Pietermaritzburg, 23 April 2026: Liberty Midlands Mall has concluded its biggest Gaming Festival yet, attracting 23,66 visitors over three days in 2026. With attendance climbing by more than 120% compared to last year, the event has clearly stepped into the upper tier of South Africa’s gaming scene.

The appeal of this year’s event extended well beyond Pietermaritzburg, with gaming enthusiasts travelling from across the country to be part of the action. Gamers travelled from as far as Johannesburg and Cape Town, highlighting the growing popularity of the festival and its appeal to both competitive players and casual fans.

The festival transformed the mall into a vibrant gaming hub, with free-to-play stations, racing simulators and competitive tournaments creating a dynamic atmosphere across the centre court, Wimpy court and Woolworths court. Gamers of all ages engaged in a wide range of experiences, reinforcing Liberty Midlands Mall’s ongoing commitment to hosting innovative and engaging events for its community.

A key highlight of the weekend was the highly anticipated EA Sports FC 26 tournament, which saw competitive players go head-to-head in a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship. After a series of intense matchups, Kuzakahle Khanyile secured first place, followed by Dale Nott in second place, while Siyanda N claimed third.

Beyond the competitions, the festival created a vibrant space where gaming culture could thrive. Visitors explored new technology, connected with fellow enthusiasts and immersed themselves in an experience that extended well beyond traditional retail. Interactive elements such as Gaming Bingo encouraged exploration across the festival, adding to the overall energy and engagement.

Lawrence Joubert, General Manager of Liberty Midlands Mall, says the response has exceeded all expectations. “This year’s Gaming Festival has really elevated what we set out to achieve. The scale of attendance, the level of competition and the overall atmosphere have confirmed that this event has grown into something far bigger than we initially imagined. It has become a key moment on our calendar, that continues to grow and is an experience that resonates strongly with our community.”

The overwhelming success of the 2026 edition marks a turning point for the festival, positioning it as a must-visit event within South Africa’s growing gaming landscape. As momentum builds, Liberty Midlands Mall is set to further expand the experience in the years ahead, continuing to deliver an event that captures the excitement and evolution of gaming culture.

For more information on Liberty Midlands Mall and its events, visit midlandsmall.co.za or follow Liberty Midlands Mall on social media @libertymidlandsmall.

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Pietermaritzburg, 24 March 2026: Midlands Mall is gearing up to welcome both passionate gamers and curious onlookers as the Gaming Festival 2026 makes its exciting return for the fifth year. From 27 to 29 March, the mall will be transformed into a buzzing hub of digital adventures, hands-on challenges, and friendly competitions. With over R100,000 in prizes from Game4U, plus a PS5 DualSense wireless controller from HiFi Corp and plenty of other rewards, the festival encourages players of all skill levels to dive in, test their reflexes, and enjoy the thrill of the game.

Across the centre court, Wimpy court and Woolworths court, visitors will discover a series of interactive zones designed to keep the energy pulsating throughout the weekend. From competitive eSports tournaments to virtual reality adventures and rhythm-based challenges, each area will offer a chance to try something new while soaking up the electric atmosphere created by fellow gamers.

Zones Filled With Action and Discovery

In the centre court, the festival’s eSports zone will host EA Sports FC 26 competitive matches, drawing players eager to prove their tactical skill on the virtual pitch. Nearby, visitors can browse the latest gaming gear at the Game4U kiosk while discovering equipment designed to elevate their play.

Movement and rhythm take over another section of the festival, where hands-free Kinect games and music-driven challenges will invite players to step forward and test their coordination. For those who enjoy immersive worlds, the virtual reality experiences will provide a chance to explore digital environments that feel both mind-bending and surprising.

Mobile gaming fans will also get to test their reflexes with high score challenges on Subway Surfers, while a keyboard rebuild race will add a fast-paced technical twist for those who know their way around gaming hardware. Over at the Woolworths court, slot racing tracks will bring a playful burst of speed to the festival, including a colourful challenge inspired by Super Mario that younger visitors are sure to enjoy.

Throughout the event, visitors will also be able to take part in Gaming Bingo. By collecting stickers from each stand and completing their card, participants will get to enter a lucky draw for a chance to win prizes.

The Race for the Championship

Competitive players will find their moment in the spotlight during the daily EA Sports FC 26 tournament hosted on the centre court. Five qualifying rounds will take place each day, with the strongest contenders advancing to the grand final on the last afternoon of the festival.

The champion will walk away with a PlayStation 5 Slim valued at R14,000, while the runner-up will receive a Nintendo Switch worth R13,000. Third place will claim a Logitech G29 Steering Wheel together with a copy of EA Sports FC 26.

