In fact, a smart marketing person called it, "South Africa's legendary playground of pixels, power-ups and possibilities," says the event.

For three days, visitors can immerse themselves in everything from PC, mobile and console gaming to smart-home technology, AI, creative arts, computer hardware and peripherals, VR, cosplay and more. Official previews promise the return of fan-favourite attractions — multiple esports stages, massive BYOC LAN engagement, stunning cosplay, hands-on demos and games in development — including surprises.

There will be a BYOC LAN Arena, where hundreds of gamers spend their weekends, says the event.

The Artist Alley will also make its return, with 60 exhibitors showcasing original prints, comics and handmade items — planned specifically for collectors and fans. The Home_Coded zone champions South Africa's indie developers, offering a space to test locally made video, board and tabletop games. Among the available games is ToTheMoon!, a revolutionary board game developed by a couple based in Joburg. This tap-to-play crypto investment game combines a physical board with an NFC-enabled application, adds the event.

Players start with a virtual USD$1 000 portfolio and navigate the board by rolling dice. Landing on special event spaces triggers NFC cards — players can tap their phones, and their app auto-updates their holdings in Bitcoin, Ethereum or Dogecoin. The app handles price volatility, ensuring smooth, fast gameplay while teaching real investment concepts. It's the future of edutainment, and a perfect fit for rAge's tech-meets-play ethos, says the event.

Star Wars features will be present at rAge this year. ILUM Relix is bringing its famed lightsaber-building experience, now with more parts and customisation options than ever before. At their stand in Star Wars Alley, and next to the South African 501st Legion, costumed saber smiths will guide fans through the process of building their own hilts. Fans can choose their parts, insert their crystals, and assemble their sabers by "the will of the Force". While fans will need to buy it to take it home, one can be built free-of-charge and moments can be captured on video, adds the event.

On the gaming front, Sigma Studios will debut their horror-action title OMEN, a dark fantasy adventure. OMEN's beta will be available exclusively at rAge, but to play, players will need to pick up the OMEN comic book, which doubles as a prequel and game license. The comic can be obtained from Sigma's booth (H3 and H6) and the beta will be unlocked — a clever fusion of storytelling and gameplay, says the event.

Disney+ will be asserting the Alien: Earth activation, a fully immersive pop-up themed around the Alien: Earth series, adds the event.

In true rAge tradition, visitors can expect anything from live glass-blowing art demos to Rage rooms. While not all the side zones have been officially revealed, the rAge team is promising new and interactive experiences and surprise announcements are still to be given, concludes the event.

Event Details

  • Dates: Friday, 5 to Sunday, 7 December
  • Venue: Fourways Mall, Level 8
  • Website: www.rageexpo.co.za
  • Tickets: rageexpo.howler.co.za/rAgeExpo25

For more information, visit www.rageexpo.co.za. You can also follow the rAge Expo on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor