Pineapple on Pizza Studios: Levelling up in the gaming industry

Pineapple on Pizza Studios, co-founded by Kushal Jeethendra Sithlu, is a Johannesburg-based indie game studio, committed to elevating South African gaming by creating African-influenced content for global audiences. With a focus on nurturing local talent and innovative storytelling, the studio is rapidly gaining recognition in the international gaming scene. In the bustling city of Johannesburg, a new force in the gaming industry is emerging, poised to put South Africa on the global gaming map. Pineapple on Pizza Studios, co-founded by Kushal Jeethendra Sithlu and Imraan Arenz, is an indie and mobile game development studio dedicated to producing high-quality content infused with African culture and storytelling. The studio’s mission is clear: to create opportunities for South Africa’s young creatives and to introduce the world to Africa’s rich narrative traditions through the medium of gaming.

Sithlu and Arenz’s dream of founding Pineapple on Pizza Studios stemmed from a desire to provide a platform for South African creatives who often find themselves marginalized in an industry that lacks sufficient local opportunities. “We founded Pineapple on Pizza Studios to create opportunities for our young creatives who are often driven away from the gaming industry by the lack of opportunities,” says Sithlu. He is passionate about uplifting local talent, providing them with sustainable and profitable ways to pursue their creative passions while also contributing to the growth of both local and international gaming landscapes.

Pineapple on Pizza Studios is not just another indie studio; it’s a movement. Under Sithlu’s entrepreneurial leadership, the studio has already made significant strides. Among their achievements are winning Best Technical Game at the Campus Game Jam 2022, showcasing their work at prestigious events like Comic Con Africa and Playtopia, and being recognized as a Rising Star by Games Industry Africa in 2023. Additionally, the studio earned the Fak’ugesi Rising Star Award for their game Null Factor in 2023, further solidifying their reputation as a studio to watch.

Currently, Pineapple on Pizza Studios is working on two flagship projects. The first is Braai Guy, a casual mobile game that blends hybrid gameplay mechanics with South Africa’s beloved braai culture. The second is Moya, a 2D narrative adventure set in a mystical post-apocalyptic African world. Moya draws inspiration from a variety of African cultures, designs, and storytelling techniques, promising to deliver a uniquely African experience to gamers around the world. These projects, along with others in the pipeline, are designed to establish a stable revenue stream that will enable the studio to grow, attract more young talent, and collaborate with other rising companies, thereby broadening South Africa’s presence in the global gaming industry.

Pineapple on Pizza Studios’ potential is further underscored by their recent selection as one of the Top 12 entrepreneur finalists in the Création Africa programme. This prestigious French programme offers incubation, seed funding, and immersion into international investment networks—key elements that will help propel the studio to the next level. Sithlu’s participation in this programme is a pivotal step in his journey to make Pineapple on Pizza Studios a significant player in both the local and international gaming scenes. As Sithlu notes, “The entrepreneurial training at Création Africa goes beyond just the creative aspects. The programme also recognises the importance of equipping entrepreneurs with knowledge in managing finances and cultivating leadership skills, which are fundamental to grow.”

With a clear vision, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to African culture and creativity, Pineapple on Pizza Studios is not just leveling up—they’re changing the game.