South Africa’s legendary gaming and geek expo, rAge (the really Awesome gaming expo), is moving to a dramatic new home: the rooftop event space at Fourways Mall, Level 8, for its 2025 edition. The change of venue — part of Fourways Mall’s wider transformation into an entertainment-first destination — promises an elevated, more convenient experience for gamers, families, creators and cosplayers who flock to rAge each year.
“We’re beyond excited to take rAge to new heights, literally!” says Michael James, Project Director of rAge Expo. “rAge has always been about breaking the mould and doing things differently. Being among the first to use this incredible rooftop space is a perfect example of that… it’s like we’re levelling up the entire experience.”
A rooftop built for play
Fourways Mall’s brand-new rooftop event area spans over 50,000m² of covered space, positioned above a centre that offers direct access to more than 300 stores, restaurants and family attractions. The location delivers practical benefits for attendees — secure underground parking, easy pedestrian access, and a central Joburg location — while providing organisers with a large, weather-protected footprint for ambitious activations.
For BYOC LAN players, organisers have reserved 5,600m² of covered rooftop space — the size of a standard soccer field — dedicated to round-the-clock gaming. That zone includes air-conditioned comfort, high ceilings, a chill area, access to Planet Fitness showers, an overnight tuckshop, and quick trips to the mall’s eateries. It’s a purpose-built environment for marathon sessions and community camaraderie.
BYOC LAN: marathon gaming, pro-lite shirts and frozen prices
The annual NAG BYOC LAN runs from 5–7 December (with a Super Pass early start from 4 December) and returns with two ticket tiers: General Pass (Fri–Sun) and Super Pass (Thurs–Sun). Every LAN ticket includes full access to the rAge show floor for all three days and a free rAge Expo day pass for a friend or family member. Ticket prices have been frozen for the third year running, and Howler offers an interest-free LayUp payment option at checkout.
LAN attendees can pre-order the official rAge BYOC LAN pro-lite gaming shirt when buying tickets — a limited-edition, breathable collector’s jersey that can be personalised with a gamertag.
“By the time the rAge Expo weekend arrives, the mall will be buzzing with holiday season energy,” James says, noting negotiations for perks such as Tactical HQ’s real-life COD experience and other exclusive LAN holder benefits that will be announced ahead of the event.
Performance at the core: Cool Ideas and Pure Storage onboard
Connectivity and backend performance are non-negotiable for competitive LAN play. Cool Ideas will power the event’s internet with a high-performance line built for stability and speed — a point emphasised by Duwane Peters, Marketing Manager at Cool Ideas. Pure Storage supplies the server infrastructure, with Jurgins van Eeden noting the FlashArray X50 will provide ultra-reliable data delivery and caching to keep gameplay uninterrupted even during peak action.
Epic activations, hands-on tech and creator culture
rAge’s expo floor mixes headline gaming thrills with maker culture and family-friendly spectacle:
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zaLUG (South African LEGO User Group) will host the live build of the LEGO Star Wars Death Star (9,023 pieces) with public build contributions and daily creative challenges offering prizes.
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PDC (Bidvest Group) introduces the VITURE One smart glasses for hands-on demos — an AR wearable claiming a cinema-sized visual experience suitable for cloud gaming and cross-platform use.
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Razer and Turtle Beach host immersive zones: the Razer Arena with ACGL tournaments, streamer 1v1s and Evetech custom PC showcases; Turtle Beach focuses on racing and flight sims and next-gen audio demos.
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Fan engagement continues with the 501st South African Outpost Star Wars photobooth (raising funds for CHOC) and Swanzee Arts & Crafts custom merch stations.
Homegrown talent centre stage
rAge doubles down on South African creators through a turbocharged Artist Alley (56 stalls) and an expanded Home_Coded zone for indie developers. Legion Events’ Nadja Durbach describes Artist Alley as a hub for original fan art, cosplay accessories, indie comics and handcrafted merch — a marketplace where fans meet makers.
Home_Coded highlights local indies with playable builds and public playtests, including:
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ToTheMoon! — a crypto-investment board game hybrid that merges physical boards with NFC-triggered digital events.
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Mighty Peckers by Slakkedis Studios — a multiplayer party platformer with explosive egg mechanics and 8-player chaos, debuting a public playtest ahead of a planned 2026 Steam release.
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OMEN by Sigma Studios — a dark-fantasy action title whose beta access requires a prequel comic purchase (comic = game key), blending storytelling and gameplay.
The Jam Arcade — hosted by Women in Games Ambassador Ronica Singh — showcases games from Women Game Jam and Game Jam+ South Africa, spotlighting first-time creators, especially women and youth, with daily mini-game challenges and meet-and-greets.
Tickets, access and practicals
• Dates: 5–7 December 2025 (Super Pass early access from 4 Dec)
• Venue: Fourways Mall — Level 8 (Rooftop)
• Website: www.rageexpo.co.za
• Buy Tickets: rageexpo.howler.co.za/rAgeExpo25
Why this year matters
This edition of rAge is positioned as a milestone: a rooftop inauguration for a transformed Fourways Mall and a showcase of South African creative and technical talent — from indie studios and brick builders to esports athletes and hardware partners. With high-performance infrastructure, curated experiences and frozen ticket prices, rAge 2025 aims to be the place where community, competition and culture collide.
“Fourways Mall is proud to offer a world-class platform for an event of this scale,” says Juan Palm, General Manager, Fourways Mall, noting the rooftop’s 50,000m² covered area, ample parking and proximity to retail and dining.
Planet rAge: the expo’s gravity has shifted skywards. Don’t miss it.