Registration opens daily at 9 am and 1 pm on a first-come, first-served basis, with matches kicking off shortly afterwards.

Lawrence Joubert, General Manager of Midlands Mall, says the festival has grown into a much-anticipated moment on the mall’s annual calendar. “The Gaming Festival brings an exciting energy to the mall. It gives players a place to test their skills, discover new technology and enjoy the atmosphere that only gaming communities create when they come together.”

For three lively days, Midlands Mall will invite visitors to step into a world of competition, colour and digital adventure as the Gaming Festival 2026 returns to Pietermaritzburg.

For more information on Liberty Midlands Mall and its events, go to midlandsmall.co.za or follow Liberty Midlands Mall on social media @libertymidlandsmall.

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TCL strengthens its long-standing partnership with Call of Duty® and showcases its latest QD-Mini LED televisions as the ultimate gaming displays for the world of Black Ops 7.

Johannesburg, 13 November 2025 | TCL Electronics, a global leader in consumer technology, recognised as the Global No. 1 Ultra-Large Screen TV Brand (OMDIA 2024) and a prominent pioneer in home appliances, announced the expansion of its partnership with Call of Duty® alongside the global rollout of Black Ops 7. Returning as the Official TV Partner, TCL is aligning its newest QD-Mini LED technology with one of the most anticipated releases of the year, offering players an elevated visual experience designed to bring every mission, environment and detail to life.

Big-Screen Immersion for the Black Ops Universe

Call of Duty is designed for scale, detail and fast-paced tactical action—elements that come to life on big-screen displays. TCL’s QD-Mini LED TVs amplify these moments with precision dimming, high refresh rates and refined brightness that help players track movement, read environments and respond with accuracy.

TCL C7K — Higher Brightness, More Precision and Enhanced Visual Depth

Stepping up in performance, the C7K incorporates up to 2,800 local dimming zones and 3,000 nits peak brightness to deliver greater contrast and realism on a big screen. With a 144Hz native refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and optimised Game Modes with improved audio, motion stays exceptionally smooth and responsive even during high-intensity sequences. The C7K’s elevated HDR performance enhances the visibility of textures, UI elements and lighting, creating a more immersive and finely detailed experience for players stepping into the world of Black Ops 7.

TCL C6K — Fast, Fluid and Built for Players Who Prioritise Responsiveness

The C6K delivers smooth, stable performance with a 144Hz native refresh rate, VRR support and low input lag suited for fast-paced encounters. Its QD-Mini LED backlight features hundreds of dimming zones,  improving visibility in darker areas of the map and helping players identify environmental details that matter in close combat. For big-screen gaming setups, the C6K offers fluidity and speed that competitive players value.

TCL C8K — Flagship Performance for Maximum Immersion on the Biggest Screens

Set to launch in South Africa in 2026, the C8K is engineered for players seeking the most cinematic and commanding display possible. With up to 3,840 local dimming zones and peak brightness reaching 4,500 – 5,000 nits peak brightness (size-dependent), the C8K produces exceptional clarity, depth and Halo control. Combined with its 4K 144Hz display, ultra-fast motion handling, and premium QD colour accuracy, the C8K delivers a powerhouse visual experience tailored for next-generation consoles. Its QLED technology further enhances this performance by producing an ultra-wide colour range—covering 97% of the DCI-P3 spectrum—bringing over a billion rich, lifelike colours to the screen for truly immersive gameplay.

Game Master Technology: Optimised for Competitive Play

All three models feature TCL’s Game Master suite—a dedicated set of gaming tools that automatically activates low-latency performance modes, manages VRR/FreeSync stability, and provides a quick-access gaming dashboard for real-time adjustments. Shadow enhancement features also improve visibility in darker areas, giving players clearer insight during tactical moments.

Wide Viewing Angle for Shared and Multi-Position Play

TCL’s QD-Mini LED lineup also offers improved wide-angle viewing, maintaining brightness and colour accuracy even when players are not seated directly in front of the screen. Whether gaming from different positions or playing co-op with friends, picture consistency remains intact—an essential advantage for large-screen setups.

A Strengthened Partnership Built on Years of Collaboration

TCL and Call of Duty share a long-standing partnership that has grown alongside the evolution of the gaming landscape. Over the years, TCL has supported multiple franchise releases, global creator events and regional gaming activations, consistently aligning its display innovations with the visual standards of the Call of Duty universe.

