A MAZE./ Johannesburg is back once again, aiming to bring together international independent game developers, digital creatives and game enthusiasts. The showcase, which forms part of the Fak'ugesi digital festival, plans to highlight the experimental and indie games culture from 13 to 16 September at Founders Square in the Tshimologong Precinct.

The event is now in its sixth year, with organisers billing it as an investigation of the artistic and cultural significance of games. "The games we’ve selected for the festival are showing unforgettable experiences, immersive narratives and playful interaction, that describe a growing international and local movement of experimental and artistic game authorship," notes Thorsten S. Wiedemann, founder and director of A MAZE.

This year, game developer Nina Freeman (Cibele, How Do You Do It) will be the keynote speaker on the opening night. Freeman currently works as game designer for Fullbright, which recently released space adventure game Tacoma.

The opening night will also include a number of different games being showcased, alongside musical performances by SA's The Good Dokta and Wilderbeets, with the Finnish producer Meduusa joining them.

On the final day of A MAZE. / Johannesburg 2017 (16 September 16 at 19:00) awards will be handed out to winners showcasing their games, with three distinct categories in the mix.

Previous winners include:

2015 - The Pinkest Game of Show Award
Boxer by Cukia Kimani and Ben Crooks (South Africa)

2016 - The Pinkest Game Award
Wrestling with Emotions by Team Lazerbeam (South Africa)

The Most Thought Provoking Game of Show Award
Aurion: Legacy of the Kori - Odan by Kiro’o Games (Cameroon)

The Weirdest Game of Show Award
La Discipline du Rectangle by One Life Remains (France)

For those with a keen interest in playing or creating independent games, A MAZE. / Johannesburg is well worth checking out. Information on tickets and other planned events can be found here.