Ep 5 - Building a Game Development Ecosystem from the Ground Up with Raymond Ledwaba

Описание: Building a Game Development Ecosystem from the Ground Up with Raymond Ledwaba

In this episode of Press Start Mzansi, we sit down with Raymond Ledwaba, CEO of ITTHYNK Gaming, to explore what it really takes to build South Africa’s game development ecosystem from the ground up.
From finance to gaming, Raymond’s journey is one of vision, grit, and purpose. He is not just creating games, he is helping to build the pipeline of African talent, companies, and intellectual property that will define the continent’s digital future.

Hosted by Bandile Phuthuma and Kieren Reid, this conversation looks beyond the business of games. It is about how ecosystems are built, how communities grow, and why Africa’s next generation of developers cannot wait for opportunity but must create it themselves.

What we cover in this episode
• How ITTHYNK Gaming began and what problem it set out to solve
• Why local IP and African stories matter in a global industry
• Challenges and opportunities in South Africa’s game development ecosystem
• What developers need most right now, from funding to mentorship
• Building national and regional collaboration across Africa
• The one thing that could unlock South Africa’s gaming potential
• Raymond’s message to the next generation of African game makers

Guest
Raymond Ledwaba is the Chief Executive Officer of ITTHYNK Gaming, a South African studio dedicated to growing Africa’s gaming ecosystem through development, publishing, and education. With a background in finance and management consulting, Raymond pivoted into gaming to build local intellectual property and empower emerging creators. Today, ITTHYNK Gaming is a leading voice in African game entrepreneurship, connecting creativity, business, and technology to make gaming a catalyst for social and economic impact.

Credits
Hosted by: Bandile Phuthuma (ITTHYNK Gaming)
Co-hosts: Khumo Moerane (ITTHYNK Gaming) & Kieran Reid (Two Name Games)
Cinematography and Editing: Luthando Nyuswa
Audio Editor: Juliette Love
Technical Director: Dave Moyo
Marketing: Jessica Jardim, Ashley Tanton, Padi Falas-Maifala, Mpho Tlokotsi