The strategic partnership will help transform one of the continent’s
most iconic gaming events into a bigger celebration of African gaming,
esports, creators and digital culture
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July, 2026/ — After more than two
decades as Africa’s most iconic gaming event, rAge is preparing for
its biggest evolution yet.
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.
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.
“This isn’t simply another edition of rAge; it is a bold reinvention
of what a gaming event can be, says Barry Louzada, managing director of
Mettlestate. “While 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 culture
that extends far beyond the screen. rAge 2026 has been built around that
culture.”
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’s 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.
The level up
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.
This year’s event will also introduce elements of retrofuturism,
combining the nostalgia and visual language of gaming’s 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.
The legacy loadout
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.
“We’ve spent 23 years building one of South Africa’s most
recognised gaming brands,” says Michael James, project director of
rAge. “Now 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.”
Game on
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.
“rAge has always held a special place in South African gaming, and we’re
incredibly proud to be part of its next chapter,” adds Louzada. “Every
corner of the event has been designed to create moments worth sharing.
And this November, a new era begins.”
Visitors will experience 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.
“rAge is no longer simply an expo. With Mettlestate in co-op mode, it
is becoming South Africa’s premier gaming, esports, technology and
digital culture festival that has the same legendary DNA with a bigger
map and a premium new ally,” adds James.
