Gaming in South Africa has come a long way since the days when NAG first started operations as a print magazine. Back in the late 1900’s, yes, I just said it, gaming was a more isolated experience, with competitive gaming confined to the halls of your local LAN. Things quickly progressed as PC technology allowed game developers to get more creative and deliver us games that supported a more formal competitive environment.
At NAG, gaming is at the heart of everything we do. This is not just a job for us. This is a passion and a way of life, one that got me fired from more than one corporate job over the last two decades. NAG was born from a community of gamers who wanted to share their passion with the world, and through that community, we’ve met with and enabled countless gamers who’ve gone on to do big things. One such gamer is Barry Louzada, Mettlestate’s Managing Director; another is Len Nery, NAG Publisher and Managing Director.
As long-time friends, both dream big and enabled some of South Africa’s greatest gaming and esports events. Through NAG as South Africa’s favourite gaming media and Mettlestate, the best gaming tournament platform bar none, gamers have built lifelong friends and enjoyed some of the best experiences in the world.
Today, these two companies announce a one-of-a-kind partnership that will further empower gamers in Africa to enjoy gaming casually or competitively.
The partnership will strengthen the abilities of each entity. By working closely together, NAG and Mettlestate can pull off bigger and bolder projects that will span physical events, video content, tournaments, and print magazines. Yes, NAG Magazine is coming back this year.
Of course, rAge will be the culmination of this year’s plans, and we cannot wait to show you what we have planned. Now, without further delay, check out the announcement video and stay tuned for plenty more.
Game on! Geek Out!
PRESS RELEASE
NAG (New Age Gaming) is a brand that has been the source of gaming and tech news and reviews and the inspiration for geek culture for South African gamers for over 20 years (cover disc included). From print to web and back again, NAG is proud to announce yet another major milestone, one that was forged to deliver the best gaming ecosystem for South African gamers.
Today we officially announce a one-of-a-kind partnership with the largest gaming partner and tournament organiser in Africa, Mettlestate. Since its formation in 2016, Mettlestate has hosted some of South Africa’s largest gaming tournaments and product activations and has helped catapult South African esports organisations and individuals onto the international stage.
This partnership will ensure more accessible gaming within school leagues, casual BrawlRoom gamers or top-level tournaments whilst helping to promote companies, individuals, and teams to anyone interested in knowing what is going on within the local scene.
Through this partnership, NAG and Mettlestate will follow the journeys of young talent as they make a name for themselves and spotlight the rising stars to support gamers who want to go pro. NAG readers will also get exclusive inside access to the hottest events and tournaments, including regular NAG BrawlRooms, where only casual gamers and weekend warriors dominate the rankings. Gamers participating in Mettlestate events will also enjoy all of NAG’s hottest content whilst waiting in a lobby for their respective matches to kick off.
This partnership aims to promote companies as well as educational facilities that have entered the esports scene using the power of both NAG and Mettlestate’s platforms to further their reach and, therefore, the value proposition for that company, school, or facility.
“Co-branding events, showcasing a school new to the ecosystem, interviewing a newfound shoutcaster, content creator, or gamer, and showing the power of a combined NAG and Mettlestate strategy, will benefit all involved,” says Len Nery, NAG Publisher and Managing Director.
“NAG feeds a hungry audience of more than 280,000 subscribers via our Game Explorers channel on Ayoba. This channel is seeing incredible growth, with around 1,000 new subscribers every day. NAG also has a loyal social media following on Twitter and Facebook, and an audience that connects directly to the NAG website amounting to a combined reach of over 350,000 consumers. With this partnership, we aim to keep connecting the dots. Watch this space. We have already announced the Ultimate Game Masters TV show at rAge Expo 2023. We are working in partnership with Trace, and adding Mettlestate to the fold is a no-brainer.” Nery adds.
“This partnership is a game-changer, not only for Mettlestate and NAG, but for South Africa’s gaming community as a whole”, adds Barry ‘Anthrax’ Louzada, Mettlestate’s Managing Director.
“Mettlestate houses the largest audience of South African gamers across the country, and they deserve the quality that our partnership with NAG will provide. Our primary focus is providing our 260 000+ gamers with top-tier competitive opportunities, which we do through our leagues and casual cups. Now it’s time to enrich the experience for the Mettlestate gamers. We’re looking forward to creating and sharing content with NAG and benefiting South African gaming as a whole.”