In this episode of The Angle Podcast, we sit down with game developer Avuzwa Ntshongwana to explore the realities of building and sustaining a game studio in South Africa. From funding challenges to authentic African storytelling, Avuzwa shares hard truths and valuable insights that every aspiring game developer should hear.
Topics covered in this episode:
The state of game development in Africa – opportunities & challenges
How to secure funding for your game studio (Jobs Fund & private investment)
The importance of early game testing & iteration
Breaking the African game development clichés – untold stories & new narratives
Marketing games in Africa – why it’s a missing piece in the industry
The power of collaboration for indie studios
Her innovative "Menstrual Cycle Game" – using gaming for social impact
Chapters for easy navigation:
00:00 - Introduction & Meet Avuzwa
03:15 - Game development in South Africa: The real state of the industry
05:30 - Funding struggles & how to secure investment for game studios
10:45 - Why marketing is the missing piece in African game development
15:20 - The challenge of authentic African storytelling in gaming
20:40 - How early testing can make or break a game
25:30 - Developing the "Menstrual Cycle Game" for social impact
30:00 - The role of government & private investment in gaming
35:00 - Collaboration: The secret to sustaining African game studios
40:00 - Final advice for aspiring game developers
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