Johannesburg, 27 July 2026 – South African gaming is entering a new era. After more than two decades as the country’s most iconic gaming event, rAge is preparing for its biggest evolution yet.

Descending on Fourways Mall from 27 to 29 November 2026, rAge 2026 will bring together gaming, esports, technology, creators, cosplay, anime, entertainment, competition and community in a more immersive and expansive format than anyone can imagine. 

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.

Key to this new chapter is Mettlestate, which joins rAge as a proud strategic partner for the future of the event. The partnership brings together rAge’s grand scale, heritage and cultural relevance with Mettlestate’s expertise in esports, gaming communities, live competition and audience engagement.

“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.

End.

Event details

rAge 2026
27 to 29 November 2026
Fourways Mall, Level 8
Johannesburg, South Africa

Ticket information, programme announcements and partner updates will be released soon.

 About rAge Expo

Founded in 2002, rAge Expo is South Africa’s leading festival of gaming, technology, esports and geek culture. Held annually in Johannesburg, rAge brings together gamers, creators, developers, brands and families for a multi-day celebration of interactive entertainment, featuring immersive experiences, competitive gaming, live entertainment, technology showcases, cosplay, creator experiences and the iconic BYOC LAN. As one of the country’s most anticipated annual events, rAge continues to evolve while celebrating the communities and culture shaping the future of digital entertainment.

www.rageexpo.co.za

About Mettlestate

Mettlestate is the premium strategic partner for rAge, helping evolve the iconic gaming expo into a full-scale festival. Founded in 2016, Mettlestate is a gaming media and entertainment company focused on building and monetising gaming communities across Africa. It has delivered more than 150 campaigns and owns properties including Varsity Esports and Kasi Flare. Visit www.mettlestate.com for more information.

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The rAge Expo remains one of South Africa’s most recognised gaming and tech events. TechSceneZA has attended rAge multiple times over the years, and this year marked our fourth in-person rAge event and sixth virtual engagement. With rAge’s move from the Gallagher Convention Centre, then the Johannesburg Expo Centre, and now to Fourways Mall, expectations were mixed and comparisons to Comic Con Africa were inevitable.

The Fourways Mall location raised questions. Some arguments for the move made sense, while others did not. Preshaan from TechSceneZA had early access to meet with the organisers of rAge and Fourways Mall management, where concerns were addressed and discussions took place in the buildup to the event.

First Impressions and Venue Transformation

In honesty, rAge 2025 was not the strongest showing in the event’s history. Without sugar coating it, the event felt subpar compared to previous years, though this was expected when experimenting with a format that had never been attempted before.

To understand the scale of the challenge, rAge was hosted on the 8th level of Fourways Mall, a concrete parking structure with metal roof sheeting. However, once attendees entered the event, the environment felt surprisingly different. With the buildup of the event, once walking through the entrance way, you wouldn’t believe you were in a parking lot. The organisers deserve credit for the transformation of the space. Organizers did a brilliant job carpeting the floor, building stands to break away from the parking lot, and casting the illusion of the rage exhibition event. While some creators voiced concerns about the direction of rAge and its setup, being on the floor told another story. Being there physically, you escaped the parking lot and were really at an expo.

Logistical Issues and Shortcomings

Despite the visual success, several logistical issues affected the overall experience. Friday, in particular, highlighted problems with temperature control, as the venue became extremely hot. While air conditioning units were present, they were insufficient, and additional cooling that had been promised did not fully materialise.

“There were some promises made prior to the event by the venue that the vents were going to be opened to introduce a flow of air.”

Transport arrangements were another area where expectations were not met.

“There were also promises for a pickup and drop-off area with Uber being in mind, which was not done.”

Parking also proved to be a point of frustration, though it should be noted that Fourways Mall does offer several levels of parking that visitors could have used and not everyone had to park at level 7.

One of the biggest criticisms surrounded bathroom access.

“There were no toilets at the event level, which meant people would have to go down 2- 3 levels to use the bathroom, which raised concerns of people leaving the event and not retunring”. This brought up criticism that rage isn’t what it used to be, and it’s a let-down as well as a waste of time.”

Understanding rAge’s Role as an Organiser

When assessing the success or failure of rAge, it’s important to separate the role of the organiser from that of exhibitors and brands. rAge provides the platform, but brand participation ultimately drives engagement, giveaways, and interactive experiences.

Preshaan summed it up with a simple analogy

“It’s like taking the horse to the river, but you can’t make it drink.”

This means that if brands choose not to attend or fail to activate meaningfully, the event naturally feels less impactful. However, venue selection and logistical shortcomings, such as ablution access, remain valid criticisms directed at rAge itself and the venue.

Brand Presence and Exhibitor Confidence

Looking at the brands that did attend rAge 2025, TechSceneZA applauds those that showed up and invested in the event despite the uncertainty surrounding the new venue. With exhibitor costs reportedly similar to previous venues such as Gallagher Convention Centre and Nasrec, their participation reflects a continued level of faith in rAge as a brand and as South Africa’s premier gaming and tech expo.

That said, conversations with exhibitors revealed growing concern around return on investment. While brands remain committed to rAge, many acknowledged that there is still significant work to be done to ensure that exhibitor value matches the cost of participation.

