Fans can have their say as rAge Expo goes online

South Africa’s biggest annual video gaming, technology and geek culture exhibition, rAge Expo, has been bringing people together for almost two decades.

For the first time in 18 years, the expo has been cancelled due to Covid-19.

The 2020 expo was shaping up to be yet another awesome event and the team is saddened that rAge won’t be coming to life in the real world this year.

This wasn't a decision that was taken lightly. It was the product of lengthy discussions as well as input from other concerned parties. The team agreed that the expo would serve everyone better if it was cancelled.

The coronavirus pandemic has touched every corner of the globe and rAge’s primary responsibility is making sure fans, exhibitors, partners and staff stay safe.

At this stage, there is also no indication as to when lockdown restrictions may be lifted, or when it will be safe to be around crowds of people.

Michael James, founder and project manager of rAge, says: “We’re a resilient bunch. So, we’re working on an online version of rAge, in the spirit of the technology and inventiveness that drives the expo. [The expo] has always been much bigger than the building that contains it. So, bringing South Africa’s fabled gaming and pop culture icon to the online world makes sense.

“[The expo] always moves with the times and in a period when many physical places are closed off, we have decided to open up new spaces in the digital world.

“It will be unlike anything we’ve ever done before and we hope to create an experience filled with exciting and unique tailor-made content.

“This isn’t a simple task and we’re doing what we can to ensure it feels and looks as good as possible, and without too many glitches. Dates and details will be announced as soon as we’ve ironed out all the important bits.

“[The expo] is only possible because of our network of partners, suppliers, exhibitors, sponsors and of course, fans and visitors.

“We know things are tough and this all really sucks in the worst possible way. But we are committed to keeping our partnerships and collaborations alive so that we can continue supporting the industry we love.

“We’ve always been about growing the local gaming industry and making rAge a place of imagination. But, for now, we’re going to be doing it differently.”

“And in the spirit of doing that for our fans, we want your input. Add your voice by completing a quick survey on our rAge Expo link.

“We’re excited about hosting a new kind of rAge in the digital space, and we’re confident that a different kind of awesome awaits us all as we make the best of this unusual and weird time.”

Fans of rAge are asked to complete the rAge survey and let the organisers know what they would like to see at a digital event. There are prizes to be won and the rAge team values the input of fans.

More updates about rAge will be shared via the website and social media soon.

– Citizen reporter

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