A Recap of Rage Expo 2022 and 2023
Remember that excitement bubbling up for Rage 2022…the anticipation to reunite with friends, both old and new, at the fantastic gaming and tech event post-COVID?
We all do!
I was all set to pour my heart out about it in last year’s article, but truth be told, that article never quite made it.
Why, you might ask? Well, because I was scared and the influencer scene can be quite a whirlwind, and diving into the event drama just didn’t feel like my cup of tea or something I wanted to deal with at the time.
In all honestly, I’m not a seasoned expo-goer. Unlike some content creators who’ve been in the game since event one, I’ve only dipped my toes in the experience a couple of times, 3 to be exact.
So many would argue that I knew very little and did not know what I was talking about.
But hey, it’s time to share my take on the past and present Rage Expo events.
Comparing last year’s event to the latest edition, feedback from attendees and influencers echoed the same story: improvements all around!
It showed the organizers took the critiques from 2022 to heart, and boy, did they deliver. There’s been a chorus of feedback floating around friends, and everyone seems genuinely thrilled about the changes… so let’s dive into it shall we?
Esports: Nothing really changed here other than this section getting a lot of love. Each year we see some sections get a bit more spotlight than others, right? Well, it always seems to be the case for the Esporting sections, flashy lights, BIGGER stages, fancy expensive hosts… I guess I get it.
Competitive gaming is pretty cool, no doubt, but is it really the “all” for these gatherings?
I mean considering that so many esports events are taking place online and on streaming platforms, is it needed to make these sections the “main focus/main stage”?
And I’ll probably get into some hot water for saying this BUT is it worth throwing so much money at players, and the same speakers, the same team winning over and over again and the same game being shown over and over again?
I personally think the scene needs fresh “blood” and new faces.
It’s time for a fresh approach and mixing things up, balancing competitive gaming with other engaging experiences. After all, variety is the spice of life, isn’t it?
Maybe give the “main stage” to streamers and content creators.
Hey here’s an idea, how about showcasing some of South Africa’s content creator talents, on the main stage? Get more brands involved, have a fashion show on the main stage, and have artist showcase their hoodies and goodies for gaming.
Or have live body painting or cosplay makeup tutorials showcased…
What do you think—can these events explore new avenues while still keeping their essence intact? Definitely… will it take a lot of work and brainstorming… most likely.
Showcasing and experiencing new technology is a huge part of what makes Rage special. It’s not just about having products on display; it’s about letting the community go hands-on, asking questions, and truly understanding what they’re investing in.
After all, if we’re looking at spending a pretty penny on upgrades on new goods or looking to start up, it only makes sense to test them out, right? And what better way to do it on the main stage with fancy lights and big cameras pointing at everything and giving us a close-up view?
Or have a main stage auction to raise funds for a special occasion or give artists a neat way to sell their most priced.
All I am saying is, that I think personally the main stage should be dedicated to other avenues and content.
But hey, I am only one person and this is my opinion regarding a bigger more exclusive main stage :)
Art gallery: This year’s gallery event felt like a breeze. The layout was more thoughtfully designed, making it easier to move around and soak in all the vibrant energy and colorful art.
Compared to the previous year, navigating the artist gallery felt like maneuvering through a maze, however, this time around was a whole lot more spacious. No bumping or pushing or the constant shuffling, it was mostly smooth sailing.
I recall last year’s rush when I saw Mass Effect art, moving through the crowd was an adventure in itself, it was like a busy marketplace, everyone was pushing and shoving to get the seller’s attention and I recall how scared I was someone in front of me was going to buy the art I wanted!
Last year, the heat was excessive, and the frequent power outages affected how the autosteer functioned. This, coupled with the limited space at the art gallery, made things difficult. Believe me when I say that small spaces and cosplay don’t go well together.
This year it was a lot more breezy and cooler, and everyone had time to browse, without taking too long or upsetting the person behind them. No shoulder rubbing or the fear of smelling what gaming snacks someone had the night before.
Food: An essential part of any event experience. It’s true, more options and quicker service would be a game-changer. Fast food, especially with shorter queues, can be a lifesaver for busy parents or anyone craving a quick bite between show seeing.
While the inside food stalls weren’t bad, the comparison to the creative menu at another event was a bit disappointing.
Let’s face it, a dash of creativity can make a meal feel like an experience in itself!
Now some might argue that there were plenty of snack stalls all around, sure, but when you’re on the move or looking out for the little ones, a substantial meal is what matters.
Believe me, I enjoy snacking and eating a ton of junk food at events like these but I would enjoy a better variety of burgers, sandwiches, and more. Eating so many sweets, donuts and slapchips was probably the reason we all felt so sick afterward.
And speaking of kids, it’s fantastic to hear that the event made wonderful progress in engaging and entertaining them. Giving parents a great break is important, and seeing their kids have a fantastic time can make or break events like these. It’s a deciding factor in whether parents will come back with their kids in the future.
Creating that arcade-like atmosphere and sparking excitement in the next generation of content creators and gamers—that’s a win in itself, isn’t it?
After all, inspiring kids now means a future where they’ll be coming back for more, eager and ready to dive into the tech and gaming wonders.
Events like these are the perfect time for shaping the future minds of geeks and nerds.
What do you think could be the ultimate addition to these events? More interactive tech experiences, diverse food choices, or maybe something completely unexpected?
I have many ideas for the events, however, I don’t know who I should be talking with and if they would even consider listening to a small creator like me… plus a lot of people would argue I am bios since I push vtuber content :)
There was one instance that seemed to rub some individuals the wrong way, and it’s completely understandable to want family-friendly experiences at events, especially with little ones around, however, I mean that’s not going to happen at events like these.
Now I am not talking about the cosplay… but imagine how uncomfortable it must have been to stumble upon an ecchi stall while shopping for T-shirts and the only shop that seems to sell the right size is “THAT” store.
While recognizing that ecchi anime content might have its audience, especially at events like these, a separate section for such items and content—similar to the 18+ zones for alcohol—could maintain the event’s family-friendly vibe while still catering to diverse interests.
When bringing up this kind of topic I know that there are a lot of readers who might say “But hey… what about the underdressed cosplayer” I want to express that this is my professional opinion and there is no hate towards “ecchi” content for that matter, I just personally think it should be with the adult section, the same as the cosplaying stalls are placed at their own part of the layout each year.
Okay, shifting gears from personal experiences and preferences, let’s talk about the incredible strides the 2023 Rage expo made. It was like a phoenix rising from the ashes, addressing nearly every point raised from the previous year, the event was much better than anticipated and I know a lot of friends regret not going.
It’s interesting to consider that the challenges faced in 2022, especially post-COVID, might have heavily impacted the event’s resources and that is something I think a lot of us have forgotten or chosen to ignore. Budget constraints can indeed mold the shape of an event, and this year’s allocation likely allowed for greater improvements.
If we’re rating the 2023 event, it sounds like a solid 4 out of 5 stars! Beyond the flashy displays or the variety of offerings, the heart of any social gathering remains the excitement and connections it fosters. That joy of catching up with friends and the sense of unity it brings—now that’s the real essence of such events, isn’t it?
So what stood out to you the most at the event?
Lots of Love
Ideas for the Rage event 2024!?
And I’ll probably get into some hot water for saying this BUT…
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