Exploring the Indie Gaming Scene in South Africa with Kieran Reid

Exploring Indie Gaming in South Africa with Kieran Reid

The South African gaming industry is steadily evolving, brimming with potential and creative talent despite its fair share of challenges. In a recent podcast, Kieran Reid, co-founder of Two Name Games, and a long time familiar face in the South African indie game scene, offered an insightful exploration of the industry’s landscape. Reid, who has been immersed in game design and academia for over a decade, shared perspectives on indie gaming, local innovation, and offered some paths forward for the region’s developers.

 The Indie Gaming Scene | creativity and Challenges

Reid emphasised the vibrant indie gaming culture that characterises South Africa’s development scene. From small studios to collaborative projects, the industry thrives on creativity and resilience. “The spirit of indie games here is deeply rooted in passion and innovation,” Reid explained, noting how events like the original Amaze Fest in 2012 laid the groundwork 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 business infrastructure often hinder scalability. “We have studios with amazing ideas and great mechanics, but they often miss the critical business perspective to push their games into the global market,” Reid noted.

Balancing local and global appeal

One of the biggest tensions in the South African gaming landscape lies in balancing local content with international market demands. Reid highlighted 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 they see in international titles,” he said.

Studios like Free Lives, known for hits such as Broforce, have managed to bridge this gap, gaining international acclaim while maintaining ties to their local roots. However, as Reid pointed out, “The challenge is not just creating local content, but making it appealing to international audiences without losing authenticity.”

Government support and community growth

The recent increase in government support is a promising development for South African gaming. Initiatives to provide funding and infrastructure are helping small studios find their footing. Community meetups, like those hosted monthly at the Goethe Institute in Johannesburg, are also fostering collaboration among developers, students, and industry veterans. “These meetups are key,” Reid said, “They bring people together, create opportunities for feedback, and strengthen the sense of community.”

Building on this momentum, the recent Joburg Games Fest of which Reid was a co-organiser, 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 creations, and highlight the growing attraction of indie gaming. “It’s not just about the games—it’s about the people behind them,” Reid noted, emphasising the festival’s role in creating a space for collaboration, inspiration, and pride in the industry’s progress. Events like these solidify Johannesburg as a hub for creativity and innovation.

 The road ahead

As the South African gaming industry matures, Reid sees immense potential in niche areas such as impact games and playful solutions. His own studio, Two Name Games, focuses on integrating game elements into broader contexts like leadership training and community development. Reid believes this innovative approach can open new markets and redefine how games contribute to society.

While challenges like marketing and audience research remain significant hurdles, Reid is optimistic. “The resilience and creativity of our developers are what set us apart,” he concluded. “With the right support and continued innovation, the South African gaming scene can carve out a sustainable and unique place on the global stage.”

Exploring the Indie Gaming Scene in South Africa with Kieran Reid 

In this episode, we sit down with Kieran Reid, co-founder of Two Name Games, to dive deep into the evolving world of indie game development in South Africa and across Africa. From the challenges of building sustainable studios to the incredible creativity driving local innovation, Kieran shares his insights on what makes the South African gaming industry unique and where it’s headed next.

We explore:

• The rise of indie gaming and its cultural impact
• Balancing local storytelling with global appeal
• Challenges in funding, marketing, and business infrastructure
• The growing role of government support and community meetups
• The potential of playful solutions and impact games

Kieran also reflects on his journey through academia, game design, and the vibrant communities shaping Johannesburg’s gaming scene. Whether you’re a developer, gamer, or just curious about the African gaming landscape, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of gaming.

Originally published on the Angle