SpaceSalad Studios
Country: South Africa
Founded: 2019
Team Size: 2-10
Platforms: PC, Mobile, Web
Focus: Indie games, African storytelling, gamification, interactive experiences
Status: Active
Website: https://www.spacesaladstudios.com/
Overview
SpaceSalad Studios is a South African independent game development studio based in Johannesburg. Founded in 2019, the studio creates games and interactive digital experiences, with a particular focus on using African identity and narratives to tackle social issues through entertainment and education.
The studio's portfolio includes Doba Dash, a racing game, HotBunz, a physics-based platformer, P.O.O Weekly, a 2D co-op beat 'em up, and B.E.E, alongside other prototypes and experimental projects.
SpaceSalad has received recognition across several local and international-facing programmes. Doba Dash won Best Game at both Project Springbok and SIMMER.io in 2020, while HotBunz won the Diversity Best Physics Gameplay award at Physics Jam and placed second at the 2023 Playtopia Awards.
Beyond game development, the studio works on companion apps, interactive broadcasting, virtual training simulations, game development training and esports and interactive events.
The team has also continued expanding its international presence, representing South Africa at Gamescom 2026.
Games / Projects
- Doba Dash
- HotBunz
- P.O.O Weekly
- B.E.E
- Ronnie
- Wazi
- EndlessSoccer
Key People
- Thabo Tsolo - Game Designer, 3D Animator and Managing Director
- Wandile Matsebula - Lead Sound Designer, Social Media Manager and Director
- Rethabile Koma - Lead Programmer and Director
- Neo Ramathinyane - Visual Development Artist, 2D Animator and Director
- Minentle Ndzala - Sound Designer, Business Admin and Director