Exhibition fuels local gaming sector growth
As the local gaming industry returns from their annual pilgrimage to E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo), their sites are now set on rAge – the biggest gaming exhibition south of the equator.
Despite the global economic challenges, gaming as an entertainment sector has fared well and has in fact shown year on year growth. The video games market in South Africa grew 1.2% in 2010 to R1.2 billion According to the PwC Entertainment and Media Report 2011-2015. With a predicted global value of more than $ 65 billion in the next few years and a growing local industry, gaming is set to be the fastest growing form of mass media for the foreseeable future, and rAge presents the ideal platform for exhibitors to come face to face with the consumers who will continue to drive this sector.
“Whether casual or hardcore, South African gamers and technology enthusiasts eagerly await the rAge expo each year and they are eager to spend! Our visitors gear up months in advance for the event and, as early adopters of technology and games, come to rAge expecting to see and buy the latest. A tendency supported by the E&M report which projects the overall video games market to increase to
R 1.8 billion in 2015, a 7% compound annual increase from 2010. In addition we see incredible enthusiasm throughout the year with readers of NAG seeing the magazine as the local voice of the industry keeping them up to date on a monthly basis,” says Michael James, Editor NAG and Senior Project Manager rAge.
Added to this, the exhibition has shown massive year on year growth. “rAge enjoyed a visitor attendance growth of 29% from 2010 with a total of 26 594 visitors at the 2011 show. In addition 2,196 NAG LAN tickets sold out in 6 hours – demonstrating the manic enthusiasm South African consumers have for what’s on show at rAge. These guys want to interact; they want to experience what the exhibitors have of offer. In fact, I’d say most of our visitors spend a good four or more hours at rAge and this year we expect around 30 000 visitors,” adds James.
Taking place in October 2012, rAge is perfectly positioned to leverage pre-Christmas sales and marketing campaigns. TTotal end-user spending on video games will rise to a projected R1.7 billion in 2015, a 6.9% compound annual increase from 2010.he three day event is the leading destination for the latest developments in gaming, technology, consumer electronics and lifestyle entertainment products in the South African market.
In addition, existing and potential exhibitors know that participation in the right exhibition is an exceptionally effective marketing medium. Exhibitions bring your most active prospects and customers directly to you; one is able to demonstrate products – a vital requirement in the video game industry – while harnessing the senses to drive home your message; allowing you to further your marketing goals from long-term brand building to immediate sales, researching the market to generating media coverage, launching new products to entertaining loyal customers as well as educating prospects and collecting high-quality leads.
These are just a few of the unique benefits exhibitions offer to complement your marketing efforts in a measurably cost-effective way. In addition to this, extensive sponsorship opportunities not only offer significant brand presence to a niche audience but also offer brand favourability by means of association.
To be part of the hub of this exciting and growing sector, join the rAge expo from 05-07 October 2012 at the Coca-Cola Dome. To book your exhibition space today or speak to the expert rAge team about sponsorship opportunities call 011 704 2679 or visit www.rageexpo.co.za for more details.
