Time for rAge 2009

South Africa's crime levels and the economic downturn are acting as catalysts towards ‘cocooning', where individuals and families choose to perform the majority of social and cultural interactions such as working, entertaining and relaxing at home, rather than go out. This has seen considerable growth in purchases of home theatre and entertainment systems.

“Families are searching for entertainment alternatives that are affordable and safe. Anecdotal consumer behaviour research has shown that families are compensating and cutting back on spending outside the home, which includes eating out, entertainment and holidays,” comments Michael James, director and organiser of rAge 2009.

“The preconceived idea of gamers being pimple-faced teenagers has been shattered. Today, the term 'typical gamer' is a misnomer, a gamer is anyone from the over-achiever student to the executive professional, board member, entrepreneur, engineer, sportsman to mom and dad looking to escape the stresses of the day and spend quality time together as a family.

“Consumers are moving towards purchasing console games such as Xbox 360, Wii and PlayStation 3 and many forms of gaming offer an affordable and safe alternative as a recreational activity in which the entire family can participate at a fraction of the cost of taking the whole family out for a few hours of entertainment. The fact that current available gaming content can be described as being compelling and engaging further enhances the trend.”

Entry and tickets

Friday: 10am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm

Day ticket: R50 per person
Weekend ticket: R80 per person
Family pass ticket: R160 (two adults and two children)
Kids under 6: Free
NAG LAN ticket: Sold Out

For more details, see: www.rageexpo.co.za