This concern was evident on the show floor. Products and merchandise that would typically sell out by Friday at past rAge events were still available by Sunday, in many cases at discounted prices. This shift suggests lower foot traffic engagement and purchasing behaviour compared to previous years, reinforcing the need for stronger attendee activation and brand-driven experiences moving forward.

Supporting Local Events Over International Hype

Preshaan shared insights from his interview with Len from NAG, which highlighted a broader issue within South Africa’s event culture.

“I did an interview with Len from NAG while talking about the retro LAN and I made mention to the fact that you know the NAG has been keeping LAN gaming or LANs alive through the NAG LAN at rage and I made a comment to along the lines the fact that Linus Tech Tips is hosting things like WHALE LAN and has so much of buy in and Len made a counter comment that said we are very fast to buy into international culture we compare ourselves and buy in to these international fame things like comic con and everyone wants to run to comic con but we fail to support these local initiatives like rAge & the NAG LAN, we all are buying into big name events like comic con .I even saw online someone made a comment of um you know what maybe rAge and comic con should join forces and stop hosting this or maybe rAge should just give up.”

Preshaan strongly rejected that idea and praised the vision behind the Fourways Mall experiment.

“I don’t think is the case and I applaud Michael and the team and many others even in the build up to rAge fail to have the creative eye or the visionary eye to see what could be done with this parking lot and I must say there is some learning to be done from this weekend like some promises that Michael had made that fourways mall has committed to making ablution facilities available on the top level and adding solar panels to the roof which would reduce the amount of heat that is actually in there and also adding an extractor fans but many people had or many people didn’t have that creative eye to see what could be done with this venue and I think I applaud rAge and the organisers and those that believed in it, it was actually a resounding success that they converted this parking lot into an exhibition space.”

Final Verdict: A Learning Curve, Not a Failure

Despite its flaws, rAge 2025 represented an important first step rather than a final product.

“All in all, I applaud Michael and the team at rAge for what they’ve done. They’ve built something and it’s the first step into many different things there were issues but they were being dealt with on the way and It’s the first time and it’s the first time that fourways mall has even hosted something like this so everyone has learnt from it and I hope that they grow to bigger and better.” but dont get me wrong there is blame to be placed especially on the venue and whether or not it was intentional or not remains to be questioned

Preshaan made it clear that his continued support for rAge is not about giveaways or freebies, but about what the event represents.

“I will still be there next year because of how much or what rAge stands for me as a person and for us a creator, and it’s not just about the free stuff or all the other bits in between.”

Support was also extended to NAG and its future plans. “I wish NAG as well everything of the very best. From what we’ve spoken to Len, they have plans to grow the LAN side of things as well.”

Looking Ahead to rAge 2026

rAge 2025 was not perfect, but it was ambitious. It challenged expectations and forced organisers, exhibitors, and attendees alike to rethink what a local gaming expo can be.

“We hope next year will be bigger and better with more exhibitors better tech, and you know, irrespective TechSceneZA will be there.”

The post rAge 2025 Review: A Bold Experiment at Fourways Mall | Sink or Swim appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

The wait is nearly over — rAge Expo 2025 blasts off this week. Whether you’re in it for the merch, the thrill of competition, the nostalgia, giveaways, or just a fun day out with your friends and family, rAge 2025 delivers action, prizes, and epic moments. Here’s a taste of what visitors can do, win, and experience:

WHAT’S NEW AND UNMISSABLE

• NAG Retro LAN: A plug-and-play throwback zone – no rigs needed. Comes with meals, gear, gifts, and exclusive seating inside the BYOC. Get your tickets here from NAG
• zaLUG Live Build: Help build a 9,023-piece LEGO Star Wars Death Star
• Alien: Earth – Disney Activation: Explore a crashed spaceship in a dark walkthrough with surprise moments and atmospheric effects
• Lightsaber-Building Workshop: Star Wars fans can assemble their own sabers with cosplay guides and expanded parts range

COMPETE, CHALLENGE AND WIN

• Win an iPhone 17 in the Call of Duty Mobile Arena by Carry1st — global first play of DMZ Mode
• Beat the pro’s in the “Challenge the Pro” zone and join daily King of the Hill battles with 5FM
• Set the fastest lap on the Kyalami circuit in the Project Motor Racing sim at Koodoo’s stand — prize: VEX Smart Glasses worth R5,000
• Escape to win with Hashtag Escapes’ mini escape rooms — top times win trophies, LEGO art, and vouchers
• Join the Monster Hot Laps Challenge, top the leaderboard, and score free merch daily
• Show off your skills in ACGL’s fighting cups, EAFC matches, and daily racing tournaments
• Snap to win: take a selfie at PXR to score anime figurines or enter Royal Ink’s tattoo competition (R6,000 value)

• Daily LEGO build challenges in the LEGO scratch patch

• Bouldering Competition: Pull up, chalk up and show your strength at Bloc11 – tap the boulder and win prizes

