Push Start: The Business Of Gaming Forum Goes Virtual

Going completely online in 2020, the third annual free-to-access updated Business of Gaming Forum features a line-up of guests from the largest gaming tech companies such as AWS, Twitch, Asus, Acer, Red Bull, Kickstarter, and IGDA. The Forum takes place on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 September from 09h00 and has a new and engaging format for remote audiences. The speakers are of the highest calibre of industry leaders from around the globe.

Due to the Forum going online, there are no barriers to joining and it is open to attendance worldwide. Attendees should register at bit.ly/CCA_Registration and check the “Business of Gaming Forum” checkbox at the bottom of the form.

The virtual format allows for even more international delegates to be in attendance, allowing for broader insights and greater networking opportunities. Networking is a key feature of the Forum and sessions have been set up for this purpose. These sessions will take place in small groups in Zoom meetings to ensure personal face-to-face time for each delegate, both with each other and with selected speakers.

The Forum features a broad range of topics across representation, inclusion and diversity in the gaming space, developing esports, curating brands and marketing, understanding player data, logistics of distribution, creating exportable authentic African experiences in games, game development insights, and trends.

A new format being included this year is Campfire Stories which gives delegates the opportunity to hear real-life success stories in a more relaxed and intimate manner. The Campfire Stories will focus on personal experiences in game development such as the individual’s experience of creating iconic games or how they have shaped their careers. Each speaker gets 10 minutes to tell a success story, and speakers can resonate with each other’s stories in this live format. One such session is titled “Africa’s Success Stories – Creating Exportable Authentic African Experiences in Games” and aims to highlight that Africa is a serious contender in the gaming space and to give African experts a voice.

Carla Massmann, Portfolio Director of the Forum, says “Organiser Reed Exhibitions is committed to growing industries on the continent. We recognise that some of the biggest untapped opportunities lie in tech and gaming. The Business of Gaming Forum will bring many of the major stakeholders together to grow gaming on the continent”.

There will be several panels at the Business of Gaming Forum led by MC Toby Shapshak, the editor-in-chief and publisher of Stuff Magazine South Africa. With a TED talk under his belt, a profile feature in the New York Times, and regular contributions to Forbes and the Financial Mail, Toby is the perfect MC for the Forum.

The list of distinguished speakers that the Business of Gaming Forum has curated is impressive. Jeff Pobst of Hidden Path Entertainment, Any Combs of Kickstarter, Nika Nour of IGDA, Philip Mukasa and Ronald Kayima of Klan of the Kings, Barry Louzada of Mettlestate and so many more will keep audiences fascinated and engaged for the duration of the Forum. For a full list of our distinguished speakers, please visit our website at www.businessofgamingforum.co.za

The Forum takes place on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 September 2020. Both days start at 09h00, and Tuesday closes at 19h00 while Wednesday closes at 14h00. All times are SAST (South Africa Standard Time). Access is free. Make sure to register as no matter where you are on the globe, you now have easy access to the Business of Gaming Forum online – broadcast from Africa to the world.

About the Business of Gaming Forum

The first Business of Gaming Forum took place alongside the inaugural Comic Con Africa in 2018. Featuring renowned speakers and interactive conferencing, the Forum tackles issues facing businesses in the gaming sphere. Speakers include industry heavyweights from around the world sharing trends, analysis, and specialist knowledge.

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb