10 Things to Expect from @ComicConAfrica on 22-25 Sep 2023

Hi Guys, 

Comic Con Africa, the continent's ultimate pop culture and gaming festival, is set to take over the Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec) with a bang over Heritage Day weekend next month. The highly anticipated festival promises fans an unforgettable experience, packed with a diverse array of entertainment, celebrity appearances, loads of shopping opportunities, and even exclusive merchandise. As Comic Con Africa gears up for its fifth edition, here are 10 things to expect from the event:

One: The KFC Main Stage and the Pop Culture Hall

The KFC main stage of Comic Con Africa is the epicentre of the festival, featuring a lineup of exciting guests set to engage fans in interactive Q&A panels where audience members can learn more about their favourite films, series, and creators. For Comic Con Africa, so far those guests include, with more being announced soon:

• Anthony Daniels – C-3PO from Star Wars
• Veronica Taylor – The original English voice of Ash Ketchum from Pokémon
• Ross Marquand – Aaron from The Walking Dead, as well as Red Skull from Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: End Game

The main stage will also host spot prizes, interactive gaming sessions, winner announcements, as well as cosplay competitions including the ever-exciting Comic Con Africa Championships of Cosplay. Located in Hall 6, this bustling hub of activity, will house various attractions, including kid-friendly activities making it the ultimate family day out.

Attendees can also look forward to opportunities for community building in dedicated pockets of the hall. More than the main stage, Hall 6 will also house a Pop Culture Content Zone for additional workshops, fan meet-ups, and activities.

Two: Gaming Galore – Tournaments, free-to-play zones, and accessories

Gaming enthusiasts will be in paradise with a plethora of gaming options in Hall 5. Vendors will offer the latest gaming accessories and merchandise with some show exclusive deals, while the Telkom VS Gaming Village will host tournaments spanning popular titles like FIFA, and Rocket League. This village will also contain South Africa’s largest eSports tournament – The Telkom VS Masters – featuring games such as CS:GO. For mobile gaming enthusiasts, an exciting mobile gaming experience also awaits in this space.

The Toyota Gaming Engine has partnered with Nintendo to bring attendees an immersive Mario Kart experience and a chance to win a trip to Chicago for C2E2.

Comic Con Africa 2023 also sees the return of the fan favourite Doritos Crunch Cup, powered by Comic Con Africa, which will feature daily tournaments, including the "Beat the Pros" challenge, where casual gamers can compete against South Africa’s top contenders for cash prizes in titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Street Fighter 6, Fortnite, and FIFA.

Following Riot Games' announcement of Valorant servers coming to South Africa, The Carry 1st Valorant Tournament also promises thrilling gameplay. Another not-to-be-missed feature is the Red Bull Campus Clutch.

Comic Con Africa is also excited to welcome the voice of Mozzie from Rainbow Six: Siege, Martin Copping, who is also the voice of Lucas Riggs from Call of Duty: Vanguard.

Three: Cosplay

Since 2018, Africa has gained recognition in the global cosplay scene, with South African cosplayers Kinpatsu Cosplay, Jinxie Cosplay, and Ludus Cosplay consistently excelling at the prestigious Crown Championships of Cosplay in Chicago. Whether you're a casual or competitive cosplayer, Comic Con Africa has something for everyone, making it a must-attend event on the cosplay calendar.

Comic Con Africa will also host casual cosplay competitions with multiple daily sessions, including a special session for contestants under 13, offering a chance to win spot prizes. The event also features the Nintendo Cosplay Competition, adding a gaming twist to the cosplay scene. For those aspiring to compete professionally, Comic Con Africa hosts the Championships of Cosplay, where hand-crafted character outfits are rigorously judged. The winner earns the honour of representing South Africa at the global C2E2 competition in Chicago.

In addition to these competitions, Comic Con Africa welcomes internationally acclaimed cosplayers Lindsay Elyse (USA), Sakura Flor (Netherlands), and Har_Fie (England). These guest cosplayers offer photo opportunities and prints of their iconic outfits, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

For more information on competitions and participation criteria, visit https://comicconafrica.co.za/cosplay/

Four: Artist Alley

With over 150 artists in Hall 7, The Artist Alley is the heartbeat of any Comic Con event, and Comic Con Africa is no exception. Attendees can explore a wide array of local and international artist stands dedicated to celebrating the art of comic books, original artwork, fan fiction, and more. Here, fans can admire breathtaking artwork, gain inspiration, exchange creative techniques, and even purchase or commission unique pieces from talented vendors.