WHAT TO PLAY

• Battlefield 6 Free-to-Play Zone (NAG Stand): Test the latest Battlefield title and relive the nostalgia of Battlefield 1942
• Carry1st COD Mobile Arena: Global first! Play the new DMZ mode before anyone else
• VR and Sim Rigs Everywhere: Join Apex in the Razer zone for 1v1 battles and the Turtle Beach zone to try racing and flight simulators; visit BT Games for their biggest expo showing to date with activations, simulators and builds;  Citroën, and Monster racing setups—most have prizes for leaderboard winners
• Play local indie games in Home_Coded, including chaotic chickens (Mighty Peckers) and the horror-action epic OMEN and more
• Try the ROG Ally X and Rokid AR glasses at NAG’s demo zones
• Experience cloud gaming and 120” floating displays with Viture One AR Glasses from PDC
• Test the latest peripherals from Razer, TITAN, Redragon, and Turtle Beach

WHAT TO WIN

• Golden Ticket Giveaway (NAG): Each NAG Magazine could score you a modded MSI PC worth R45,000
• Anime Figurine Vouchers (PXR): Pre-show and post-show R1,000 giveaways. Take a selfie at the stand to enter
• Tattoos Worth R6,000: Snap a pic at Royal Ink and enter to win a full-day session
• Find the Character (Citroën): Spot the unique graphic on the Citroën wrap to win a car hamper
• Instant-win prizes at BT Games, NAG, Apex, and Monster
• Daily raffles and surprise merch drops
• CineCentre movie tickets, Evetech bundles, and signed comics at Anime After Hours

COSPLAY, ANIME, ART AND CULTURE

• Join over 60 artists in Artist Alley — from tattoos and trinkets to commissions and crafts
• Explore the Anime After Hours stage: J-pop/K-pop idols, quizzes, karaoke, and fan art

• Witness the cosplay showdowns on stage — novice and expert competitions, photo challenges, and kid-friendly parades

STREAM, SOCIALISE AND SHOW OFF

• Go live with SPACE.tm’s TikTok booth: creator-style sets, livestreams, and podcast interviews all weekend
• Catch 5FM’s live broadcasts with Lula Odiba and Harrison Mkhize direct from the expo floor
• Hang in the Mettlestate Lounge with free coffee, fragrance giveaways, and gaming pods
• Step into the Smash Room, and blow off steam

WHAT TO LEARN AND SEE

• Anime Industry Panels: Learn about global licensing and study and careers in Japan from JETRO, StyIP, and the Japanese Embassy
• Home_Coded Indie Zone: Meet South African game devs, test unreleased builds and score demo access before public release

SHOW SPECIALS

• The VanguardPC x Takealot stand is bringing serious gaming firepower with next-gen hardware, custom-built rigs, and exclusive show-only deals offering up to 40% off select gear. There will also be a full lineup of prebuilt and custom gaming rigs ranging from R16,999 to R89,999. Whether upgrading or building from scratch, it’s the ultimate chance to gear up for less

• BT Games will have a host of exclusive rAge Expo only deals available at their stand. Don’t miss out – once they’re gone, they’re gone

AND ESPORTS?

• Call of Duty Finals – Powered by Monster
  • Game: Call of Duty Black Ops 7
  • SA’s top 4 CoD teams invited
  • Grand final on Sunday
• Varsity Esports Finals
  • Games: EA Sports FC25, Rocket League, Valorant
  • R90,000 in prize money
  • University teams from across SA
• Mamelodi Sundowns Championship
  • Game: FC26
  • R200,000 prize pool
  • Qualifiers held at Puma stores + online
• Kasi Flare 2025
  • Game: EA Sports FC25
  • R60,000 prize pool
  • Showcases grassroots township gaming talent
• Mastercard Nedbank Summoner Tournament
  • Game: League of Legends
  • R100,000 prize
  • Grand Final on Sunday
• RGB Gaming Schools and Student Tournaments
  • Games: Minecraft, Rocket League, The Finals, Overwatch 2
  • 162 students, 32 schools, 5 new champions
• Challenge the Pro and King of the Hill Zone (5FM × Goliath Gaming)
  • Daily face-offs against Goliath Gaming pros
  • Public bragging rights and prize giveaways
• ACGL Fighting Cups and EAFC Matches
  • Fighting game tournaments + football matches
  • Public competitions with daily prizes

The post IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN – TO RAGE 2025 Come for the giveaways. Stay for the gameplay. appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

NAG is rolling into rAge 2025 with its biggest presence in years, anchored by three fully-loaded zones across the expo floor: the NAG Stand, the BT Games Stand, and the brand-new NAG Retro LAN, a 40-seat throwback battleground designed for gamers who still have PTSD from Battlefield 1942. Whether you want cutting-edge PC hardware, esports-grade peripherals, AR glasses, VR setups, retro rigs, or a personalised mousepad engraved on the spot, NAG is bringing the lot.

The NAG stand: Hardware, competitions, Activations, and exclusives

At the heart of the show is the NAG Stand, where the 2025 NAG Magazine Annual Edition makes its debut alongside new NAG merch. Creality’s also on-site with its 3D printing lab, this time offering free laser engraving for every NAG mousepad purchased.

Racing fans can hit two high-end simulators and compete for fastest-lap bragging rights. One rig runs on the ROG Ally X paired with other ASUS hardware, while the second runs a full-size setup for anyone chasing that perfect sector time.

