Picture this: landing a dream job at a South African game studio backed by one of the wealthiest families on the planet – the family of Oracle's co-founder, Larry Ellison, who ranks as the second-richest person globally. But here's where it gets controversial... is success in game dev just about talent, or does having billionaire backing give you an unbeatable edge? This insider look into the world of video game development in South Africa might just change how you view the industry, and trust me, there's more to it than meets the eye.
Video game development isn't an easy field to enter, but it's growing rapidly as a career in South Africa, offering immense rewards for those skilled in collaboration and creative problem-solving. Recently, MyBroadband chatted with Mia Brown, an intermediate software developer at 24 Bit Games, a South African studio you might not have heard of yet. Owned through Annapurna Interactive by the Ellison family – yes, the same one tied to tech titan Larry Ellison – this studio is part of a bigger picture in gaming that's often overlooked.
Mia has been professionally crafting games for over four and a half years, but her passion started much earlier with solo projects. 'My first digital creation was a humorous comic-style game built on Scratch programming software back when I was 16,' she recalled. 'It was a total mess, with just a menu and a single level, and I've unfortunately lost it over time. Still, the joy of creating it was unbeatable.' Her earliest gaming memory? Playing Homeworld on her dad's Windows 2000 computer. 'It crawled along like a slideshow,' she admitted, 'but I stuck with it and formed lasting memories. No sound worked, yet that epic Mothership launch scene felt like pure cinematic magic.'
What sparked Mia's career interest? It was diving into bonus features and developer chats included with certain games. She vividly remembers the developer diaries for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, featuring interviews with Bethesda Game Studios' executive producer, Todd Howard. In those clips, the veteran jokingly shares being teased in school for pursuing game making over sports or chess club. 'I was in the chess club too,' Mia noted. 'That interview turned into an internet meme among gamers, and it was a pivotal moment that drew me in.'
And this is the part most people miss: how daily routines blend personal drive with collective support, often in ways that challenge stereotypes about tech workplaces. Mia's typical day kicks off around 7 AM, preparing for work. 24 Bit Games gives employees the flexibility to choose between home office or the actual studio space. 'If I have to test things like quickly plugging in and unplugging physical controllers, the office is essential,' she explained. 'For most tasks, though, a secure VPN connection to my office machine does the trick.' By 9 AM, teams gather for a 'stand-up' meeting – that's a quick daily huddle where everyone shares what they're tackling, flags any hurdles, and gets support from colleagues before diving into individual work.
Throughout the day, there's constant back-and-forth among team members, discussing progress and inevitable roadblocks. 'As long as you're delivering on your tasks and collaborating well, you can approach your work in your own style,' Mia said. The team at 24 Bit Games stands out for its kindness and helpfulness. 'As a transgender woman, I feel genuinely welcomed here, which is rare,' she shared. 'We're all a mix of nerds and outliers in our own ways, and that bonds us tightly, making the grueling process of launching a game feel manageable.'
She stressed that game development demands intense effort and sharp critical thinking to overcome challenges. 'The internet loves tossing around terms like 'optimization' when chatting about games, but for us, it's just part of the everyday grind.' Yet, the teams take satisfaction in conquering issues, such as ensuring code works across different platforms or using smart math and algorithms to boost graphics on budget devices. 'Seeing my name in a game's credits always brings a rush of joy and validates the struggles that got me here,' Mia reflected. 'It's a massive undertaking with brilliant minds from around the world, and being listed among them is truly humbling.'
For those eyeing a spot in game dev, Mia offers practical wisdom. The industry is booming worldwide, though South Africa's scene remains niche. 'I'm proud to contribute,' she said, 'and it pays well enough to live comfortably.' She highlights the importance of soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and clear communication. Her top tip? Get involved in local networks. 'Reach out to game dev meetups near you – fresh faces with new ideas are always valued,' she advised. In Johannesburg, check the Monthly Game Dev Meetup; in Cape Town, there's Maker’s Massive. And across South Africa, various events keep popping up, proving that epic games emerge when creators unite.
But let's stir the pot: In an era where billionaires dominate tech, does ownership by a mega-rich family like the Ellisons make 24 Bit Games' success inevitable, or is it still all about grassroots talent? And what about inclusivity in gaming – is Mia's positive experience the norm, or just a lucky break? We often celebrate big names in gaming, but what if smaller studios without such backing struggle more? Share your thoughts below: Do you agree that billionaire ownership levels the playing field, or does it create unfair advantages? How important is workplace inclusivity to you in tech careers? Disagree? Let's discuss!