Notable and iconic artists such as Nooligan (USA) will be attending the show as well as local authors Sam Beckbessinger and Dave Halvorsen (co-authors of Girls of Little Hope) who will be among the many creatives showcasing their work in the Artist Alley.

Five: Shopping and collectables

With an extensive lineup of vendors spanning three halls of the Expo Centre, Comic Con Africa offers fans a shopper's paradise. Attendees can browse their way through a treasure trove of merchandise, including exclusive items available only at the event. Whether you're searching for the latest collectibles, comics, apparel, or unique memorabilia, there's something for every fan to discover.

The Symbiote Showcase and experience is another must-visit attraction for fans of iconic characters from the world of comic books – having collectables on display from XM Studios, Prime 1 Studio, Queen Studios, PureArts, Royal Selangor and Moduspace. More than these life size and breath-taking statues, be sure to stop by the Funko stand to beef up your collection.

Six: Otaku Town

Get ready for an anime extravaganza! As the anime scene continues to skyrocket across South Africa, cementing its status as an unstoppable cultural phenomenon, Comic Con Africa is thrilled to offer a stellar lineup of guests who've shaped the anime and Japanese culture scene.

Step into the heart of the action on the Comic Con Africa festival floor, for the first ever iteration of Otaku Town! This immersive zone is a love letter to all things anime and Japanese culture. Dive into a world of mesmerising exhibits, tantalise your taste buds with authentic Japanese cuisine, and let the vibrant universe of anime sweep you off your feet. Guest that will feature near this area include popular YouTubers Akidearest as well as The Anime Man.

Seven: Tabletop Gaming

Whether you're a seasoned board game connoisseur or a curious novice, the tabletop gaming zone is a realm where imagination knows no bounds. Gather your friends, roll the dice and dive into a world of intricate strategy, cunning tactics, and boundless fun.

In partnership with Solarpop, Comic Con Africa is proud to welcome free play, demos, and learn-to-play sessions for iconic tabletop gaming titles such as Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon, as well as Magic: The Gathering. Comic Con Africa will also host Catan Nationals.

This area in Hall 7 also calls for fans to enjoy a free two-hour Dungeons & Dragons journey into a world of magic and monsters where newcomers can also enjoy 20-minute introductions to start their quest.

Eight: Local Celebrities Spotlight

This year, Comic Con Africa will also be celebrating homegrown talent that's been making waves both locally and on the international stage, welcoming celebrities such as Cameron Scott (Ring of Beasts, The Bachelorette, and more)

Comic Con Africa is also proud to host heavy-hitter local comic book artists such as Karl Mostert, Sean Izaakse, and more to be announced soon on the festival’s social media channels.

Nine: MASSIVE Outdoor entertainment

Comic Con Africa is focused on ensuring that the event has more than enough room for fans to embrace the experience. The outdoor area is set to be loaded with food trucks, as well as activations from the likes of Hunters and Red Bull.

Comic Con Africa is also excited to welcome a finger lickin’ good experience with KFC with more details to follow soon!

Ten: Autographs and Photo Ops

Hall 7 is your golden chance to rub shoulders with international celebrities up close and personal. Capture the moment with a professionally taken photograph alongside your favourite celebs. Plus – you can snag their autographs too!

You do not need to have a photograph to get an autograph and vice versa. Whether you want to bring your own item for a cherished signature or pick up something special at the show, the stars are ready to make your day.

Given the high demand for these exclusive opportunities, be sure to keep a close watch on Comic Con Africa's social media for pre-order details. Remember, availability during the event itself might be limited, so stay in the loop and secure your spot to meet and greet your heroes!