ASUS and ROG are also powering a dedicated activation space featuring the new ROG Ally X, ASUS notebooks, and Rokid AR Glasses. PCBuilder is partnering with NAG to run the Battlefield 6 Free to Play zone, while Acer Predator and RocoMamas fuel a nostalgia-leaning Battlefield 1942 zone, loaded with sponsored hardware and giveaways.

Xiaomi’s smart-home and mobile ecosystem will also be on display, and VR enthusiasts can jump into a curated set of experiences. Raspberry Pi tinkerers can explore a full lineup of boards, modules and accessories, including a custom Pi-powered gaming emulator that the NAG team built.

To round things off, there’s a Xiaomi/ASUS-sponsored photobooth to snap selfies, MSI and ASUS demo machines to game on, and PCBuilder retail section to shop from. If you like to get inked,Beneath The Surface is handing out free random gaming tattoos.

If you pop around to buy a NAG Magazine, you may be lucky enough to snag one of the Golden Tickets. The main prize is a full MSI Battlefield modded, gaming PC valued at R45,000. Visitors can also enter the Redragon keyboard rebuild challenge and a stack of smaller activation-driven competitions for you to engage in.

The BT Games Stand: Retail, Showpieces, and high-end hardware.

Across the hall, BT Games is running a substantial activation hub featuring the Moov racing simulator and three themed PC builds, the Arctic Exhibition PC, the Sneaker X, and the Batman PC, all paired with LG displays and Logitech gear.

The stand hosts an Acer Google AiTV activation, NextLevel and Thrustmaster simulator setups, MSI gaming hardware, Rokid AR Glasses, MyArcade retro gaming devices, Creality 3D printing, Razer’s IDU gaming activation, Lenovo Legion Go demos, Lorgar peripherals, Volkano X peripherals, and BT Games’ full Expo Specials retail zone. A range of instant-win prizes will be up for grabs throughout the weekend. Can you say that three times fast?

The NAG Retro LAN: Old-School Chaos, Modern Comforts

Tucked inside the BYOC hall but running its own flavour of organised nostalgia, the NAG Retro LAN is a 40-seat dedicated retro section powered by The Device Shop, packed with classic PCs pre-loaded for Quake-era chaos. LANners sit side-by-side with the main BYOC crowd on the same network, so retro players can still hop between old favourites and anything modern their neighbours are running.

Every R950 Retro LAN ticket includes a personalised, laser-engraved Evetech deskpad; a Redragon gaming mouse; the NAG Magazine Annual 2025; Quake III Arena added to your Steam account; three days of RocoMamas lunches; access to retro-specific tournaments; and a day pass to give a friend. It’s a curated throwback with none of the 2010 headaches, no lugging rigs, no forgotten cables, no BIOS resets at 2 a.m. Just proper LAN gaming, the way we remember it.

There’s even a dedicated NAG x RocoMamas chill area sits inside the LAN for downtime, unplanned bragging, and basking in the glow of CRT-era glory (minus the actual CRTs).

To secure one of the last remaining tickets for the NAG Retro LAN head over to https://shop.nag.co.za/product/nag-retro-lan-ticket/

For everything else, keep your eye on NAG.co.za.

Event Details

• Dates: 5–7 December 2025
• Venue: Fourways Mall, Level 8
• Website: www.rageexpo.co.za
• Buy Tickets: rageexpo.howler.co.za/rAgeExpo25

The post NAG Levels Up rAge 2025 With Three Massive Zones of Gaming, Tech, Retro Chaos and Collectible Goodness appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

When rAge hits Fourways Mall Level 8 from 5 to 7 December, one thing is clear: the heartbeat of the expo is the people. The makers. The dreamers. The coders. The artists. This year, South Africa’s favourite celebration of gaming and geek culture doubles down on its commitment to supporting homegrown talent with a turbocharged Artist Alley and Home_Coded experience that’s louder, prouder, and geekier than ever before.

With a whopping 56 stalls the Legion Events Artist Alley is back and bursting with handcrafted brilliance. This is the ultimate treasure trove for fans of original art, cosplay accessories, indie comics, handmade merchandise, quirky gifts, and all things geek-chic.

Step inside and you’ll find everything from original fan art and manga to pop-culture canvas prints, dice trays, art-branded mousepads, and geeky rugs. Whether you’re looking for a tattoo of your favourite character (permanent or temporary — yes, that’s a thing), a signed local comic, or even a pair of kitty ears for your headset, this is the place.

On the outer edge? It’s a festival of fandoms. Steampunk-inspired trinkets, crochet creatures, rompers, custom jewellery (permanently attached if you dare), and hand-sculpted figures all wait to be discovered. This year, the alley also adds The Streamer Selfie Booth — a fun pitstop where local streamers can sign their @handle on the wall and snap a pic for the feed.

“The Artist Alley is more than just a marketplace,” says Nadja Durbach, the creative force behind Legion Events. “It’s a hub of local artistry, a space to meet creators, request custom commissions, and walk away with something no one else in the world owns. There’s nothing like watching people fall in love with South African art – and artists – right on the floor.”

This year’s new gems? The tattoo artist booth makes its Artist Alley debut, alongside on-trend permanent jewellery. You’ll even find The Unofficial Studio Ghibli Cookbook tucked between canvas prints and TTRPG accessories. All in all, it’s a whirlwind of creativity, community, and character.

