With Playtopia, the annual destination of Indie Games & Immersive Arts festival and conference set to return in 2023, GIA has partnered with the event to share insights from the crop of supremely talented creators in attendance. Next up in a series of speaker interviews is founder and artistic director of A MAZE – Thorsten S Wiedemann.

Would you kindly provide some background into who you are, your entry into the games industry and how you came into your current position?

I’m the founder and artistic director of A MAZE. . I had my own talk show and one invited guest made me curious about games. Then I worked in 2006 and 2007 as a reporter at bigger events such as GDC and China Joy. During that time I’ve realized that there is no cool event that celebrates the convergence of games, art and other media. In 2008 A MAZE. got founded and kicked off with bar events in Berlin and became an international label and forerunner in the field of arthouse games and playful media.  

A MAZE has played host to some of the most striking and artistic creations in the industry, but from an event perspective, how do you view the creativity of African game developers?

We did successfully “A MAZE. / Johannesburg” (2012-2017) and A MAZE. Train Jam (2018-2021) from Joburg to Cape Town and at the moment I only know game creators or worldbuilders from 6 african countries and I’m blown away by their artstyle, the playful narratives. Some of them were already with the support of Goethe-Institut and Freelives at A MAZE. / Berlin. So I can only imagine what amazing works I will discover in the other 48 countries if there is stability, accessibility to education, technology, internet and funding to foster such creative potential. 

From a showcase and experimental perspective, what trends do you see coming from the global and African game development community?

I’m curious to see on the ground how the African games community evolved. It is very important that Playtopia is back again after a three year break. Without such festivals the community won’t grow and influence the industry to the better. I’m always excited when games are personal, or deal with present or local narratives that somehow freeze time and become a milestone of its time. Just saying : Arthouse games are on the rise!     

What is the current relationship between A MAZE.  and African game developers and how would you like to see that evolve in the future?

The relationship is not as close as it used to be, but Playtopia and this will help working together in the future. That’s also the reason I’m here for the comeback to maintain the two way bridge between EU and African game and playful media developers.  

What advice would you give to African developers looking to showcase at A Maze?

Check out the nominated games we’ve had at A MAZE. in the past to get a sense of what we are looking for and then submit to the A MAZE. Awards. If you don’t have the budget to submit, we have created a supporter system a couple of years ago that gives access to a waiting list. Our call is starting mid December. An alternative is to team up with other developers from Africa and organize a stand in the A MAZE. Village. We’re always happy to help with letters of intents to complete the paperwork for e.g. travel funds. 

Check out the full program and consider joining Playtopia, which will run from December 7th to 9th December 2023 in Cape Town.

Tickets can be bought here.