This weekend saw Cape Town’s inaugural EGE – or Electronic and Gaming Expo. It’s something Capetonians have been starved for, watching people in Gauteng become complacent about the fact that those of us inland have rAge every year. I’ll be honest. We weren’t expecting very much from the Expo. Things were organised late – with the expo only really confirmed to be happening a month ago. It appears our apprehension was misplaced. We sent three roving reporters to EGE to give us their impressions of the event – and though one of them went missing, it seems a good time was had by all. Here then, are the accounts of two of them.
Kervyn Kloete – Dashingly handsome film fundi and editor of our sister site, The Movies.
Pictures from the quieter Friday
Walking into the CTICC’s Hall 4 on Friday evening and seeing all the banners and stands expertly erected – defying some predictions of complete failure – there was a lot of potential in the air for Cape Town’s first major gaming expo. Potential, but not so much people. Whether due to the horrifically poor weather or the fact that that show’s 7pm closing time meant that the 9-5 crowd would barely have enough time to make it home and back, EGE2015’s opening day saw only a middling group of people wandering the sights. Sure there was a queue to check out the highly impressive Occulus Rift at the Learn 3D Game Development stand, but other than that it was a modest turnout.
Oh what a difference a day makes.
Arriving again at 10am on Saturday morning, I was immediately greeted not just by the queues to just get inside, but by the palpable buzz emanating from the venue. EGE2015 had built it, and Cape Town had definitely come out. And they stayed there.
But things picked up considerably on Saturday
Hall 4 buzzed throughout the day as throngs of eager and excited visitors tried their hands at various games at Sony’s massive PlayStation stand, checked out some cool indie titles at the MakeGamesSA tent (including one of the most ridiculously fun things I’ve played in ages in a 4-player QWOP–like mech game), ogled all the shiny hardware at the Frontosa, tried their hand/dice at tabletop gaming courtesy of Battle Bunker, picked up a boardgame from Skycastle’s gigantic selection, grabbed some tasty grub from the food trucks, showed off their incredibly cosplay, tried to best each other’s lap times on Project Cars to win an Xbox One and much more.
And for those not checking out the gaming goodies, they could also just check out some top gaming instead as Zombiegamer’s tournaments for Mortal Kombat X, FIFA 15, League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare drew big crowds throughout the day, with the live commentary from the big screen on the main stage offering a nice touch to those that couldn’t cram into the competition section of the hall.
The comps saw some of the best CS: GO and COD: AW action I’ve ever seen, and the MKX tournament – which I had entered and promptly got eliminated from – produced a big upset, as the seemingly unbeatable winner of last week’s Mortal Kombat X Cup Cape Town Leg, D1GamerKid, got taken out in the quarter finals by a surging Lumi (best damn Sonya player I have ever seen!), who would eventually go on to win the whole thing and claim the biggest prize of the day in a brand new PS4.
Some unforeseen technical niggles may have hampered the gaming competitions a bit in the beginning, but Zombiegamer and their crew ended up pulling off a fantastic job in the competitions. In fact, everybody did a great job in their respective domains. It’s true that there could have a bit more variety in the stands, and a lot of more tech on display, but most of that lack of exhibits was due to suppliers/exhibitors not wanting to commit to an unproven event. Well, EGE 2015 is most definitely proven now.
Through the cold and rain, locals had turned out in droves (and I believe, a fairly large amount of them showed up again on Sunday to watch the gaming tournaments wrap up and catch the last of the expo goodness) and showed that there is most definitely a market for a RAGE-like expo down here in Cape Town as well. Buoyed by what I saw this weekend, I’m incredibly excited to watch this thing grow and see what the EGE team can cook up for 2016, especially since we will definitely be seeing more exhibitors jump on board now. Hell, after all the positivity for the event I’ve seen flying around, they may even be *cough* RAGE-ing about the fact that they hadn’t done so already.
Umar Bastra – loveable freelance reviewer and tentacle aficionado.
EGE exceeded all expectations and then some. I wasn’t personally expecting the event I attended, but in my defence it was understandable. With the sudden last minute advertising and exhibitor announcements, things never looked good from the onset, but I am pleased to say that I was wrong, in every single way.
I arrived at the hall at about ten o clock and the hallway was already packed with people lining up to enter the hall. Upon entering I could already see the event was catering towards people of all ages. There were little sections set up with Vitas that already had Lego games loaded up and other kid friendly games and as the day progressed I saw an increasing number of families showing up with their kids running around and playing games with their parents. I absolutely loved watching this and I was extremely happy to see a pretty diverse attendance.
