Facing the dark: ZeNN on building games through South Africa’s load shedding
Power cuts can derail even the most prepared creators. In South Africa, load shedding has been a reality many people have had to plan around, and for solo developers and streamers, that can mean lost work time, broken momentum, interrupted broadcasts, and constant backup planning.
In this Fix Gaming Channel Q&A, ZeNN talks candidly about coping with outages, the effect on creative work, the frustration of losing live-streaming time, and why resilience still matters when the lights go out.
Editor’s note: This interview focuses on ZeNN’s personal experience with load shedding and creative work. Conditions, schedules, and local power situations can change over time, so readers in South Africa should check official/local tools for current updates.
ZeNN’s interview looks at how load shedding affects game development, streaming, planning, and creative work in South Africa.
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Interview with ZeNN
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.
Planning around the dark
ZeNN’s experience is a reminder that creativity often survives on grit, routine, and planning. For developers and streamers working under unstable conditions, a project is not only shaped by design goals, tools, or deadlines. It is also shaped by the reality of whether the lights stay on long enough to finish the work.
The tool mentioned during the interview is ESP / EskomSePush, which helps users track load-shedding updates and local power-related reports.
EPIC ZOMBIES Game Info
EPIC ZOMBIES
Release: October 22, 2024
Genre: Action, Adventure, Indie, Early Access, Zombies
Developer: Archor Wright, ZeNN Games
Publisher: Archor Games, ZeNN Games
Platform: PC via Steam
Related Reading
For more developer conversations, visit our Developer Interviews hub. You can also read our UNAWAKE interview for another look at game development behind dark and demanding worlds.
Written by Ronny Fiksdahl, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Fix Gaming Channel.
Send interview pitches, corrections, tips, or developer stories to contact@fixgamingchannel.com.
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