Gamathon ’24 Begins: Sparking a New Era of Game Development!

Gamathon ’24, hosted by AfricaComicade, has officially kicked off, launching a thrilling six-day gaming convention that unites the best talents from across Africa’s gaming industry. Supported by HP, this landmark event is a hub for African game developers, creatives, and industry leaders. With a jam-packed schedule that includes game development workshops, XR showcases, and networking opportunities, Gamathon ’24 is set to redefine the future of African gaming.

Innovation and Growth at Gamathon ’24

Building on the success of last year’s edition, which attracted over 3,000 participants and raised $200,000 for game studios, Gamathon ’24 is set to deliver even more excitement. This year’s event is designed to encourage innovation, collaboration, and growth in the African video game industry, featuring game jams, developer sessions, and gaming competitions.

Day 1 Highlights: Introducing the Theme “Thrive”

One of the most exciting moments of Day 1 was the announcement of this year’s theme, “Thrive”, revealed during the press conference. This theme encapsulates the spirit of growth, resilience, and innovation that is driving the African gaming industry forward. The “Thrive” theme encourages participants to push creative boundaries, explore new opportunities, and build sustainable futures for themselves and the broader gaming community.

The opening day also featured engaging discussions on the growing role of African game studios in the global gaming market. Despite challenges such as industry-wide layoffs, African studios are proving their strength and resilience, creating new opportunities for developers, designers, and artists across the continent.

The collaborative spirit of the African gaming ecosystem was another key takeaway, as Gamathon ’24 emphasized the importance of shared success and mutual growth.

Celebrating African Game Developers

Day 1 also shone a spotlight on some of the most promising African game developers. Notable attendees included:

• Edu Shola of Nigeria’s Deluxe Creation Studios
• Abiy Hailu from Ethiopia’s Enechawet Games
• Grace Iradukunda, founder of Rwanda’s Huuza Games

These developers represent the incredible talent and creativity thriving in the African gaming industry, making waves not only regionally but also on the global stage.

What to Expect Next at Gamathon ’24

Looking ahead, attendees can expect a wealth of activities and opportunities throughout the week:

• Game Jam: Teams of developers will compete to create innovative games inspired by the “Thrive” theme. Cash prizes and support from sponsors like LG and Itel await the most creative teams.
• Ark Pitch: Indie developers will pitch their game projects to investors for a chance to secure up to $50,000 in prototype grants, offering significant support for emerging studios.
• Workshops and Expert Panels: A range of sessions will be led by industry experts, covering everything from game design and storytelling to the latest technologies driving the gaming industry forward.

Excitement is also building for a special announcement from Google later in the week, which promises to add even more momentum to the event.

Conclusion: Gamathon ’24—A Platform to Thrive

Gamathon ’24 is more than just a gaming convention—it’s a launchpad for African game developers and creatives to connect, grow, and thrive. With the “Thrive” theme setting the tone, Day 1 has already laid the foundation for a week filled with creativity, collaboration, and new opportunities. Stay tuned for more updates as the event unfolds and African gaming continues to rise on the global stage!