If Artist Alley is where South Africa’s illustrators and crafters shine, Home_Coded is where our developers (ship the build) drop the mic.

Dedicated to celebrating the country’s indie game scene, this zone brings together the sharpest local developers with fresh, playable builds, live demos, and exclusive sneak peeks. From board games with tech smarts to full-scale digital adventures, it’s a proudly South African playground made for curious players, industry pros, and up-and-coming creators alike.

On the must-play list? ToTheMoon! — a tap-to-play crypto investment boardgame built by a Joburg couple. Think Monopoly meets the blockchain. Armed with a virtual $1,000 and a mobile app, players navigate a physical board while NFC cards trigger wild crypto events. Prices rise, coins crash, and portfolios update in real time, all via your phone. The result? A hilarious, fast-paced investment rollercoaster with no spreadsheets in sight. It’s the future of edutainment, and it’s happening right here.

Another Home_Coded banger? Mighty Peckers by Slakkedis Studios. It’s a multiplayer party platformer where chickens with explosive eggs battle it out in wild arenas. Choose from ten egg classes (landmines, sticky bombs, black holes — you name it), power up, and try not to get blown off the farm. Fully customisable peckers (don’t laugh), cartoony visuals, and chaotic 8-player showdowns make this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The public playtest is at rAge, ahead of a 2026 Steam release – don’t miss your shot to scramble the leaderboard.

Also dropping hard at rAge? The debut beta of OMEN, a dark-fantasy horror-action game by Sigma Studios. Players take on the role of Prince Omen, fighting through a cursed island crawling with adaptive enemies that evolve based on your fighting style. It’s brutal, beautiful, and completely unpredictable. But here’s the twist: to access the game’s beta, you’ll need to pick up a copy of the OMEN prequel comic — available at Sigma’s booth (H3 & H6). The comic is your game key. Storytelling meets gameplay? Yes please.

Also part of the Home_Coded ecosystem is the Jam Arcade @ rAge 2025, hosted by Ronica Singh, Women in Games Ambassador. This interactive showcase puts the spotlight on games developed during two standout game jams: Women Game Jam (WGJ) and Game Jam+ (GJ+) South Africa.

Here, first-time creators — especially women and youth — get to demo their games, interact with players, and share their journey. It’s a collaborative space filled with energy, innovation, and possibility. Expect daily mini-game challenges, meet-and-greets, and stories that inspire. This isn’t just about playing; it’s about building the future of South African game development.

The space will also spotlight Kamo’s Podcast, showcasing women in gaming and digital media, making waves where it counts.

Artist Alley and Home_Coded are key to the rAge DNA – an event built by locals, for locals, and proud to give South African talent the stage it deserves. Whether you’re looking to buy a handcrafted keychain, try a never-before-seen video game, or just connect with creators who get it, these zones deliver the soul, the spark, and the stories that make rAge more than just an expo.

Event Details

• Dates: 5–7 December 2025
• Venue: Fourways Mall, Level 8
• Website: www.rageexpo.co.za
• Buy Tickets: rageexpo.howler.co.za/rAgeExpo25

The post LOCALLY CODED. LOCALLY CREATED. rAge 2025 PUTS SOUTH AFRICAN CREATORS FRONT AND CENTRE appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Monster Energy is rolling into rAge with one goal, and that’s to make your weekend feel like a highlight reel. From the moment you hit Level 8 at Fourways Mall, you’ll know where the noise is coming from. Head on over to the Monster zone where people gather for cold cans, big moments, and shared chaos.

Monster treats rAge like a meet-up. It’s an invitation to show up exactly as you are, whether you’re a core gamer, weekend button-masher, F1 nerd, fight-fanatic, or just here to see what the fuss is about and plug into the energy that only live events bring.

Because yes, there’s product and prizes… But really, Monster is at rAge for the connection.

At the heart of the setup are three dome tents. One is pumping ice-cold sampling from the Monster Bar, the other two a hub for fun and games. There’s a photo booth to capture the chaos, sweet tunes rolling all day, and space to catch your breath before throwing yourself back in. Of course, everything is free to try.

Strike first. Strike fast.

The MMA machine was a hero of last year. This year, it’s back, and it’s going to be louder than ever. Throw your best combo. Kick like you mean it. Watch the score flash up. Then decide whether you’re here for fun or for bragging rights.

Monster is working to bring UFC champion Dricus du Plessis to throw down his own score if schedules align. For fans, that means a chance to watch a world-class striker test the same machine you did or even stand where he stood.

But celeb or no celeb, this challenge turns strangers into instant rivals. Everyone watching gets invested, cheering, jeering, and trying to top the board.

That’s the magic of rAge.

Chase Lando

Over at the racing rigs, three simulators will be running all weekend, including one dedicated to McLaren’s Lando Norris. That’s where the Hot Laps Challenge lives, where you race for time, top the leaderboard, and come back later to see if someone stole your spot.

If you’re still top when prizes drop, you score Monster merch and bragging rights. What makes it better is how quickly the queue moves; everyone gets a go, and you can jump back in to shave milliseconds off your time.