There weren’t a great number of exhibitors but it was sufficient enough for EGE’s first go. There were a few tech stands showcasing the latest in PC hardware, the friendly Make Games South Africa guys were there as well showcasing Joust!, Desktop Dungeons and Cadence amongst other things. Then there was a section for all the table top guys which included playing space and stalls selling related items. Reader’s Den had a number of comic books and figurines on display alongside a number of stands where local artists were showcasing their pieces.
The Cosplay competition was probably my favourite event of the day. According to the announcer it was a last minute and unplanned thing but surprisingly it went down quite well. I even overheard people who never knew what Cosplay even is saying that they would love to try it out as well. People were extremely open to it and it really warmed my heart to see the overwhelming support shown for the Cosplayers. The lack of proper planning was evident and things seemed a little bit all over the place, but they all did well at the end of the day and it was quite the success.
At the end of the day, EGE had a pretty great turn out and everyone, for the most part was enjoying themselves. The tournaments were also quite popular with a console and PC section each with their own contestants and clans. There was a whole section dedicated to watching a livestream of the various games being played, which had the most comfortable bean bags I have ever sat on. There was quite a long line for the Oculus Rift as well which I unfortunately never got a chance to try out but it was quite entertaining to watch people’s reaction to the experience. Overall, EGE was an event that was friendly to newcomers and enthusiasts alike. It wasn’t perfect as by noon it was already packed and more space would’ve been welcomed as I could hardly move from one section to the other and it could have really benefitted from a bit more things to do and interact with, but alas, this is EGE’s first stab at a gaming event and they can only go up from here. For once, I’m not jealous of Johannesburg, well, not that much in any case.
Last Updated: June 1, 2015
HairyEwok
June 1, 2015 at 12:33
Looks…. Empty but then again this is South Africa. We are a growing country in the electronics division.
CypherGate
June 1, 2015 at 12:37
yeah so true.
Pariah
June 1, 2015 at 12:38
rAge is packed like you wouldn’t believe. The emptiness is due to this being a first time, as well as last minute venture.
If it happens next year, more planning and advertising ahead, and you’ll see how much it grows.
kuuu(UMAR)rrrr
June 1, 2015 at 13:00
It wasnt empty…at all. By the afternoon it was super packed.
Pariah
June 1, 2015 at 13:05
That’s good to know. Perhaps some more photos of the full event would’ve been nice though, but still. Good news indeed. 😀
kuuu(UMAR)rrrr
June 1, 2015 at 13:07
Yeah, it was a huge success though 🙂 Next time you should join.
Pariah
June 1, 2015 at 13:08
I would’ve, but I had other plans with a certain someone who doesn’t communicate until Saturday afternoon, leaving my gf and I worried sick. So I could’ve too, which was annoying.
kuuu(UMAR)rrrr
June 1, 2015 at 13:11
Blegh. Last minute things. Is this person’s name Steve? Sounds like a Steve.
Pariah
June 1, 2015 at 13:12
His name is Chris. And he’s a bit of a cunt. I’ve told him that already, he knows. 😛
Mossel
June 1, 2015 at 15:14
We all have that friend. I actually think I’m it. I’m always late.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
June 2, 2015 at 14:21
lol poor Chris!
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 1, 2015 at 13:20
I think so too. It at least gave them proof that something like this can work in Cape Town.
RinceTheElfRoot
June 1, 2015 at 15:14
Where were you man?
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 2, 2015 at 07:09
I was there for about three hours or so. Saw Avo and Weinerdog at least.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
June 2, 2015 at 14:21
🙁 I saw noone…. #foreverSP but at least I got to try the Oculus Rift.
Zombie_Dredd
June 1, 2015 at 12:41
The empty photo was from Friday evening. Believe me, the Saturday was packed.
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 1, 2015 at 13:19
It was fkn busy when I was there. I actually just had to get out a bit because it was too damn stuffy from all the people.
Kervyn Cloete
June 1, 2015 at 14:20
It wasn’t. I took pics on the Friday night, when it was sparsely attended. Rince, who took most of the pics on Saturday when it was completely packed to bursting point, has seemingly gone AWOL. With all those pics as well. As soon as we can track him down, I’ll ask Geoff to include those pics as well, so you can see just how full it was.
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 1, 2015 at 14:21
It was really full Saturday, I unfortunately didn’t take pics though.
RinceTheElfRoot
June 1, 2015 at 15:13
Nah, it was packed. The pics above are from earlier. I have some others and was also supposed to add them but been busy all day! Was awesome though.
Zaid
June 1, 2015 at 19:51
Many of the pics up there are from the Friday. Which Kervyn correctly attested was a much slower day. But Saturday was packed.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
June 2, 2015 at 14:20
It was pretty packed on Saturday, and apparently the same for Sunday.
