So, last week I asked you guys to please throw money at a good cause. Two students with loads of potential needed funding to study Game Design at WITS. Well, that goal was met within three days.
In actual fact, they’ve already exceeded the amount needed, raising R25,295.77 ($2,331.46) according to the bursary page. I reached out to Make Games SA to ask them what their plans are with extra money. They told me there are plans to set up a bursary program – they were even kind enough to throw together a press release including the following statement:
“Make Games SA is a non-profit association that is focused on developing the game development industry in South Africa,” Nick Hall, MGSA committee chairperson explained. “The community has been looking at the possibility of creating our own bursary to help get more enthusiastic students studying game design but this was our first opportunity to really show our support in this way.”
Congratulations to Thsetso Radebe and Tumelo Thabane – you will be able to pursue your dreams and become game developers. I hope that you can make us all proud and make games. Honestly, I don’t even mind what type of games you make, as long as one day soon I can get my hands on one of your prototypes.
For the rest of us, well done! Gamers really can come together and throw money at good causes. This makes me far too happy. For those who planned to wait until payday to donate, please consider still doing so. Make Games SA has a relationship with lecturers at universities who are aware of these cases and will be working hard to secure bursaries for deserving students. Let’s support our local industry from the bottom up and help these aspiring game developers learn the skills to facilitate their success.
Last Updated: February 18, 2014
TiMsTeR1033
February 18, 2014 at 14:03
I am really glad that the community helped them out like that. Helping our gaming industry as a whole, I mean who knows those two bright guys could make the next Witcher or something equally as grand.
Unavengedavo
February 18, 2014 at 14:14
Now it is up to the rest of the local community to support these guys and any other would be game developers out there.
VampyreSquirrel
February 18, 2014 at 14:15
Damn, that’s really awesome! Glad our gaming community could fork-out more than enough cash for these guys. Hopefully Make Games SA can do this for more budding devs!
Brendyn Zachary
February 18, 2014 at 14:16
Will bursaries just become Kickstarter projects one day? It would be quite cool if you ask me.
Unavengedavo
February 18, 2014 at 14:22
To be honest I think we should just get a group together and create a new IP for a AAA game that is born and bred in South Africa. I am sure we have the skills and talent for this locally
VampyreSquirrel
February 18, 2014 at 14:25
Total Survivor: Hillbrow?
Unavengedavo
February 18, 2014 at 14:27
Grand Theft Auto: Jozi
But seriously, I am sure some one could come up with an original IP 😛
VampyreSquirrel
February 18, 2014 at 14:28
Yeah we probably could.
“A young man, moves from Nigeria to Johannesburg, and has to learn to live in a new world”
TiMsTeR1033
February 18, 2014 at 14:29
Dealing with Xenophobia, Police, drug deals going wrong on the ultimate plan to assassinate the president
VampyreSquirrel
February 18, 2014 at 14:30
lmao! Why does assassinating the president come into this?
TiMsTeR1033
February 18, 2014 at 14:31
To use the corruption and make millions out it all.
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 18, 2014 at 14:29
Mining Simulator? They simulate everything else, including goats.
VampyreSquirrel
February 18, 2014 at 14:29
Isn’t that just MineCraft or Terraria all over again?
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 18, 2014 at 14:30
Imagine it looks like Outlast 😀
VampyreSquirrel
February 18, 2014 at 14:32
“In a world of platinum, coal and gold mining, you are a young miner, work your way to the cooshie desk job you always dreamed of. Beware of the Unions, Strikes and mines collapsing!”
TiMsTeR1033
February 18, 2014 at 14:32
Sounds familiar… Cant put my finger on where. hmmmmm
VampyreSquirrel
February 18, 2014 at 14:33
Harmony? Marikana?
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 18, 2014 at 14:34
Now that I think about it, it would make a really awesome setting for a horror game. Screw space, no one can hear you scream 2km underground.
TiMsTeR1033
February 18, 2014 at 14:35
Esp if you are an illegal miner
VampyreSquirrel
February 18, 2014 at 14:36
So true
TiMsTeR1033
February 18, 2014 at 14:30
Bridge Constructor looks cool.
TiMsTeR1033
February 18, 2014 at 14:28
I would use Unity to make the game. I would love to start something.
VampyreSquirrel
February 18, 2014 at 14:42
We’ve got enough crazy ideas for it to work.
TiMsTeR1033
February 18, 2014 at 14:34
Squirrel Simulator!! – Run, hide, evade lawn mowers, cars , attack children, on your epic journey to get as many nuts as you can!!
VampyreSquirrel
February 18, 2014 at 14:36
LMAO!!!
VampyreSquirrel
February 18, 2014 at 14:37
As long as said squirrel can become like Hammy in Over the Hedge after some caffeine, then I’m all for it!
TiMsTeR1033
February 18, 2014 at 14:37
That will be his special ability Nut time
RinceandLeSIGH
February 18, 2014 at 14:52
What, more time to play with his nuts? 0-O
VampyreSquirrel
February 18, 2014 at 14:53
Why you dreaming about balls Carl?
RinceandLeSIGH
February 18, 2014 at 14:53
chocolate salty?
VampyreSquirrel
February 18, 2014 at 14:54
Chef balls
RinceandLeSIGH
February 18, 2014 at 14:55
Those like Nigella balls? 0-O
VampyreSquirrel
February 18, 2014 at 14:58
Nope, Nutella balls
RinceandLeSIGH
February 18, 2014 at 14:58
spreadable?
VampyreSquirrel
February 18, 2014 at 15:11
Shareable with friends? lol
RinceandLeSIGH
February 18, 2014 at 14:42
This has made my day!
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 18, 2014 at 15:02
Awesome