This is the closest you’ll get to testing your reflexes against a grid full of other weekend warriors, no pit crew required.

The Call of Duty weekend

The Monster Call of Duty Invitational is locked and loaded, bringing the country’s top talent together for an explosive showdown on the new Call of Duty title, Black Ops 7.

This invitational marks the first competitive look at the latest edition of Call of Duty in South Africa, setting the tone for a new era of local competition. The action will unfold in 4v4 format, with teams facing off across Hardpoint, Search and Destroy, and Overload in a best-of-three series that will push every squad to its limit.

Only the elite have been called up. Nixuh, FE4R, Highborn, and Aerial, four of the most dominant names in the scene, will battle for glory, bragging rights, and a R25 ,000 prize pool.

Monster and Mettlestate are building a Call of Duty finals stage designed for spectatorship. That means a raised deck, dual team rows, front-of-stage broadcast screen, and dedicated seating so you don’t have to hover on tiptoes to follow every clutch play.

Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just COD-curious, the vibe of a live final day is unreal.

Don’t forget Monster’s on-can promotion with Call of Duty runs through November and December. Buy participating cans in-store, scan the QR code on the pack, and redeem in-game points on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC.

New flavour, new favourite

The newest Monster flavour (inspired by Lando Norris) has landed in South Africa shortly after its global debut and has flown off the shelves.

If you missed it the first time, this is your shot. If you didn’t, you already know why people are asking for more. It’ll be front-and-centre at the sampling bar all weekend.

Where to find Monster

The Monster zone will be dominating the new event space on Level 8 at Fourways Mall.

Drop in between your expo missions. Grab a can. Hit the leaderboard. Stay for the finals. Find your people.

Because Monster at rAge isn’t a stop. It’s a scene.

Event Details

• Dates: 5–7 December 2025
• Venue: Fourways Mall, Level 8
• Website: www.rageexpo.co.za
• Buy Tickets: rageexpo.howler.co.za/rAgeExpo25

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At Planet rAge, no two steps feel the same – especially not this year. From Death Star builds to high-speed simulation zones, immersive displays, and custom collectables, the rAge experience will feature epic activations across the expo floor: 5 to 7 December at Fourways Mall – Level 8.

The South African LEGO User Group (zaLUG) is back and bolder than ever. This year, they’re bringing along the galaxy’s most ambitious project: a live build of the LEGO Star Wars Death Star – the largest Star Wars LEGO set ever made, with 9,023 pieces (it also holds the record for most minifigures in a Star Wars set at 38). And visitors are invited to help build it. Adults can channel their inner Rebel (or Sith) and contribute a few bricks under the guidance of expert builders. Younger fans? There’s a dedicated LEGO play pit ready for free play and fun.

Plus, daily build challenges will keep creative minds racing. Want to win a prize? Create a Smiley Face (Friday), a Robot (Saturday), or a Spaceship (Sunday) from the LEGO Scratch Patch, upload a picture, and hold thumbs. Winners will be drawn daily from Facebook entries.

PDC, a division of the Bidvest Group, is introducing South Africa to VITURE – a groundbreaking wearable tech experience. These sleek AR glasses offer a cinema-sized display, cloud gaming, and cross-platform support. Think: giant screen, no screen. At rAge, you’ll be among the first in the country to try them, hands-on IRL.

The VITURE One smart glasses are designed for gamers, streamers, content consumers, and productivity power users alike. Whether you’re flying through Starfield on Xbox, bingeing an anime marathon on Netflix, or joining a Zoom call on the go, VITURE gives you an immersive screen experience in a lightweight, stylish frame. The display hovers as a 120-inch equivalent screen, right in your field of view – no headset, no bulky gear.

Visitors to the PDC stand can demo the VITURE glasses in real-time gaming and entertainment environments and test their seamless integration with PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Steam Deck, and mobile. It’s future-forward tech for people who live in the now.

Razer and Turtle Beach are taking fan engagement to the next level with two fully immersive experience zones. At the Razer Arena, join official ACGL tournaments with huge daily prizes, challenge your favourite streamers 1v1, or get hands-on with the latest tech paired with Evetech’s custom PCs. Don’t forget the ‘Try On Your Gear’ photo zone – snap, share, and win.

Next door, the Turtle Beach Zone is revving up racing sims, launching flight simulators, and dialling into next-gen audio experiences. There’s something for every gamer — and plenty of giveaways to keep the adrenaline high.

The 501st South African Outpost is back with their Star Wars photobooth, raising funds for CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation SA). Take a photo with a Stormtrooper, enter to win a lightsaber from ILUM Relix, or snag fandom charms and a DIY tote from the neighbouring Swanzee Arts & Crafts stall.

Over at Swanzee’s stand, you can design your own cap, mug, or drawstring bag using icons, fandom phrases, and more. No copyright worries, just custom merch. It’s all happening in one interactive corner filled with good vibes and even better causes.

From collectables to tech revelations, hands-on builds to high-octane gaming, and Jedi duels to racing sims, this year’s rAge is more than an event. It’s a year-end adventure.

