Facing the dark: ZeNN on building games through South Africa’s load shedding
Power cuts can derail even the most prepared developers. In South Africa, “load shedding” is a daily reality—one that solo developer ZeNN has had to plan around in both life and work. In this Fix Gaming Channel Q&A, he talks candidly about coping strategies, knock-on effects for creators, and why resilience still matters.
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Interview
Q: What happens when sudden outages hit while you’re working or streaming?
A: We’ve experienced several sudden power outages, often due to issues like burnt or stolen cables. When I’m working or streaming and the power cuts out, all I can do is wait for the power company to address the issue.
Q: What steps do you take when you anticipate a load-shedding event?
A: I use the EskomSePush app for accurate load-shedding schedules. At night, I prepare by cooking early, charging my alarm batteries, and setting up emergency lighting. Although I own a generator, I use it sparingly due to the cost of fuel.
Q: How effective are the warning systems for load shedding?
A: The EskomSePush app is very reliable, and it even updates us about water supply issues.
Q: How do you manage your work during unscheduled power outages?
A: Unscheduled outages are unpredictable, but I start my generator if necessary. Mostly, I have to wait for the power to return.
Q: What backup solutions have you implemented to mitigate the effects of load shedding?
A: I use an old generator for essential tasks like cooking. It’s not ideal due to fuel costs, but it helps keep things running minimally.
Q: How do power outages affect your interaction with your audience during live streams or significant events?
A: Load shedding significantly disrupts live streams and important events, frustrating both me and my viewers.
Q: What broader impacts does load shedding have on the digital and creative sectors in your region?
A: It’s devastating economically—businesses close, and the city loses millions in stolen cable repairs and other damages. It’s a critical issue that needs immediate resolution.
Q: Do you believe load shedding is tied to corruption or mismanagement within the energy sector?
A: Absolutely. Mismanagement and corruption within Eskom have directly contributed to our current situation. Warnings were ignored, and now we are all paying the price.
Q: How has load shedding changed since you started your career?
A: It has worsened, with frequent outages caused by overloading and infrastructure failure. There’s no real improvement in sight, but I adapt as best as I can.
Q: What changes would help professionals like you cope better with load shedding?
A: The solution is simple: keep the power on, especially in major hubs like Johannesburg.
Q: Any advice for others facing similar challenges?
A: Stay positive and resilient. When life knocks you down, get back up stronger. Losing my job led me to opportunities in game development and streaming.
Q: Can you hint at any upcoming projects?
A: I’m working on a major project and several games. Details will be shared when appropriate.
ZeNN’s journey through load shedding is a reminder that creativity often survives on grit and good planning. If you’re dealing with similar conditions, tools like ESP (EskomSePush) can help you plan around outages—and a realistic backup plan can keep your momentum.
Tool mentioned: ESP (EskomSePush).
EPIC ZOMBIES
Release: October 22, 2024
Genre: Action, Adventure, Indie (Early Access)
Developer/Publisher: Archor Wright, ZeNN Games / Archor Games, ZeNN Games
Platforms: Steam (PC)
Written by Ronny Fiksdahl, Founder & Editor of Fix Gaming Channel.
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