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Playing our part to support growth


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At Barclays, we’re playing our part to help the UK Games Industry grow and develop.

We see the positive impact that games can have in bringing communities together, inspiring creativity and building an environment to learn.

 


Ukie Games Demo Day

We are delighted to be partnering with Ukie, in creating an opportunity for UK Games developers to showcase their game to potential audiences and investors.  

Register to attend

 

 

 

'Reaching the next level' report

Reaching the next level report


Read our latest report, ‘Reaching the next level: Exploring opportunities in the UK games sector’, where we share insights on this fascinating sector from the Barclays Games and Esports team and leading industry body Ukie, and views from two successful UK studios on the challenges and potential within the sector.
 

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Barclays Games Frenzy

Barclays Games Frenzy


As part of our support for the games and esports industries globally and following the success of our Barclays Games Frenzy events last year, we are delighted to present our next event focusing on Growth and Innovation in the Games and Esports industries. 

 

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What we're doing
 

Esports

As part of our work in supporting the games industry, we’re partnering with world-class UK esports professionals to help, develop and grow the sport.

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Games Collective

The Games Collective

Setting up your own games business can be very daunting and knowing where you can get support from if important.

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Resource hub

Have you missed an event we ran? Check out our resource hub to find recordings of each of our events for playback at a later date.

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Products and services

Whether it’s a short term cashflow challenge, or a tax credit loan aligned to assist with video game development, we’re on hand to help.

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Resource Hub

Miss an event we ran? You’ll find recordings of all our events on our resource hub.
 

Weird ways of making games

Weird ways of making games

September, 2021
We spoke to experimental indie developers who are coming up with new and innovative forms of gameplay and experiences that defy categorisation.

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How to navigate the costs of setting up a game development studio

How to navigate the costs of setting up a game development studio

September, 2021
Nine Dots Studios and Playtonic Games share more about the myriad costs involved in the start-up landscape.

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How coding careers are more accessible than ever

How coding careers are more accessible than ever

September, 2021
We spoke to Caroline Clark to get an insight into her journey into games development and how other women and marginalised communities can follow suit.

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Teams.gg: Inspiring games startups

Teams.gg: Inspiring games startups

September, 2021
Finding a niche in the gaming industry is a key element to finding success. We spoke to James Duffield Co-Founder & CEO of Teams.GG to hear his business growth story in esports, alongside his advice to others looking to find their feet in the industry.

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How games industry events went virtual during lockdown

How games industry events went virtual during lockdown

September, 2021
We examine how games organisations pivoted to digital events during the pandemic, and how this may impact the future of games industry events as a whole.

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How to pitch to investors and publishers

How to pitch to investors and publishers

August, 2021
We spoke to investors and publishers about what game developers should consider when it comes to trying to secure money for either your company or game you want to create.

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How Gamescom adapted to the world of online events

How Gamescom adapted to the world of online events

August, 2021
Chris Baur of German trade body Game shares what he learned from running a digital show in 2020 and what the future holds for the Cologne conference.

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RixGG: How organisations are taking proactive steps to make positive change

RixGG: How organisations are taking proactive steps to make positive change

Augus,t 2021
With their all-women Lightning team in Valorant and the inception of the Huntress Trials tournament, Rix GG are working hard to support women and people of marginalised genders in esports.

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Where to find future stars

Where to find future stars

August, 2021
Universities discuss how they’re preparing the next generation of game developers for the realities of the industry, and how studios can identify and attract the best graduates.

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Explore Resource Hub

 

Partnering with games industry experts from the grassroots up

We’re partnering with best-in-class industry bodies to bring new events, workshops and solutions. Supporting the UK games and esports industries to develop their skills and connect with like-minded professionals.

Take a look at some of our partners:
 

 

Events

Barclays have joined forces with our partners to pull together an impressive calendar of free, virtual events.

 

The Top 50 Mobile Game Makers 2021

Wednesday 1 September 15:00 - 17:00
Who are the movers and shakers in the mobile games scene? Every year since 2009, the experts at PocketGamer.biz, the leading mobile games industry media, have revealed their take on the top 50 studios, creators and publishers in the world.

Register here

ESI Digital Summer 2021

Wednesday 8 - Thursday 9 September 
ESI Digital Summer is the 5th edition of ESI’s successful Digital Events programme, allowing attendees from around the globe to network, explore, educate and be educated in the esports space regardless of travel restrictions. There’ll be over 60 speakers across the two days, and the themes focused on will be commercialisation, investment, community, education and more, including the return of the pitch investment competition The Clutch for its fifth edition!

Register here

ESI Digital Summer 2021

Thursday 9 September 16:00 - 16:30
Join Brandon of Into Games to learn how to use the Video Game Ambassadors - a free digital platform run by Into Games that connects real-world opportunities connecting young people with the UK games industry.

Register here
 


News
 

Games Innovation Challenge 2021

Games Innovation Challenge 2021

We have joined up with NSE (National Student Esports) to sponsor their first Games Innovation Challenge to students across the UK.

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Barclays and the gaming industry: a multiplayer partnership

The UK gaming industry is valued at £5.7bn – and Barclays is a pioneer in this rapidly evolving sector. David Gowans, Head of Creative Technologies at Barclays Ventures, shares his insights into the bank’s approach to gaming and esports – and why every sector can benefit from its innovations.

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Ukie Reveals UK Game of Show Finalists

Winner of the competition on 24 August will represent the UK at the first EuroPlay Contest. 

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Meet the Games and Esports Team
 

Dave Gowans

Head of Games and Esports

Jon Paterson

Partnership Lead
 

Elaine Moran

Head of Games and Esports Strategy

Matthew Colclough

Esports Lead
 

Gavin Smith

National UK Lead for Business Development


Connect

Whether you’re starting out in games and esports or looking to expand, we’re here to help. If you’d like to find out more about our exciting gaming and esports programme and upcoming events, we’d love to hear from you.


Get in touch

 

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