Rich Cultural Influence: Did you know that tabletop gaming in South Africa is influenced by a rich tapestry of cultures? From traditional African board games like Morabaraba to popular international titles, the South African gaming scene reflects the diverse heritage of the country.

Growing Community: Despite being relatively niche compared to other forms of entertainment, tabletop gaming has been steadily growing. Local gaming conventions and events like Icon and Comic Con attract thousands of enthusiasts each year, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among gamers. This year sees the addition of a new series of events on the calendar – the Festival of Games brought to you by Unplug Yourself.

Homegrown Talent: South Africa boasts a burgeoning tabletop gaming industry, with a number of local designers and publishers making their mark on the global stage. Games like Dungeon Brah showcase the creativity and innovation of South African game designers.

Educational Benefits: Tabletop gaming isn't just about fun; it also offers numerous educational benefits like critical thinking, strategy and memory. With an array of education-inspired games such as Rory’s Story Cubes and Dixit, many parents and educators use games to help children build their social skills, story-telling skills and word-recognition abilities.

Rising Popularity of RPGs: Role-playing games (RPGs) have been experiencing a surge in popularity in South Africa in recent years. Dungeons & Dragons has a significant following and a dedicated fan base, with groups meeting regularly to embark on epic adventures together.

Online Communities: In addition to physical gatherings, tabletop gaming communities in are also thriving online. Social media groups, forums, and websites provide platforms for gamers to share tips, discuss strategies, and organize gaming sessions, connecting enthusiasts from across the country.

From traditional board games to RPG experiences, the world of gaming in South Africa is vibrant, diverse, and full of surprises. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the hobby, a great way of connecting with like-minded people is to join the Festival of Games events. Launched by Unplug Yourself, the festival will include tournaments, learn-to-play opportunities and new game reveals.

The Festival of Games is happening at various venues throughout the country, be sure to buy tickets to secure your place. For more information go to:

• https://www.unplugyourself.co.za/events/ 
• https://www.unplugyourself.co.za/event/festival-of-games-jhb-east-rand/ 
• https://www.unplugyourself.co.za/event/festival-of-games-cpt-north 
• Facebook: @unplugyourselfza
• X: unplugza
• Instagram: @unplugyourselfZA
• https://www.facebook.com/unplugyourselfza