From previous Black Ops titles to this year’s Call of Duty®: NEXT, TCL has collaborated closely with Activision to understand the needs of players and enhance gaming-driven features across its lineup. With Black Ops 7, the partnership enters a new chapter, combining advanced QD-Mini LED technology with one of the most iconic franchises in modern gaming.

“Call of Duty has always pushed visual innovation,” said Scott Ramirez, Vice President of Product Marketing and Development, TCL Home Theater. “With Black Ops 7 and our newest QD-Mini LED televisions, we are delivering the brightness, contrast and motion handling needed to experience the game as its creators intended.”

“Our partnership with Call of Duty reflects our shared focus on delivering immersive, high-performance experiences for players. With Black Ops 7 and our latest QD-Mini LED lineup, we’re delivering the level of clarity, motion precision and responsiveness today’s players expect from a next-generation gaming display.” Said Mr. Majid Khan Niazi, Marketing Director, TCL Middle East & Africa.

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Pietermaritzburg, 15 May 2025: Liberty Midlands Mall’s Gaming Festival levelled up once again this year, delivering an electrifying, immersive experience that drew a staggering 8 462 visitors across three action-packed days. This marks a significant climb from last year’s tally of 6,800 attendees, reaffirming the festival’s firm position as a cornerstone event on KwaZulu-Natal’s gaming calendar.

Bigger Turnout, Bigger Prizes

Now in its fourth year, the festival’s continued success lies in its ability to evolve alongside the gaming community it serves. From expanded game categories to a broader range of interactive installations, the event stays relentlessly in touch with the pulse of digital culture. This year, a total prize pool exceeding R100 000, including 650 Game4U vouchers, ensured high-stakes competition across every inch of the mall.

The headline event, the EA FC 25 tournament, took centre stage in the bustling Wimpy Court. Enthusiastic players queued from as early as 7am to secure their places in the qualifying rounds. After a fiercely contested three-day showdown, the tournament champion claimed a PS5 Slimline worth R14 000, while second and third places took home a VR Oculus Meta Quest and a racing chair combo, respectively.

New Dimensions In Digital Entertainment

2025’s edition wasn’t content to simply repeat past successes. The introduction of Kinect and rhythm-based games added dynamic, high-energy dance and sports challenges, broadening the event’s appeal. For those craving full-immersion experiences, the inclusion of a virtual reality station transported players into entirely new gaming universes.

Anchoring the festival was Liberty Midlands Mall’s exclusive gaming retailer, Game4U, which enhanced its on-site footprint with a dedicated retail kiosk. Here, casual browsers and seasoned players alike could explore the latest gaming gear and accessories — a strategic touch that seamlessly connected retail with entertainment.

A Festival That Evolves With Its Audience

By continuously refreshing its offering and deepening its relationship with the local gaming community, Liberty Midlands Mall has turned this event into a consistent crowd-puller and brand-builder. Plans for 2026 are already in the pipeline, with a renewed focus on pushing the boundaries of experiential retail and immersive entertainment.

For further details on Liberty Midlands Mall and its future projects, visit midlandsmall.co.za or follow @libertymidlandsmall across social media platforms.

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Pietermaritzburg, 10 March 2025: Following last year’s showdown that drew gaming enthusiasts from far and wide, the highly anticipated Gaming Festival, powered by Game4U in collaboration with the African Cyber Gaming League, returns to Liberty Midlands Mall this year. Taking place from Friday 28 March to Sunday 30 March 2025, the fourth edition of this exciting festival promises an expansive gaming experience packed with virtual reality, esports tournaments, mobile gaming, racing and hands-free Kinect and rhythm games.

Gamers and spectators alike can experience interactive installations and high-energy competitions across two key zones: the centre court and the Wimpy court. Plus, with a value of over R100,000 in prizes up for grabs, including 650 Game4U vouchers totalling R65,000, this year’s festival is set to be more rewarding than ever.

Festival Highlights to Look Forward to This Year:

• Esports Zone: Competitive EA FC 25 tournaments in the Wimpy court, where players will battle it out for top prizes.
• Game4U kiosk: The chance to purchase gaming gear firsthand from the mall’s exclusive gaming tenant.
• Kinect & Rhythm Games: hands-free gaming experiences, including dance and sports-based challenges.
• Virtual Reality Experiences: immersive VR activations to transport players into new dimensions.
• Mobile Gaming: Are you an endless runner? Prove your skills at Subway Surfers.
• Keyboard Rebuild Race: Are you a keyboard warrior? Then show you know your QWERTY from your WASD at the keyboard rebuild race.
• Ready, set, go! If you can keep your race line, prove it in the fastest lap competition.