Be sure to take advantage of the limited Anthony Daniels combo deal which is currently on offer to early bird patrons at R900 for a photograph and an autograph! Secure your spot here: https://bit.ly/CCA2023_tickets

Comic Con Africa 2023 is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience with pockets of excellence in each corner. Be sure not to miss out on the ultimate pop culture and gaming festival, from 22 to 25 September 2023, by securing your ticket on Howler from R200 here: https://bit.ly/CCA2023_tickets

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
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#FIFA16 @EASportsFifa - New Season has arrived in #SouthAfrica #Game

Hi Guys, 

Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) announced that EA SPORTS™ FIFA 16, winner of the E3 2015 Game Critics Best Sports Game award, is now available in retail stores and as a digital download in South Africa. FIFA 16 has been described by Digital Spy (UK) as, “an impressive beast of a game that's stuffed with official leagues and licenses, game modes and other little touches that add flavor to the match day experience,” and hailed by EGM (USA) as, “an unparalleled soccer simulation that improves upon FIFA 15 in every aspect.” With gameplay innovation across the entire pitch and brand new ways to play, FIFA 16 lets fans Play Beautiful. 

“It has been incredible to see the number of fans already engaging in and enjoying FIFA 16 through EA Access and our preseason demo,” said Nick Channon, Senior Producer of EA SPORTS FIFA. “We are very excited with the early feedback, particularly on the balanced gameplay, and now that the game is launching across the globe, we shift our focus to providing the best live service in the industry.” 

A record 6.4 million fans have downloaded the FIFA 16 demo in the ten days since it became available. Fans playing the full version of FIFA 16 through the Play First Trials on EA Access, only on Xbox One the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, were excited to try the newly added Women’s National Teams, with the United States Women’s National Team ranking in the top ten most selected clubs or national teams. FIFA Ultimate Team™ Draft, a brand new way to play the franchise’s most popular mode, has also been a fan favorite, with more than 13 million matches played throughout the demo and EA Access combined.

FIFA 16 delivers a balanced, authentic, and exciting football experience that lets fans play their way, and compete at a higher level. With innovative gameplay features, FIFA 16 brings Confidence in Defending, Control in the Midfield, and gives players the tools to create more Moments of Magic than ever before. FIFA Ultimate Team, the game’s most popular mode, introduces FIFA Ultimate Team Draft, a brand new way for fans to test their team building skills and compete with some of the best football players in the world. And this season, Career Mode adds two features most requested by fans: Pre-season Tournaments and Player Training that ensure an even deeper and more authentic career whether fans play as a manager or a pro. For more information about FIFA 16 features visit www.easports.com/fifa. A trailer showcasing the new season of FIFA 16 can be viewed: here.

FIFA 16 is developed in Burnaby, British Columbia by EA Canada and is available now on Origin™ for PC, Xbox One, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® games and entertainment system and PlayStation®3 entertainment system. Join the EA SPORTS community at http://www.facebook.com/easportsfifa. Follow us on Twitter @easportsfifa and use the hashtag #FIFA16. The game has been rated PG by the FPB (Film and Publication Board) in South Africa.

EA SPORTS is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs and cross-platform digital experiences. EA SPORTS creates connected experiences that ignite the emotion of sports through videogames, including Madden NFL football, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, Rory McIlroy PGA TOUR® golf, SSX™ and EA SPORTS UFC®.More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.

I am playing the same on my PS3 and learning the tricks of the Fifa 16 game. Last time I tried was a real match on the previous version of Fifa13 with my friends. I did maintained to draw a match on Fifa16 yesterday with my team being Manchester United against Arsenal (1-1) and during penalty shoot out scored 4-1 to win the match. I really loved going through the skills practice to start from Bronze to Gold levels. I am still working on to get Gold points in all the skills levels but will soon be there. 

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An Android App a day - 22. FIFA 14 by EA Sports

Hi Guys,

If you are football freak, then this game will leave you wanting for more and more. You will be able to spend a lot of time on this game whether you play it one the tablet or your smartphone. This game does require a lot of memory i.e. 1.3 GB and a great processor power will give you a nice play.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ea.game.fifa14_row&hl=en

This game really offers a lot of features which can be purchased later till you master the basic ones. I have seen many games but these games really have a lot of fan following which gets themselves upgraded again and again to the new season. This is understandable as team members across teams keeps on changing and some new players are introduced in various football clubs around the world. This app offer commentary in various languages also.

Hit the Goal! 

More info about the developer is - http://www.ea.com/android

Cheers!!!