I have been posting about rAge since 2016! As usual, I am excited for a weekend to geek out. So far, this is not the latest last-minute post I have done for rAge, but I am cutting it close. I am worried about the new venue. rAge had been an exclusive for the Ticket Pro dome in Johannesburg. The dome has since been sold to another company and rAge has been left with no choice but to find a new venue and home. Thus, this year the event will be taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre, based in Midrand.
I have mixed feelings about this. I feel that this is the exact opportunity that rAge has needed since ComicCon Africa has come onto the scene. However, I have become comfortable with the consistency of rAge at the Dome, so being at a new venue is causing me some mental stress. I know that I will be getting lost and turned around in the venue, which will be the same as at the Dome. Yet, I am worried about getting lost in a new venue.
The new venue makes me anxious but I am really looking forward to the return of rAge, my first geeky convention. It holds a special place in my heart and I am looking forward to their growth. This year will be a very different rAge experience for me. More on that at the bottom of this post.
What is rAge?
rAge is one of South Africa’s largest and longest-running annual video game, computer, technology, and geek culture shows. It’s no surprise that thousands of enthusiasts flock to the site every day during the three-day exhibition for gaming, technology, gadgets, and geek lifestyle entertainment. The anime aspect is classified as a ‘geek lifestyle.’ Keep in mind that rAge is an exhibition. Companies are there to exhibit their wares with the expectation that you would buy them.
So, what exactly can you get at rAge? You may buy new games and consoles, as well as goods from a variety of fandoms. Every year, I purchase a new mouse pad. You may also talk to local comic book creators and take photos with your favourite cosplay characters.
General Info:
Day Tickets are R180 or R400 for tickets for the full weekend. They have introduced a new ticket to include a Family day pass which covers 2 Adults and 2 children. Children under the age of 6 will enter for free. If you have not purchased your ticket yet, relax you can still buy at the door or online.
As mentioned, rAge will take place at the Gallagher Convention Centre.
- 19 RICHARDS DR, HALFWAY HOUSE, MIDRAND, 1685
Doors open and Close:
- Friday 9 December 10:00-18:00
- Saturday 10 December 09:00 ā 18:00
- Sunday 11 December 10:00 ā 16:00
What you can expect from rAge 2022 (pulled from their website):
- Console, mobile & PC Gaming
- Computer hardware & software
- Digital lifestyle gear & apparel
- Virtual reality
- Interactive experiences
- Competitions & prizes
- Case modding & overclocking
- Convention & graphic artists
- Esports & competitive tournaments
- Technology & Gadgets
- Peripherals, accessories & merchandise
- Retail stores & festive season specials
- Local game development studios
- Hackathons & jams
- Smart home devices
- Card games, boardgames & figurines
- Product launches
- Cosplay
- Robotics & drones
- Media & creative arts colleges
- Comic books & graphic novels
- Workshops and bootcamps
- LEGO & Edutainment
- Things youāve never seen before
- and so much more!
Here is a look at their exhibitors.
What is happening outside of the official rAge activities?
I know that for Saturday there is a planned Pokemon cosplay group for rAge. Which I am excited to see. I will be working at a stand on Friday, which will place me on the other side of the expo experience. I will be assisting the Coool Anime Store and will be focusing on their poster table. Anyone who knows me (and my socials) knows I am obsessed with this store’s posters. As well as their other merch. So if you’re going to be at rAge on Friday, come and say hi. I have also been let know that they are going to have a whole lot of goodies up for grabs in numerous lucky draws for people who spend more than R500 at the store. I have seen some of the goodies and I really want them. Saturday will also feature the cosplayer meet-up after the event.
Truly, an explosion of geekery. You can get more info on rAge’sĀ websiteĀ or theirĀ FacebookĀ page. Will you be attending rAge?
Wow, this sounds like so much fun! Though the venue has changed for the con, it might be a good thing. Some times a change of space helps a con grow or be more creative in their use of space.