Africacomicade’s Gamathon, the video game convention, kicked off its fifth edition on Monday with a press conference for game developers and delegates across the continent.
Gamathon convention is an annual event that unites over 2,000 creatives from across the continent to showcase projects, network, and explore collaboration and funding opportunities.
The convention has established itself as a vital platform for Africa’s gaming industry, fostering growth and innovation.
Since its inception, it has successfully united global stakeholders and established partnerships with major industry players such as XBOX, STEAM, UNITY, Rovio, Carry1st, the IGDA Foundation, IndieGame Business, and Humble Bundle, among others.
This year’s edition is expected to be held in Lagos from September 30 to October 5.
The six-day programme will feature a game jam with African game development talents building exciting and interactive video games.
One of the biggest highlights for the week is the Ark pitch where game studio founders and indie developers are provided with the platform to pitch their projects for an opportunity to receive prototype grants.
Speaking with journalists, Michael Oscar, the founder of Afrocomicade, shared insights on what sets this year’s edition apart.
“Last year, we did about $30,000 for the Ark Pitch. This year, there is going to be a cumulative of about $50,000 for game studios that would be pitching,” he said.
“Then for the game jam as well, there would be cash prizes for them like up to $2000 and we have brands like LG and Itel who would be supporting these brands with their devices.
“Gamathon has positioned itself to be that event for stakeholders in the African video games passive and interactive industry to come together. The first thing that is really different is that we are having more African stakeholders in person than ever.
“We have about 20 delegates from outside Nigeria, inside Lagos we have about 30 people who are traveling in for this event. This a huge opportunity for them to come together, discuss, connect and chart a path for their future.”
On her part, Wendy Ndaki, the writer and founder of WAI Network, expressed excitement for Africacomicade’s Gamathon 2024, noting the event’s significant growth from last year.
“I’m really excited about Africacomicade’s Gamathon this year. I was here last year and this year, I can already see how amazing it has begun,” she said.
“There are more people than there were last year. I’m excited to engage and meet with as many as I can and hopefully also document their journey on my podcast and on the publication I write for.”
The event is open to investors, regulators, industry players, ecosystem leaders, creative teens & youths, government stakeholders, game studio founders and many more.
Interested individuals can purchase their tickets here.
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