Event Details

• Dates: 5–7 December 2025
• Venue: Fourways Mall, Level 8
• Website: www.rageexpo.co.za
• Buy Tickets: rageexpo.howler.co.za/rAgeExpo25

The post FROM BUILDS TO TECH TO MERCH! rAge 2025 levels up — a fan-fuelled mega-event like never before! appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

From 5–7 December 2025, Level 8 – the sleek covered rooftop of Fourways Mall will transform into South Africa’s go-to mega event for video gaming, technology, esports, geek culture, and digital entertainment. In fact, a smart marketing person called it, “South Africa’s legendary playground of pixels, power-ups, and possibilities.” No expenses were spared on that consultation!

For three epic days, visitors can immerse themselves in everything from PC, mobile and console gaming to smart-home technology, A.I, creative arts, computer hardware and peripherals, VR, cosplay and more. Official previews promise the return of fan-favourite attractions – multiple esports stages, massive BYOC LAN engagement, stunning cosplay, hands-on demos, and games in development – plus all-new surprises guaranteed to level up the fun.

Step onto the expo floor and you’ll enter a crafted universe of fandom. There’s the iconic BYOC LAN Arena (South Africa’s largest 24/7 LAN), where hundreds of gamers bring their rigs and play the weekend away.

Cosplay fans can enter the contests or just admire incredible costumes.

The vibrant Artist Alley is back, with 60 exhibitors showcasing original prints, comics, and handmade goods—a treasure trove for collectors and fans. Right next door, the Home_Coded zone champions South Africa’s indie developers, offering a space to test locally made video, board, and tabletop games. Among the must-plays is ToTheMoon!, a revolutionary board game developed by a Joburg couple. This tap-to-play crypto investment game combines a physical board with an NFC-enabled application. Players start with a virtual $1,000 portfolio and navigate the board by rolling dice. Landing on special event spaces triggers NFC cards—tap your phone, and your app auto-updates your holdings in Bitcoin, Ethereum or Dogecoin. The app handles price volatility, ensuring smooth, fast gameplay while teaching real investment concepts. It’s the future of edutainment, and a perfect fit for rAge’s tech-meets-play ethos.

For Star Wars fans, the force is strong at rAge this year. ILUM Relix is bringing its famed lightsaber-building experience, now with more parts and customisation options than ever before. At their stand in Star Wars Alley, and next to the South African 501st Legion, costumed saber smiths will guide fans through the process of building their own hilts. Choose your parts, insert your crystal, and assemble your saber by “the will of the Force.” While you’ll need to buy it to take it home, anyone can build one for free and capture the moment on video.

On the gaming side, Sigma Studios will debut their horror-action title OMEN, a dark fantasy adventure set on a cursed island teeming with monsters. You play Prince Omen, battling through a hellish landscape with swordplay, supernatural powers, and a choice-driven storyline. With enemies that adapt to your fighting style, every encounter is unpredictable. OMEN’s beta will be available exclusively at rAge, but there’s a twist – to play, you’ll need to pick up the OMEN comic book, which doubles as a prequel and game license. Grab the comic from Sigma’s booth (H3 and H6) and unlock the beta – a clever fusion of storytelling and gameplay that rAge fans will love.

Hold onto your helmets: Disney+ is beaming down with the Alien: Earth activation, a fully immersive pop-up themed around the Alien: Earth series. Visitors will step into a crashed spaceship wreckage, complete with surprises and spine-tingling effects that bring the world of Alien to life.

And that’s just the start.

In true rAge tradition, you can expect a few curveballs – from live glass-blowing art demos to Rage rooms where visitors can release stress by smashing stuff (yes, really). While not all the side zones have been officially revealed, the rAge team is teasing new and interactive experiences and surprise announcements are still under wraps. Expect the unexpected.

Whether you’re into Pokémon and One Piece trading cards, anime, esports, tabletop gaming, A.I., LEGO, mobile gaming, geek shopping or just want to see what the hype’s about – rAge is for everyone. First-timers, families, casual gamers, or curious onlookers – Planet rAge has a spot for you!

Event Details

• Dates: 5–7 December 2025
• Venue: Fourways Mall, Level 8
• Website: www.rageexpo.co.za
• Buy Tickets: rageexpo.howler.co.za/rAgeExpo25

The post PLANET RAGE: NEW ORBIT The Ultimate Geek Playground appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Johannesburg, South Africa — 27 October 2025: Cosplay is taking centre stage at this year’s rAge (really Awesome gaming expo), with six showstopping competitions and a calendar packed with activities that celebrate the bold, the beautiful, and the bizarre.

rAge has supported and promoted Cosplay before it became a household word in South Africa, and this year is serving up an epic cosplay experience for first-timers to seasoned cosplayers, from behind-the-lens creatives to pint-sized Padawans.

Hosted by GES, this year’s cosplay lineup is a love letter to the craft, showcasing talent, transformation, and tech-inspired flair in all its forms.

“At GES we stand by the moto Cosplay is for Everyone, and we want to reflect this in the diverse number of competitions this year allowing everyone to take part in the hobby and be part of the community,” says Jade Beyes, Head of Cosplay at GES.

Cosplay Competitions at rAge 2025

The GES rAge Annual Cosplay Competition is now in its 11th year and is an iconic competition honouring craftsmanship, dedication, and creativity. With a legacy of incredible builds and jaw-dropping performances, it remains a cornerstone of the rAge cosplay scene.

