It's a sad day for SA gamers as rAge Expo, South Africa’s annual video gaming, technology and geek culture exhibition, is cancelled for the first time in 18 years, due to COVID-19.

"The coronavirus pandemic has touched every corner of the globe, and rAge’s primary responsibility is making sure that 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," the organisers state. 

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. rAge 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.

“rAge by design 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 bugs, glitches or lag. Dates and details will be announced as soon as we’ve ironed out all the important bits," he notes.

James has asked for input from the community by completing a quick survey, at this link. Those who complete the rAge survey stand a chance to win some very cool prizes. "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,” he concludes.

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