DStv Launches Smartphone Games: What You Need to Know About the New MyDStv Arcade
Explore MultiChoice’s New MyDStv Arcade – A Revolutionary Casual Gaming Platform Linked to DStv Rewards
In a bold and playful new move, MultiChoice has launched Arcade (MyDStv Arcade), a smartphone gaming hub integrated within the MyDStv App, offering subscribers an exciting way to engage with their favourite shows through casual, short-session games. This innovation adds another layer of entertainment to the DStv experience—one that fuses rewards, storylines, and interactive fun.
A New Era of Mobile Entertainment with MyDStv Arcade
Available now on the MyDStv app, Arcade is a digital playground featuring light-hearted, show-related mobile games. These games aren’t just about high scores—they’re integrated with the DStv Rewards Programme, allowing players to earn points, power-ups, loot chests, and even real-world prizes such as BoxOffice movie rentals, subscription package upgrades, and event tickets.
Unlike traditional standalone games, these titles live within the MyDStv app, removing the need to download multiple apps or log in repeatedly, a huge plus for mobile users looking for seamless entertainment.
Spotlight on Shaka iLembe: Match Challenge and More
At the heart of this new initiative is “Match Challenge”, a game tied to the second season of the historical epic Shaka iLembe. Here, players must match themed symbols—think spears, drums, and shields—in a vibrant match-three puzzle game. The simple mechanics hide a deeper strategic layer: combo multipliers, explosive gems, and leaderboard competitions that heat up during primetime DStv viewing hours.
MultiChoice reports that users are spending an average of 41 minutes per session, with the most intense activity syncing with new episode airings. Even more impressive is the dynamic storytelling: game content unlocks in tandem with new episodes, urging players to keep up with the show to access exclusive in-game challenges.
In the words of MultiChoice:
“The mechanic is simple, but layered… and there’s a smart twist: as the show progresses, so does the game.”
Two more themed titles are also on the horizon:
- Warrior’s Run – an obstacle-style endurance game
- Mystery Kingdom – an interactive quest adventure
All three games are the result of a partnership between the DStv Rewards team and Red Oxygen, a loyalty and gamification studio.
Playing for Perks: DStv Rewards Integration
This isn’t gaming just for the sake of fun—it’s gaming with a purpose. These titles are tightly interwoven with the DStv Rewards ecosystem, offering users a tangible incentive to play. You’re not only enjoying entertainment; you’re also racking up points toward actual subscriber benefits, whether that’s a weekend movie night or a surprise event invite.
Shaheed Mohamed, Executive Head of Customer Value Management at MultiChoice South Africa, emphasised this strategy:
“We’re giving members and fans of the show fun, engaging, and rewarding new ways to connect with the content they love.”
Other Games in the Arcade Library
Beyond Shaka iLembe’s universe, MyDStv Arcade also features a range of kid-friendly and casual games, including:
- Teen Titans Go
- Crusher
- Triple Hoops
- Wagon Dash
- Dodge Ball
This wide variety ensures something for every member of the household, from toddlers to grown-ups.
How DStv’s Strategy Differs from Netflix
While Netflix’s mobile gaming ambitions have struggled—dropping over 20 titles including blockbusters like Hades and Braid, and shutting down its AAA studio—DStv has embraced a less-is-more, relevance-first strategy. Instead of building standalone titles, MultiChoice created a game space inside an existing app, with direct links to their television content and rewards. This reduces user friction and encourages regular play.
Final Thoughts: Gaming Meets TV in a Smart, Rewarding Way
DStv’s mobile gaming push is not just a gimmick—it’s a clever convergence of loyalty, fandom, and digital fun. By anchoring games around hit shows like Shaka iLembe, they’ve ensured the titles are not only topical but emotionally engaging.
With more episodes and games on the way, and the promise of rewards just a few taps away, MyDStv Arcade is poised to become a new go-to hub for casual gaming in South Africa.
Also read: South Africans Ditch Using Cash and Cards: Rise of Digital Payments in 2025