In recent years, the South African indie games industry has seen significant growth and evolution, highlighting real potential and creative talent despite the challenges it faces. In a recent interview, Kieran Reid, co-founder of Two Name Games and a leading figure in South Africa’s indie games scene, offered an in-depth exploration of the industry landscape. With over a decade of experience in game design and academia, Reid shared insights into indie gaming, local innovation, and suggested paths forward for developers in the region.
A vibrant culture of indie games characterises the development scene in South Africa, with small studios and collaborative projects thriving on creativity and resilience. Reid emphasised that “the spirit of indie games here is deeply rooted in passion and innovation”, noting how events like the inaugural Amaze Fest in 2012 laid the foundations for today’s robust indie ecosystem.
Despite its growth, sustainability remains a concern for many new studios. Limited access to funding, high marketing costs and a lack of commercial infrastructure often hinder their success in the global market. “We have studios with incredible ideas and fantastic mechanics, but they often lack the critical business perspective to propel their games to the global market,” Reid noted.
One of the biggest challenges in South Africa’s gaming landscape is balancing local content with the demands of the international market. Reid stressed the importance of incorporating African stories and settings into games while ensuring they meet global quality standards. “South African gamers are global players and they expect the same level of quality that they see in international titles,” he said.
Studios like Free Lives, known for hits like Broforce, have successfully bridged this gap, receiving international recognition while maintaining ties to their local roots. However, as Reid pointed out, “The challenge is not just to create local content, but to make it appealing to an international audience without losing authenticity.”
Government support and community growth represent promising developments for gaming in South Africa. Initiatives to provide funding and infrastructure are helping smaller studios find their footing. Community meetups, such as those held monthly at the Goethe Institute in Johannesburg, are also fostering collaboration between developers, students and industry veterans.. “These meetups are essential,” Reid stressed. “They bring people together, create opportunities for feedback and build a stronger sense of community.”
In this vein, the recent Joburg Games Fest, which Reid co-organised, showcased the vibrant community that has emerged in Johannesburg’s gaming scene. Organised as a celebration of local talent, the event brought together developers, gamers and enthusiasts to share ideas, test out creations and highlight the growing appeal of indie gaming. “It’s not just about the games, it’s about the people who make them,” Reid stressed, highlighting the festival’s role in creating a space for collaboration, inspiration and pride in the industry’s progress. Events like this cement Johannesburg as a hub for creativity and innovation.
As South Africa’s gaming industry matures, Reid sees huge potential in niche areas such as impactful games and gamified solutions. His own studio, Two Name Games, focuses on integrating gaming elements into broader contexts, such as leadership training and community development. Reid believes this innovative approach can open up new markets and redefine how games contribute to society.
While challenges such as marketing and audience research remain significant hurdles, Reid remains optimistic. “The resilience and creativity of our developers is our strength,” he concluded. “With the right support and continued innovation, South Africa’s gaming scene can carve out a lasting and unique place on the world stage.”