How to Become a Game Developer in South Africa

Game development is one of the most creative and fast-growing fields in tech. South Africa’s gaming scene may be smaller than Europe or the US, but it’s vibrant, collaborative, and expanding quickly. If you love storytelling, design, or coding and want to turn that passion into a career this guide will help you understand how to get started as a game developer in South Africa.

Who this is for

You might be a student finishing a coding course, a gamer curious about building your own worlds, or a designer who wants to bring ideas to life through interactive media. You don’t need to be an expert, just curious, willing to learn, and ready to start small.

1. What does a game developer do?

Game developers build interactive digital experiences, from mobile puzzle games to immersive 3D adventures. Depending on your interests, you can focus on:

• Programming: Writing the code that makes a game work (logic, physics, mechanics).
• Game design: Shaping the story, levels, and player experience.
• Art and animation: Creating characters, environments, and movement.
• Sound design: Crafting the music and effects that make games come alive.
• Testing and QA: Finding bugs and improving the user experience.
  In small South African studios, one person might handle several of these roles. In larger teams, you’ll specialise more deeply.

2. What skills do you need to start?

You don’t need a degree, but you do need a solid mix of technical and creative skills. Focus on:

• Game engines: Start with Unity (C#) or Unreal Engine (C++), the two most used platforms in South Africa.
• Programming basics: Learn logic, loops, and variables — Python or JavaScript are good starting points before moving to C#.
• Design tools: Learn Blender for 3D modelling or Adobe Photoshop for 2D art.
• Version control: Use GitHub to track and share your projects.
• Collaboration tools: Familiarise yourself with Trello, Notion, or Discord — most indie teams rely on them.
  Local bootcamps like CodeSpace, Vega, and Friends of Design offer entry-level training that combines these skills with mentorship and projects.

3. How to build your first portfolio

Your portfolio is your most important asset, it’s how you prove you can build real, working games. You don’t need a big project to start. Focus on small, playable prototypes that show creativity and problem-solving.

Steps to create your portfolio:

1. Start with tutorials: Build a basic platformer, shooter, or endless runner using Unity’s free tutorials.
2. Customise: Change visuals, sound, or gameplay mechanics to make it your own.
3. Host it online: Use itch.io or GitHub Pages to share your game.
4. Explain your process: Add short notes or videos showing what you learned and how you solved problems.
5. Keep improving: Each new project should show growth — cleaner code, better visuals, or more engaging design.

Action:
Create a free itch.io account and upload your first playable demo, even a simple one. It’s the fastest way to move from learner to creator.

4. Where to study or learn game development in South Africa

You can choose between formal study, online courses, or self-taught routes.

• Formal institutions:
  • Vega School – Game Design and Development programme.
  • AFDA – Digital Arts and Game Design.
  • Wits Digital Arts – BA in Game Design.
• Bootcamps and online:
  • CodeSpace – Foundations in coding that can lead into game dev.
  • Udemy / Coursera – Affordable online Unity or Unreal Engine courses.
  • YouTube channels – Brackeys (Unity), Unreal Sensei (Unreal), and Game Maker’s Toolkit.
    You don’t need to spend thousands on education — you just need consistent practice and a portfolio that shows your skills.

5. How to join the local game dev community

South Africa’s game development scene is small but incredibly supportive. Getting involved is how you learn faster and find real opportunities.

• Join communities: Look up Make Games South Africa (MGSA) — it’s the main online hub for local developers.
• Attend events: rAge Expo, Comic Con Africa, and Playtopia are great places to meet studios, publishers, and other creators.
• Find meetups: Check Discord servers or local hubs like Workshop17 in Cape Town or JoziHub in Johannesburg.
• Collaborate: Team up on small projects or game jams (like Global Game Jam) to meet people and learn teamwork.

6. How to get your first job or freelance gig

Many South African game developers start as freelancers, interns, or indie creators. Studios often look for people who have finished projects, even small ones.
Where to find opportunities:

• Local studios: Free Lives (Cape Town), Nyamakop (Johannesburg), and Sea Monster (Cape Town) often hire interns or juniors.
• Freelance platforms: Use Upwork or Fiverr for global contracts.
• Local networks: Share your work on LinkedIn or Twitter using hashtags like #MakeGamesSA.
• NGOs and education: Organisations developing gamified learning content often need junior developers.

Action:
Reach out to one local studio with your portfolio and a short message introducing yourself. You’ll learn faster by applying early, even before you feel ready.

7. The future of game development in South Africa

The South African gaming industry is projected to grow steadily over the next decade, driven by faster internet, better tools, and global interest in African stories. Local studios are producing games that reach international audiences, like Broforce and Semblance, proving the talent here is world-class.

AI and new tools are also transforming the field. Developers can now use AI for concept art, dialogue generation, and bug detection, freeing up more time for creative design. This means future South African game developers will need to blend creativity with AI literacy to stay ahead.

8. Final steps to start your journey

You don’t have to wait for the perfect idea or expensive equipment. Start small, build often, and connect with others who love making games.

• Download Unity or Unreal Engine (both are free).
• Build one tiny, playable level.
• Upload it, share it, and ask for feedback.
• Keep going. Each project is one step closer to your first paid role.

South Africa’s game development community is growing and there’s space for new creators who want to tell local stories and build global-quality games. Whether your dream is to join a studio or launch your own indie title, the path starts with one thing: pressing Play on your first idea.