger map and a premium new ally,\u201d adds James.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n