On the 27th - 29th of September, tech-lovers from around the country united for Vodacom rAge 2019, South Africa's biggest annual video gaming, computer and technology culture exhibition. Over the course of the weekend, tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans descend on theTicketpro Dome in Johannesburg for three days of gaming, technology, gadgets, and geek lifestyle entertainment. We take a look at some of the highlights of the three-day event. 

Console gamers were well represented at this year, especially from Playstation, who showed some of the hottest upcoming titles for the PS4, which included:

• Marvels Iron Man VR
• Beat Sabre VR
• Nioh 2
• Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
• Predator Hunting Grounds
• MediEvil
• FIFA2020

And while there was no gameplay on show, Hideo Kojima’s highly anticipated ‘Death Stranding’ had a strong presence throughout the three days, ensuring that the hype continues to grow.

Mobile games have become a multimillion-dollar market over the last few years, so it only makes for them to have a large presence across rAge. One of the biggest mobile titles, PUBG (PlayerUnknowns Battlegrounds) Mobile was present at this year’s rAge, with international esports broadcaster and celebrity, Paul ‘Redeye’ Chaloner. Paul was in attendance throughout the three days, sharing his thoughts on the state of gaming and specifically the rise of Mobile and esports in Africa. Check out his thoughts on rAge in the video below:

Vodacom hosted the Vodacom rAge PUBG tournament throughout the three days, where players were given the chance to score as many points as they could in a single game of PUBG (and could play as many rounds as they wanted over the course of the weekend).

Vodacom’s own gaming platform, Playinc had a strong presence throughout the three days, specifically hosting this years Treasure Quest in partnership with Nexus Hub. Players taking part had to hunt around the expo to find 20 hidden QR codes. Scanning them on the Table Realms app would put them into the running to win some amazing loot from Nexus Hub.

At the Red Bull stand, attendees could take part in the ‘Hit the Streets’ competition, a countrywide, Streetside Brawl competition for StreetFighter V. In order to get to the National Final, players have to take part in qualifiers around the country, one of which took place across the three day of rAge. The winner of the National final will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to compete at the Red Bull Kumite, as well as the opportunity to attend the Red Bull Kumite World Finals later this year. For those interested in taking part, more info can be found here.

ElectronicSport.Africa launched Africa’s definitive online esports platform at rAge this year. This new platform will enable users to play and compete in various popular online games, virtual drone racing and robotics tournaments. It will also provide the users with social networking tools and power to create their own teams, organisations and personal profiles.