EA FC 25 Tournament

Esports enthusiasts will have the chance to battle it out in the EA FC 25 tournament, taking place daily in the Wimpy Court from 28 to 30 March. Players will compete in five qualifying rounds, with the top four from each round advancing to the grand final on the last day. The ultimate champion will walk away with a PlayStation 5 Slimline worth R14,000, while the runner-up will take home a VR Oculus Meta Quest valued at R13,000. The third-place finisher will win a racing chair combo worth R9,000 and an EA FC 25 game. Registration will take place daily at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM on a first-come, first-served basis and matches will kick off at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, respectively.

Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive esports player, the Gaming Festival at Liberty Midlands Mall is the ultimate place to level up your game. Don’t miss out on three days of electrifying competitions, interactive experiences, and the chance to win big.

For more information, go to https://www.midlandsmall.co.za/ or follow Liberty Midlands Mall on social media @libertymidlandsmall.

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Johannesburg, 28 August 2024: Bedford shopping centre is thrilled to announce the addition of two exciting entertainment attractions, promising to provide unparalleled fun and adventure for visitors aged 9 years and upwards. #Escape is located on the Square side of the centre, near Georges Grill restaurant and the Gel Gun Wars is close to the Nu-Metro cinema, both offering enthralling experiences.

#Escape is Bedford’s new escape room experience. Here, a group of between 3 – 7 players get “locked” in one of four immersive themed rooms with just one hour to solve various mysteries puzzles and escape before time runs out. Each room centres around a unique storyline and challenge:

Hack Out: Trapped in a maximum-security prison, a mysterious figure has disabled the security systems. Can you and your team escape before they are reactivated?

Rebel: On a secret military mission, your team must navigate a rebel camp and complete your objective before time runs out.

Red Moon: In the land of Mythareal, you must stop Valacor the vampire lord before the Red Moon awakens him. Use the items from your ancestors to find the Ancient of Souls.

Closure: As paranormal investigators, solve a decades-old mystery in an abandoned house. Can you uncover the truth before it’s too late?

For those seeking an even bigger challenge, the Escape Competition Chambers offer an epic battle against Valacor the Vampire Lord’s army of Darkness. Up to 30 players can join forces to summon the Legendary Dragon of Eternity and save the realm.

The Gel Gun Wars offers the ultimate battleground for thrill-seekers. Equipped with gel blasters, participants can engage in heart-pounding action and test their tactical skills in a safe, fun environment. Players are provided with state-of-the-art gel blasters that shoot water-based gel beads, ensuring a non-lethal and environmentally friendly experience. The battleground is meticulously designed with various obstacles, hiding spots, and strategic points to create an immersive and challenging atmosphere. Teams must work together, communicate effectively, and develop strategies to out-manoeuvre their opponents. Whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer, the Gel Gun Wars promises an adrenaline-filled adventure where you can experience the rush of combat without any real danger.

Join the adrenaline-fueled fun at Gel Gun Wars or take your best shot at #Escape on Fridays from 15:00 – 21:00, Saturdays from 10:00 – 21:00 and Sundays from 10:00 – 17:00. Tickets can be bought at the door but booking in advance (insert website) is advised.

These new offerings will complement Bedford’s over 170 stores and eateries, providing a world of adventure, mystery, and action, making every visit to the centre an unforgettable experience. For more information, visit the centre’s website: www.bedfordcentre.com.

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What is The Last HODLer?

The Last HODLer is a multiplayer online game that takes place in the vibrant and immersive Africarare 3.0 metaverse. Inspired by popular battle royale games, this game features meme coins and NFT collections represented as avatars, each with unique and quirky characteristics. Players compete in a series of challenges to see who can HODL (Hold On for Dear Life) the longest on disappearing plates. The last player standing wins the game and takes home the rewards.

Key Features:

• Meme Coin & NFT Avatars: Play as your favourite meme coins or NFT community avatars, each designed with a playful and distinctive style.
• HODL Challenges: Navigate through dynamic and challenging environments, jumping between disappearing plates to avoid falling.
• Competitive Esports: Engage in intense multiplayer battles with 2 to 10 players per game.
• Blockchain Integration: Enjoy seamless transactions and secure gameplay with blockchain technology.

Game Modes

The Last Hodler offers two main game modes: Practice Mode and Tournament Mode.

1. Practice Mode: Free to play, this mode allows players to hone their skills and familiarize themselves with the game mechanics. It’s a great way to prepare for the competitive tournaments.
2. Tournament Mode: For a more competitive experience, players can enter the Tournament Mode by purchasing a game ticket for 50 $UBU. This mode offers different tiers based on the number of participants:

– 2 Player Game: Winner takes all.

