Young workers power South Africa’s video games industry

Mr van der Walt, is now part of South Africa’s small, but thriving, video games industry.

Studio manager at 24 Bit Games Nicolina Visentin-E’Silva, proudly waves at the “wall of fame” at the company’s offices.

It displays titles the team has worked on, like the locally-flavoured Broforce and Cocoon, which was nominated for four Bafta Games Awards in 2023.

Ms Visentin-E’Silva says her company has expanded along with the wider local industry.

“Since I’ve been here, I have definitely felt an increase in all things games.“

That growth has been noticed overseas – 24 Bit Games was bought by Californian game publisher, Annapurna Interactive, in November.

Part of the success comes down to the increased availability of junior level staff, who are being trained up by more university courses.

Plus, according to Ms Visentin-E’Silva, there’s the local can-do culture.

“South Africans are just a different bunch,” she says with a laugh.

“We’ve always been adaptable. We are going to get the job done one way or another, and we’ll do it professionally.”