Pietermaritzburg, 15 May 2025: The Liberty Midlands Mall Gaming Festival 2025 wasn’t just another weekend at the mall — it was a full-blown digital takeover. With an explosive 8 462 gamers and fans flooding in over three days, the event shattered its own attendance record and firmly planted itself as one of KZN’s biggest gaming meetups.

Next-Level Action And R100K In Prizes

Year four of this fan-favourite event proved it’s not slowing down anytime soon. The festival expanded its gaming categories and interactive stations to stay sharp and in tune with the ever-evolving gaming scene. This year’s prize pool clocked in at over R100 000, with 650 Game4U vouchers in circulation and enough giveaways to make every visitor feel like a winner.

The headline grabber? The EA FC 25 tournament in the Wimpy Court. Die-hard players lined up from the crack of dawn to secure a spot in the qualifiers. After three days of fierce showdowns, one lucky champ bagged a PS5 Slimline valued at R14 000, while runners-up scored a VR Oculus Meta Quest and a racing chair setup. Serious bragging rights included.

Gaming Evolved: Kinect, VR, And Rhythm Battles

What set 2025 apart was the injection of fresh, interactive energy. New Kinect and rhythm game zones had players busting moves and dodging imaginary obstacles, while a VR station turned heads by launching gamers into alternate dimensions. It wasn’t just about watching — it was about getting stuck in.

Game4U, the mall’s go-to gaming retailer, amped up their presence with an on-site shopfront loaded with the latest consoles, accessories, and merch. Whether you were there for the comp or the culture, there was something to cop.

2026 Promises Bigger Mayhem

If this year’s turnout is any indication, Liberty Midlands Mall is gearing up to smash expectations in 2026. Word is, the next edition will lean even harder into immersive gaming and mind-bending retail experiences.

For the latest drops on what’s next, hit up midlandsmall.co.za or follow @libertymidlandsmall on socials.

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