– 3 Player Game: Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.

– 4–10 Player Games: Prizes distributed among the top three players.

Prize Distribution

Africarare takes a 10% fee from the total entry fees, and the remaining prize pool is distributed among the winners. Here’s how the prizes are allocated (See attached graphic).

7–10 player rooms coming soon

How to Participate

To join a game, players can visit the Africarare website and select their preferred game mode. Purchasing a ticket for Tournament Mode ensures entry into the competitive rounds, where players can test their HODLing skills and win exciting prizes.

The Concept: Esports Meets Blockchain in the Metaverse

The Last HODLer is not just a game; it’s a groundbreaking fusion of esports, blockchain technology, and the metaverse. This innovative concept brings together the best aspects of competitive gaming and the decentralized economy, offering players a unique and secure gaming experience.

Esports Evolution

As an esports game, The Last HODLer provides a platform for players to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. The game’s design encourages strategic thinking, quick reflexes, and adaptability, making it a true test of gaming prowess.

Blockchain Integration

Leveraging blockchain technology, The Last HODLer ensures transparency and security in all transactions. Players can trust that their winnings are secure and that the game’s mechanics are fair and tamper-proof.

Immersive Metaverse Experience

Set in the expansive Africarare 3.0 metaverse, The Last HODLer offers an immersive and interactive environment. Players can explore vibrant landscapes, interact with other participants, and experience the dynamic world of Africa.

Join the Revolution

The Last HODLer is more than just a game; it’s a revolutionary step forward in the world of esports and blockchain technology. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a crypto enthusiast, this game offers an unparalleled experience that you won’t want to miss.

Visit Africarare to learn more and join the game today.

Get ready to HODL, compete, and win big in the metaverse!

Future Versions

Exciting updates are on the horizon for The Last HODLer. Future versions will include larger tournaments based on player rankings, additional levels and stages, and more immersive gameplay features. Stay tuned for these enhancements and prepare to take your gaming experience to the next level!

The post Introducing The Last HODLer: The Ultimate Esports Blockchain Game in the Africarare Metaverse appeared first on Alt News Network.

Pietermaritzburg, 20 March 2024: Following 2023’s successful gaming event that attracted gamers from across KwaZulu-Natal, the Gaming Festival powered by Game4U, in collaboration with African Cyber Gaming League will return to the Liberty Midlands Mall this March. Over 2,000 gamers attended the occasion last year. Now in its third edition, the Gaming Festival will take place from Tuesday, March, 26 to Thursday, March 28, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily in the Centre Court, Woolworths Court and the Wimpy Court. This year, there are over R60,000 worth of prizes to be won.

Participants will be able to compete in various mini-tournaments, with prizes awarded to players at the top of the leaderboard, as well as in random draws. In the Keyboard Rebuild Race, sponsored by Redragon. the daily “fastest time” winners will win a Redragon keyboard, with an additional keyboard being given away in a lucky draw at the end of the weekend.

A PlayStation 5 EA FC 24 tournament will be hosted throughout the event in the Wimpy Court. A total of five qualifiers and a grand final will see players competing for a prize pool of R5,000 worth of gift cards and a PS5 to be won. Each qualifier is limited to 64 players, and registration will be done on a first-come-first-served basis at the event. The top four players from each qualifier will return on the event’s final day for the grand finale to compete for their share of prizes. Registration for the qualifiers opens at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, and at 9:00 AM on Thursday, with the final commencing at 1:00 PM.

The Gaming Festival will cater to gaming enthusiasts with various interests. For fans of speed, a fastest-lap competition awaits. The daily winners of the racing setups will each win a R500 Midlands Mall gift card. For those who enjoy high kicks and knockouts, a Tekken 8 cup will take place on Thursday, with a total of R1,500 in gift cards to be won. Registrations will open at 12:00 PM, with matches starting at 1:00 PM. Entry is limited to 32 players.

Alongside these activities, there will be additional opportunities to enjoy gaming in various ways. Gamers can look forward to offerings from Minecraft, Rocket League and Aim Labs, and more. Mobile gaming fans who play Free Fire installed on their phones are invited to show the administrators on duty their highest “kills” on the day to stand in line to win spot prizes. Additionally, prizes are on offer for the highest “score for a run” in Subway Surfers. Spot prizes will be awarded to gamers and shoppers who arrive dressed as their favourite gaming characters.

For more information, kindly contact Liberty Midlands Mall marketing manager Minoli Chetty on 033 341 9570 / Minoli.Chetty@epsgroup.co.za or visit the mall’s website https://www.midlandsmall.co.za/.

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