Experience PLAYTOPIA 2025 in Cape Town, a celebration of African indie games and immersive arts. Discover new games, stunning installations, and more.
There are moments when imagination finds its way back to us. This December, PLAYTOPIA aims to be one of them.
PLAYTOPIA, Africa’s leading Indie Games and Immersive Arts Festival, returns in December 2025 with the kind of creative ambition that has cemented its reputation as a standout on the continent’s cultural calendar. Drawing more than a thousand festival-goers each year, it has become a rare gathering point for those who appreciate the intersection of art, technology, and imaginative play.
This year, PLAYTOPIA introduces Arcadia, a newly conceived fantasy-inspired library brought to life by Natasha Davidson, known for her work with AfrikaBurn and Bazique.
The space is currently under construction, taking shape through intricate portholes, spell books, potions and glowing crystals designed to evoke the hidden corners of childhood imagination. The installation aims to offer visitors more than visual spectacle; it serves as a reminder of how play can reconnect us to creative instincts often set aside in adult life.
This year’s return of PLAYTOPIA brings a renewed sense of discovery, and Arcadia will stand at the heart of that experience. Festivalgoers can expect a curated presentation of the latest cutting-edge indie titles; each one chosen to spark curiosity and push the boundaries of interactive play.
One of the most anticipated moments of the festival will be the premiere of Shroom and Gloom, the newest creation from local studio TeamLazerbeam in collaboration with global publisher Devolver Digital.
To mark the launch, the team is building an immersive “Shroom Tunnel”, a large-scale installation that leads visitors into a dimly lit cave environment inspired by the game’s world. It is the kind of playful, atmospheric space that reminds people why interactive art continues to evolve beyond the screen.
The festival’s long-loved Super Friendship Arcade also returns, offering custom-controller experiences that invite guests to rethink how games can be played and shared.
This year also introduces a fresh lineup of international voices. Industry figures such as Abubakar Salim (UK), Iris Compiet (Netherlands), Doug Wilson (Australia), Meg Clarke (UK), and Seth S. Smith (US) will headline talks and sessions designed to deepen conversations around creative technology, worldbuilding, and the future of digital storytelling.
Completing the global perspective is the return of the Indie Planet Exhibition, featuring standout titles selected from festivals and showcases across the world, including Barcelona’s BCN Games Fest, Australia’s Freeplay, Japan’s Bitsummit, and Germany’s A.Maze.They serve as a collection that not only celebrates international talent but also positions Playtopia as a meeting point for some of the most imaginative voices shaping the medium.
The festival also expands its creative direction with immersive installations curated for the first time by The Art Massive, a collective co-founded by the festival director and long-time collaborators of PLAYTOPIA. In the months leading up to December, the group has been hosting meetups and creative sessions that reflect the grassroots energy of South Africa’s gaming scene. Their involvement brings a deeper artistic layer to the experience, blending community-driven creativity with new visual worlds.
PLAYTOPIA has evolved into more than an annual gathering and now it forms part of a broader cultural movement that puts South Africa and the continent within the global indie games and immersive arts landscape.
Its growing reputation has made it a recognised fixture among international creators, while its commitment to foregrounding African developers ensures that local voices and stories gain global visibility. By bringing together artists, game makers and international collaborators, the festival facilitates a meaningful exchange of ideas that strengthens Africa’s creative ecosystem. At the same time, it nurtures emerging talent through year-round community building, workshops, jams, and mentoring, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of future innovators.
- Date: 5–6 December 2025
- Venue: Homecoming Centre, Cape Town
- Tickets: https://playtopiafestival.co.za
- Tickets: From R250–R1000
Win free tickets!
To celebrate the festival’s return, we’re giving away two double weekend passes (Friday and Saturday) to the lucky winners! Go to our Instagram page and tag the person you want to invite along on the Playtopia post. Winners will be announced on Friday.
Don’t miss this chance to step into a world where imagination meets innovation.
For updates and more festival magic, follow PLAYTOPIA on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their website.
