Gaming Consortium awarded R12.9 million. Boost to SA Gaming

South Africa’s Gaming Industry Boosted by R12.9M Funding for “Game Changers” Consortium

South Africa’s gaming industry is on a trajectory for expansion, having achieved a 4.7% CAGR since 2020. In a major advancement for this sector, a gaming consortium, the Game Changers consortium has been awarded R12.9 million from the National Treasury’s Jobs Fund to elevate local gaming talent, foster SMME growth, and drive job creation over the next two years. Through this project, six small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) will be developed, 152 jobs created, and 121 young people trained in various facets of the gaming sector.

The Jobs Fund, a government initiative managed by National Treasury, is a R9 billion matching grant program aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainable employment in South Africa. It operates under a transparent, competitive, and impact-focused grant-making model to stimulate sectors with high growth potential. The consortium, led by ItThynk Gaming, was selected based on its potential to build an ecosystem that leverages emerging opportunities in gaming and digital content creation.

Game Changers Consortium Members and Their Roles

The Game Changers consortium is a groundbreaking alliance, comprised of key players in gaming, digital arts, education, and content production:

ItThynk Gaming: At the forefront of the consortium, ItThynk focuses on ecosystem development and game production. Through its subsidiary, Disputed People, ItThynk will drive the development of an adventure game, Khamani, The Lion of Summer, showcasing the depth of local talent and innovation.
Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct: As a Wits University incubator, Tshimologong nurtures gaming startups by providing resources and support to emerging entrepreneurs. According to Mrs. Joy Mawela, Head of Digital Content at Tshimologong, “This project unlocks funding opportunities from global investors and allows us to advance youth-owned businesses into commercially viable entities.”
Africa Games Week: The premier business event for the gaming industry in Africa, Africa Games Week elevates South African studios by enhancing market access and increasing visibility for developers, both locally and internationally.
Academy of Digital Arts (ADA): ADA provides specialized training in digital arts, helping to create a skilled gaming workforce. It offers a unique program where students graduate with a completed game project in their portfolios—critical for career-building in game design and interactive media.
Leaders in Motion Academy (LIMA): LIMA, South Africa’s first digital creative skills academy, will document the consortium’s journey through a film, capturing the evolution of South Africa’s gaming industry. Supported by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, this initiative also highlights the impact of 30 years of democracy on creative industries.
Spielfabrique: A German-based partner, Spielfabrique will contribute mentorship and training, helping to align local talent with global standards of professionalism and competitiveness, reinforcing South Africa’s potential as a leader in the African gaming industry.

Consortium Funding and Strategic Objectives

With an estimated total project cost of R25.8 million, consortium members are jointly contributing R12.92 million, with the Jobs Fund covering the remaining costs. This investment will provide essential resources to solidify South Africa’s gaming ecosystem. The Game Changers consortium is committed to transforming the local gaming landscape by promoting industry best practices, sustainable business growth, and market-oriented game production.

The consortium has received further backing from Absa Bank, which will support program beneficiaries through its Enterprise Development program. Kgalaletso Tlhoaele, Head of Enterprise Development at Absa, emphasized the bank’s dedication to stimulating economic growth, adding, “We believe that by collaborating with government, corporates, and other stakeholders, we can empower entrepreneurs, spark economic activity, and enable skills development.”

Achievements and Future Prospects

Marking a key milestone, the consortium participated in Gamescom 2024, the world’s largest gaming event held in Germany. This allowed South African studios to showcase their projects and explore funding opportunities with international investors. It also provided a platform for the Game Changers to demonstrate the potential of African creators as global contributors to the gaming industry.

According to Raymond Ledwaba, CEO of ItThynk Gaming, the support from the Jobs Fund is crucial for fostering a vibrant gaming industry in South Africa. “As beneficiaries of start-up funding, we recognize how investment can accelerate our growth. We aim to change the narrative by positioning Africans not just as consumers, but as creators in the global gaming ecosystem.”

Looking Forward: Collaboration with Government and Community Impact

The consortium aims to establish a gaming industry advisory body in partnership with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT). This council will work to shape policies that support developers, publishers, and gaming studios over the next two years. DCDT Director General Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani expressed optimism about the initiative, highlighting its role in expanding South Africa’s global gaming footprint and driving economic inclusion.

Key Industry Collaborations and Partnerships

n addition to government backing, the consortium has also gained strategic partnerships, which are essential for expanding its reach and impact:

Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and Telkom Future Makers: These organizations provide Tshimologong with resources to continue its mission of fostering SMME growth in the gaming industry.
Department of Sports, Arts and Culture: Supports LIMA’s documentary film project, an initiative celebrating South Africa’s 30 years of democracy and its gaming sector’s evolution.

The Game Changers Consortium is setting a powerful precedent by creating a fully integrated pipeline for the gaming industry—from training and incubation to game development and international exposure. Through this collaboration, South Africa’s gaming ecosystem is well-positioned to thrive, contributing to the broader digital economy and fostering sustainable growth within the entertainment sector.

For more updates, visit SAbuzz: https://sabuzz.co.za.