Got any plans for 5 – 7 October this year? Well cancel them.

If you weren’t aware, that’s when arguably the biggest event on the local gaming calendar is set to take place at the Dome at Northgate. I’m talking about the rAge expo and NAG LAN of course, and in 2012 it’s going to be a big one.

It’s still quite a while away, but main event organizers have already started their planning for this year’s expo, and we got into contact with them to find out what we can expect.

Celebrating 10 years (but very quietly)

So it’s the big ten-oh for rAge, but big-chief organizer, Michael James, isn’t looking for everyone to make a fuss about it: “I realise it’s 10 years of rAge in 2012 but I don’t really know how it’ll all play out – I’d prefer to downplay the whole 10th year thing and just see how it goes…”

That being said though, there doesn’t have to be a super-huge-special event planned for us to know that this year’s expo is going to be bigger than the last – because let’s face it, for the 10 years it’s been running, it’s simply grown and grown.

According to Michael, this year’s rAge is going to feature more exclusives than ever before, thanks to international publishers finally picking up on the fact that SA is a serious market. All in all, expect more.

“We’ll have more ‘behind closed doors’ games, and definitely international developers/publishers coming through – and perhaps even some professional gamers from far away lands,” said James.

The NAG LAN

One of the biggest highlights of rAge is the NAG LAN, which has grown with each year. 2011’s number is sitting as the biggest at 2250 seats.

In 2012, the number is set to grow yet again – thanks to the organizers securing both of the downstairs areas.

But don’t expect the number to go up too much – according to Michael, it’s not only the LAN that needs room to grow, so the balance between the LAN and the expo needs to be held very carefully.

“The only issue is physical space at the venue – end of story. Remember, we also have a growing show to manage so the line is very fine,” he said.

Also, bear in mind that in 2011, the LAN tickets sold out in 4 hours – so if you’re looking to get into the LAN this year, you might need to be a bit more pro-active.

Technically speaking

2011’s LAN was wrought with technical issues – mainly on the side of connectivity failure on Telkom’s part; “we have taken steps to correct this for 2012. [Telkom] do realise the importance of the event and connectivity, and I trust everything will be perfect for 2012,” said James.

Another gripe amongst some attendees had to do with the layout, and that, too, has been addressed:

“I can tell you the stage area has moved and increased in size and there will be more stands this year than ever before. We’ve also made sure the front aisles are wider and moved the entrance areas around a bit to make more space.”

What else?

Word on the street (read: from the organizers) is that gamers can expect all the big players in the local gaming market to be present at this year’s expo, even though things can always change in the 7 or so months between now and the event – but with a 29% increase in foot-traffic in 2011, it’s safe to assume that every company wants a piece of that pie.

Speaking of pie – food at the Dome is still pretty much tied to the venue, but according to Michael, the caterers are receptive to suggestion. As ever, Northgate Mall is still right across the road, and makes for a suitable alternative – if you’re not lazy, or too busy chasing frag-bait.

Game.Dev @ rAge

We also got in touch with Sven Bergström, who is the “official/unofficial” Game.Dev ‘controller’, and asked him about Game.Dev’s presence at rAge 2012.

Game.Dev, of course, has always hosted talks and seminars about game development in South Africa at rAge; and has always been a good place to stop for anyone who’s looking to get into indie game development or just has a keen interest in it. Plus they’re all a fun bunch – QFC’s Desktop Dungeons mastermind, Rodain Joubert, will make an appearance, “arriving on a wave of goat ponies.”

This year, Game.Dev will be back, likely with more seminars and talks from local game developers – so be sure to stop and check that out, too.

rAge 2012 is happening 5 – 7 October, and it’s going to be big.

MyGaming will be there, so come and give us hugs. Don’t worry, we’ll remind you closer to the time.