The Lip Sync Cosplay Competition sees a performance-only, no craftsmanship judging. Just attitude, movement, and character embodiment through the magic of lip-sync. This competition brings an energetic, theatrical flavour to the cosplay stage.

The Masquerade Cosplay Parade celebrates all cosplay forms — handmade, commissioned, store-bought, or thrifted. An inclusive showcase where everyone is welcome to shine regardless of skill level or budget.

A Padawan Cosplay Competition sees a special space for the next generation of cosplay stars. Kids can bring their favourite characters to life in this feel-good, future-focused feature.

The Cosplay Photography Competition is a tribute to the talented photographers who help immortalise the magic. This competition includes three divisions, offering a platform to showcase vision, style, and technical finesse.

And finally, an On-Site Photography Cosplay Challenge is an adrenaline-fuelled challenge where photographers are given 10 minutes to shoot a cosplayer and just 2 hours to edit and submit. Skill meets speed in this pulse-racing new format.

This year, the photography competitions also draw inspiration from the globally renowned #CosplayWorldCon, giving local artists a taste of international standards while encouraging boundary-pushing experimentation.

The cosplay programme at rAge 2025 isn’t just about prizes and applause. It’s a thriving ecosystem and a vibrant celebration of fandom, creativity, and connection. For more information on how to enter the cosplay competitions go here.

All Roads Lead to Fourways Mall

With rAge 2025 debuting at the newly unveiled Level 8 venue at Fourways Mall, cosplayers and photographers alike can look forward to a backdrop that blends accessibility with ambience. The mall’s dynamic revamp, packed with food courts, shopping, lifestyle zones, and entertainment hubs, means there’s always a great setting to shoot in, or to simply chill and reset between contests.

Event Details

• Dates: 5–7 December 2025
• Venue: Fourways Mall, Level 8

Website:www.rageexpo.co.za

The post SIX EPIC COMPETITIONS – ONE LEGENDARY STAGE appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Johannesburg – Monday, 20 October 2025 – Gaming. Music. Energy. Vibe. It’s all happening on the rooftop in Fourways with 5FM kicking into overdrive to Ampli5 the vibe as the official media partner of rAge 2025 – South Africa’s biggest celebration of gaming, tech, and geek culture.

From 5 to 7 December 2025, the all-new Fourways Mall rooftop will be transformed into a next-level playground of esports, cosplay, tech innovation, and 24/7 LAN action, and 5FM will be there to turn up
the volume and pump up the action to a whole new level!

Listeners can look forward to awesome ticket giveaways in the lead-up to the event, and two sizzling hot live broadcasts straight from rAge: 5 Lunch with Lula Odiba will broadcast live on Friday, 5 December, followed by The Top 40 on 5 with Harrison Mkhize broadcasting live on Saturday, 6 December. Expect
the station’s signature energy, banging tunes and exclusive interviews with gaming creators, streamers, and fans on the ground.

The NAG BYOC LAN (4–7 December) brings round-the-clock gaming powered by lightning-fast connectivity, while the rAge Expo floor will be buzzing with esports tournaments, hands-on game demos, cosplay, tech showcases, and an unbeatable celebration of South Africa’s gaming culture.

What can visitors expect at rAge 2025? All the fan-favourite technology showcases, gaming thrills, and iconic geek culture experiences that make rAge unforgettable – from high-stakes esports and epic cosplay to interactive demos. Plus, exciting new features are coming to the expo floor, with surprises to be
revealed in the run-up to the big event! Hints of fresh zones and surprise content are already stirring anticipation among the rAge fanbase. In true rAge fashion, these new features will elevate the fun and innovation, ensuring that even long-time rAge visitors will find something novel to rave about.

“rAge and 5FM are both about energy, creativity, and community, so it’s a perfect fit,” says Masi Mdingane, Business Manager for 5FM and Good Hope FM. “Gaming is where music, innovation, and youth culture collide. Partnering with rAge gives us the chance to celebrate that fiery spirit, connect with the gaming generation, and move the youth of South Africa – on air, online and in person.”

“We’re beyond excited to take rAge to new heights, literally!” says Michael James, Project Director of rAge Expo. “rAge has always been about breaking the mould and doing things differently. Being among the first to use this incredible rooftop space is a perfect example of that. We couldn’t ask for a cooler venue, it’s easy to get to, and brings a fresh vibe that our community is going to love. It’s like we’re levelling up the entire experience. We can’t wait to bring our visitors an unforgettable weekend this December.”

With its new Fourways Mall rooftop venue boasting over 50,000m² of covered space, world-class amenities, and next-level entertainment, rAge 2025 promises to be bigger, bolder, and more connected than ever. When 5FM and rAge team up, the message is clear: Play hard. Play loud. Level up. For more info on tickets and to find out how you can win your way to attend the hottest gaming expo of this summer, stay tuned to 5FM, download the 5FM app for iOS and Android, visit www.5fm.co.za, and hit us up across all socials. You can also get a showcase of all our best content on SABC PLUS

The post 5FM LEVELS UP WITH rAge 2025 – GAMING, MUSIC AND AN ELECTRIFYING VIBE appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.