How to Break Into Game Development in SA (With Zero Experience)

This masterclass, powered by Absa, explores the immense opportunities within the South African gaming industry. As part of a series dedicated to nurturing creative talent, this session brings together industry leaders to share their journey of building a pan-African gaming studio and launching an internationally recognized intellectual property. The session follows the development of Relooted, a non-violent heist game centered on reclaiming African artifacts from Western museums. The creators discuss the evolution of their studio, Nyamakop, and the technical and creative hurdles of making games in South Africa. From the initial inspiration at the British Museum to managing a team of over 200 contributors, the masterclass provides a transparent look at the "hustle" required to secure international funding and compete on a global stage. Key Talking Points ● The South African Advantage: Why South Africa is currently one of the most cost-effective places in the world to develop games. ● Narrative & Cultural Heritage: Using "African Futurism" to write authentic African stories and characters into the gaming medium. ● The Reality of the "Hustle": Navigating the world of international pitching, where 120 pitches might result in only four deals. ● Technical Insights: The pros and cons of upgrading from Unreal Engine 4 to 5 during production. ● Breaking In: The importance of "game jams," using drag-and-drop tools like blueprints, and leveraging YouTube for self-teaching. Who Should Watch and Why ● Aspiring Game Developers: Learn how to start with nothing but a computer and free resources like Scratch or Unreal Engine blueprints. ● Writers and Artists: Understand how skills in novels, comics, and traditional art translate into a collaborative narrative role in gaming. ● Creative Entrepreneurs: Gain insights into finding a "customer first" via prototypes before seeking major investment. Call to Action Ready to level up your creative career? Open an Absa account today to gain free access to the Ampd Studios space, where you can connect with a community of innovators and use world-class facilities to bring your vision to life. Thank you for watching, please subscribe and like this video to help build our community. Website: https://ampdstudios.co.za/ Instagram:   / ampdstudiosza   Facebook:   / ampdstudiosofficial   Twitter:   / ampdstudiosza   TikTok:   / ampdstudios   Bookings a Studio: https://ampdstudios.co.za/ Contact / WhatsApp: 081 707 6636 #AMPDStudios