Blood Emperor Trevor
June 1, 2015 at 12:38
*Dashing-the-other-way-ly Handsome #amirite!
Tentacle aficionado sounds about right though.
Zombie_Dredd
June 1, 2015 at 12:43
Thanks for the mention of our (Zombiegamer, along with Orena, Clan Connection and Ehaven) efforts at EGE.
We are all already talking about what we can improve and bring to EGE 2016.
Deceased
June 1, 2015 at 14:05
Looking forward to EGE 2016
PoisonedBelial
June 1, 2015 at 12:44
My issue was that the PC segment was barely catered for.
I was hoping to pick up some games etc, but was left pretty disappointed.
Lets hope that next year, more companies rock up.
If not, I don’t see myself going back again.
Kromas,powered by windows 10.
June 1, 2015 at 13:32
This is my optimistic approach. “Well at least you have loads of cash for the Steam Summer sale come the 11th”
🙂
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 1, 2015 at 13:33
😀
Mossel
June 1, 2015 at 14:11
Yup, was my thoughts as well. It was more of a “this is existing and cool” than a “this is all the new up and coming games/tech” type of event.
PsychoSpazz
June 1, 2015 at 12:46
like most expo’s and festivals… it just needs a few years to grow.
Admiral Chief's Adventure
June 1, 2015 at 12:47
That BIG thing…..is that…..is that an XBOX ONE?
Blood Emperor Trevor
June 1, 2015 at 12:48
That first picture is actually taken inside the Xbox.
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 1, 2015 at 13:20
Were you actually inside it? What are you? Suicidal? 😉
justlikemo
June 1, 2015 at 12:53
Slow town had a gaming expo, all but 10 gamers made it wow. I thought we were against booth babes or did they not get the memo again
PoisonedBelial
June 1, 2015 at 12:55
Trolololol… *facepalm*
kuuu(UMAR)rrrr
June 1, 2015 at 12:59
IS THAT WHAT I AM!? LOL….At least I’m loveable……
Blood Emperor Trevor
June 1, 2015 at 13:00
At least he didn’t call you a tentacle-loving aficionado. 😉
kuuu(UMAR)rrrr
June 1, 2015 at 13:03
LOL still now I seem like a tentacle enthusiast :X
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 1, 2015 at 13:39
Damn, I actually had the opportunity to meet the Tentacle Enthusiast in person (see what I did there?).
WitWolfy
June 1, 2015 at 13:04
Shame this makes rAge look like E3.
Lydon McG
June 1, 2015 at 13:48
What do you expect from a first-time event that was pretty much put together within a month? Onwards and upwards! This was a demonstration that CPT can support a gaming expo (and a much larger one, at that. I could barely move inside there).
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 1, 2015 at 13:50
I agree 100% with you.
They just had to test the water. First rule of an expo, pretty much. Now that they know there’s great interest it’ll be way bigger next year.
RinceTheElfRoot
June 1, 2015 at 16:32
They have already confirmed next that next year will be double the size.
Rowan Govender
June 1, 2015 at 13:50
Rage has been running for how many years now?
FCBD in Cape Town was pretty low-key until about 2012. It took 10 years for it to gain massive traction and draw the crowds it does now.
WitWolfy
June 1, 2015 at 14:22
And now you know how small rAge is to E3… That was the whole point of my comment.
ReaperOfSquirrels
June 1, 2015 at 13:17
Where’s Rince’s coverage?
Pariah
June 1, 2015 at 13:18
He’s probably still counting all the souls he acquired during the event.
Kervyn Cloete
June 1, 2015 at 14:22
We actually have no idea. And he has all the damn pics from Saturday when you can see how super packed it really was!
ReaperOfSquirrels
June 1, 2015 at 14:35
He posted pics on Facebook lol
kuuu(UMAR)rrrr
June 1, 2015 at 16:52
That is a good question lol
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 1, 2015 at 13:18
The guy in the Dead Space outfit looked awesome.
Also, I only saw Avo and Wienerdog from Lagz there. I heard Rince was drowing himself at the bar though ;P
Mossel
June 1, 2015 at 14:12
I also saw the Dead Space dude! He looked epic!
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 1, 2015 at 14:14
Damn. I missed you too there. Next time we should make an effort to get all the Lagz people together. (or just make our own Lagz stand – with Blackjack and Hookers) http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/14/148979/3900673-0748244656-
Mossel
June 1, 2015 at 14:16
hahaha! Yeah I didn’t even think to contact anyone, was sort of a last minute decision. But I felt there was a too high emphasis on board games compared to actual tech and gaming.
