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South Africa’s long-running gaming expo rAge is undergoing a significant transformation, with organisers partnering with gaming media and entertainment company Mettlestate to expand the event into a broader festival of gaming, eSports, technology and digital culture.
The event is scheduled for 27 to 29 November 2026 at Fourways Mall in Johannesburg, South Africa.
From Expo To Festival
After more than two decades as a gaming expo, rAge is shifting to what organisers describe as a full-scale festival format. The expanded event will encompass eSports, technology showcases, creator-led content, cosplay, anime, live entertainment and community spaces alongside the gaming experiences that have defined the event since its founding in 2002.
Barry Louzada, Managing Director of Mettlestate, described the shift as a reinvention of the event’s format.
“This isn’t simply another edition of rAge; it is a bold reinvention of what a gaming event can be,” Louzada explained. “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.”
Broader Audience In Focus
The festival format is designed to cater to a wider range of attendees than a traditional gaming expo. Organisers are targeting families, young creators, technology enthusiasts, casual players, anime and cosplay fans, competitive gamers and first-time visitors.
The event will also look beyond South African audiences to engage the growing network of players, creators and fans across the wider African continent.
Alongside the format change, rAge has introduced a new visual identity intended to signal its evolution from expo to festival.
Core Elements Remain
Despite the expanded scope, organisers stressed that gaming remains central to the event. The iconic BYOC LAN, eSports competitions, cosplay, local game development showcases, tabletop gaming, fandom areas, technology displays, gear and show specials will all return.
Michael James, Project Director of rAge, framed the partnership with Mettlestate as the next step in the event’s 23-year history.
“We’ve spent 23 years building one of South Africa’s most recognised gaming brands,” James remarked. “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.”
Retrofuturism As A Creative Theme
This year’s event will incorporate elements of retrofuturism, blending the visual language and nostalgia of gaming’s past with forward-looking technology and experiences. Organisers described the creative direction as a way to honour rAge’s history while pointing toward the future of digital culture.
The approach will be woven through immersive environments and reimagined classic influences, aiming to give rAge 2026 a distinct identity within the festival landscape.
Expanded Opportunities For Creators And Brands
The festival format will provide creators with larger platforms to grow their communities, while eSports competitions are expected to reach new audiences through the broader event structure.
Brands participating in the festival will move beyond traditional exhibition stands into immersive activations designed to integrate with the festival experience.
“rAge has always held a special place in South African gaming, and we’re incredibly proud to be part of its next chapter,” Louzada added. “Every corner of the event has been designed to create moments worth sharing. And this November, a new era begins.”
James positioned the partnership as a turning point for the event’s identity.
“rAge is no longer simply an expo. With Mettlestate in co-op mode, it is becoming South Africa’s gaming, eSports, technology and digital culture festival that has the same DNA with a bigger map and a new ally,” he stated.
Event Details
rAge 2026 will take place from 27 to 29 November 2026 at Level 8, Fourways Mall, Johannesburg, South Africa. Ticket information, programme announcements and partner updates are expected in the coming months.
Mettlestate, founded in 2016, 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. More information is available at www.Mettlestate.com.
Further details about rAge can be found at www.rAgeExpo.co.za.
Last Updated on July 31, 2026 by Nick Ross
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About The Author
Staff Writer
This article was written by a member of SMBtech’s staff.
