Thabang Sizwe Zulu

Founder of Glitch Portal

Glitch Portal is an independent South African game development studio creating original games inspired by African culture, stories, and everyday experiences. The team is currently developing Suburbageddon, a social negotiation card game designed for 4–8 players that explores the humour, tension, and unpredictability of South African suburban life.The team is led by Thabang Sizwe Zulu, Founder of Glitch Portal, who focuses on game design, creative direction, and growing opportunities for African game development. Princess Mampane, Technical Director, oversees the studio’s technical development and brings expertise in gameplay systems and interactive technology. Jenna Fowlds, Art Director, shapes the visual identity of the studio’s games, creating distinctive characters and worlds rooted in South African culture. Sasha-Lee Webster, Community Manager, leads community engagement, partnerships, and business development, connecting Glitch Portal with players, organisations, and industry opportunities. Eva Le Touze, Game Designer, focuses on gameplay mechanics, player progression, and interactive systems. Together, the team combines design, technology, art, community, and business expertise to create Suburbageddon as a distinctly South African multiplayer experience while making it accessible and enjoyable to a wider audience.

All Sessions by Thabang Sizwe Zulu

15:30 - 16:00
POP-TAKU STAGE

Surviving the South African Suburbs: Building Suburbageddon from Everyday Chaos

How do you turn everyday South African suburbia into a fun, engaging video game? Glitch Portal takes audiences behind the scenes of *Suburbageddon*, exploring how local humour and uniquely South African culture inspired the game. Attendees will learn how the team transforms real-life observations into gameplay, balancing comedy with thoughtful design.