Four women from France, Denmark and Germany will join the three-day programme, which includes talks, panel discussions, a selection of independent games, interactive installations, a market hack, workshops, and music.
Thorsten S Wiedemann, Festival Director and A Maze founder, said: "A Maze is an international label in the field of independent games, playful media and games culture. Interdisciplinary, game-centred events and productions transcending media channels and cultures are the signature feature of A Maze."
According to a US study conducted in 2012, 47% of all game players are women, a number that grows substantially every year. Recent estimates suggest that women over 18 are one of the fastest growing demographics in the gaming industry.
"Playfulness is a character trait that most people tend to lose when they get an education," said Weidemann , "A Maze gives the motivation to rethink established workarounds and concepts."
Participating in this year's line-up, from France are digital artist Emilie Gervais and game designer Tatiana Vilela. Gervais uses the internet simultaneously as an online support tool and creative environment while Vilela creates playful installations and experimental games in game jams and artist residencies.
Hailing from Germany is Lea Schönfelder, game designer of the award-winning Perfect Woman. She aims to spark public debate around questions of gender and ethics. Recently, the Russian parliament debated whether her game Ulitsa Dimi-trova should be banned.
Julie Heyde joins A Maze 2014 as a game designer from Denmark. The founder of Bandello, she develops XTODIE and is one of the organisers of Nordic Game Jam.
For more information about A Maze, go to www.amaze-johannesburg.co.za or www.fakugesi.co.za.