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 1, 2015 at 14:21
Agreed. I felt out for not buying a board game and wanting merch instead. 😉
RinceTheElfRoot
June 1, 2015 at 15:23
Issac kicked arse on so many levels!
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
June 2, 2015 at 14:25
I spoke to him and his girlfriend on Saturday. His name is Fabian Salie. They turned their home into a design studio for cosplay stuff. If you want to check out their stuff, go to /thisisamazeballz on facebook.
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 1, 2015 at 13:23
I must say, there was a bit of a lack in merch.
Blood Emperor Trevor
June 1, 2015 at 13:34
That’s what I really wanted to see, but when I heard there wasn’t much in the way of that I didn’t bother going.
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 1, 2015 at 13:36
Yea. Was quite disappointed. Wanted to pick up a few cool gaming merchandise items.
Now that money will just have to go to aiding my Steam backlog instead 😉
Vlam
June 1, 2015 at 13:59
Steam summer sale in 10 days, so was a blessing in disguise
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 1, 2015 at 14:01
Probably.
Now, to make sure my wishlist is ready (then I’ll probably end up buying a bunch of stuff I never thought I wanted anyway)
Mossel
June 1, 2015 at 14:12
lol I was hoping on scoring some freebies. Walked away with a phone charger.
Vlam
June 1, 2015 at 13:27
You can actually see the guy at the LAN with his CRT monitor 😀
Kromas,powered by windows 10.
June 1, 2015 at 13:31
CRT monitors are the bomb. The latest and greatest in tech right now.
(took me 45 mins to post this as my 14k modem overheated).
😛
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 1, 2015 at 13:31
He would probably still kick most of our asses.
Vlam
June 1, 2015 at 13:58
Or he can beat you senseless with his monitor with one hit
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 1, 2015 at 13:59
😀
Drop it on my foot and I’m done for.
Blood Emperor Trevor
June 1, 2015 at 14:31
Careful, they weigh more than 3kg. 😉
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
June 1, 2015 at 14:33
Haha! Touché
The Sten
June 1, 2015 at 13:36
Shame those anti piracy guys in the corner looked so lonely. Nobody wanted their pamphlets. Everyone just awkwardly looks the other way.
Aries
June 1, 2015 at 13:43
EGE was ok, but atleast we know what to expect from the coming years, atleast we got something
Mossel
June 1, 2015 at 14:14
For the sweet love of all that is good, did anyone try out those Bean Bags?!!!? I can’t even begin to explain how comfy it is, I nearly fell asleep on one!
The Sten
June 1, 2015 at 14:49
YES!!!! they are amazeballz! not too pricey either.
Mossel
June 1, 2015 at 15:08
I’m definitely buying once I move into a flat next year!
kuuu(UMAR)rrrr
June 1, 2015 at 16:51
Holy mother of……I didn’t wanna get up. I wanted to stay in the bean bag’s sweet embrace till I died.
The Sten
June 1, 2015 at 16:53
Bean bag is love, Bean bag is life
RinceTheElfRoot
June 1, 2015 at 15:13
And finally I am back at a computer. Fucking ankle. The event was great for a first time launch. There weren’t that many things to play compared to rAge but the fact you could buy beer made up for every other thing.
Mossel
June 1, 2015 at 15:16
Black Label sê die Bybel!
RinceTheElfRoot
June 1, 2015 at 15:22
Really great effort for the first event. I was even stalked by Lightening, Le Sigh…
Blood Emperor Trevor
June 1, 2015 at 15:27
Lighten up!
RinceTheElfRoot
June 1, 2015 at 15:33
I’ll light you up! Did you go?
Blood Emperor Trevor
June 1, 2015 at 15:34
Nope. I’m a lazy gamer.
RinceTheElfRoot
June 1, 2015 at 15:36
I hear Witcheritus was going around…
Blood Emperor Trevor
June 1, 2015 at 15:41
It’s not a joke, it’s a real illness. Right now it’s making my hands shake, and the only thing that’ll make them stop is placing them on a kb&m while playing Witcher 3.
RinceTheElfRoot
June 1, 2015 at 15:46
You poor doll you.
Blood Emperor Trevor
June 1, 2015 at 15:49
Don’t give me any lip, you silly elf root addict.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
June 2, 2015 at 14:26
#foreverSP ?
Blood Emperor Trevor
June 2, 2015 at 14:37
You make it sound like those things are related!
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
June 2, 2015 at 14:20
EGE SA was awesome – I enjoyed it a lot, and I can’t wait to see what the organisers will do for next year’s expo.