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.
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.
