Resource hub

The rise of video game subscriptions

June, 2021
Having become the dominant model in other forms of entertainment, we look at how subscriptions are change the way developers reach new audiences.

NSE Innovation Challenge: Impressing the Judges

June, 2021
What does it take to impress the judges of the NSE Innovation Challenge? We spoke to some of this year’s judges including Becky Wright, Will Attwood and our own Matt Colclough to find out what makes a game competitive, innovative and stand out from the crowd.

Why everyone is getting light-headed over ray tracing?

June, 2021
Experts from around the industry explain what ray tracing is, how it is achieved and what it means for video games.

Video Game Publishing Deals

June, 2021
We take a look at the different levels of service and support publishers offer to studios trying to bring their games to market.

GameMaker Handing Over Game Creation Tools

June, 2021
Unleashing easy to use game creation tools to all, GameMaker could be your first step into a career in games. We sat down with YoYo Games CTO Russell Kay to hear all about how GameMaker is helping more people than ever before turn their dreams into reality.

Innovations in game design

May, 2021
Developers share their thoughts on some of the concepts and mechanics, both old and new, that have left their mark on the industry.

Community Spotlight: Safe In Our World

May, 2021
Safe In Our World is fostering mental health awareness in the games industry.We sat down to chat with Trustee Gina Jackson OBE to learn more about the Level Up Mental Health challenge, their fundraising events, and how to encourage openness in the workplace.

NSE Innovation Challenge Winners: Found Guys VS

May, 2021
Matt sat down with London College of Communication student Luca to hear about his team’s entry, Found Guys VS. We learned more about what makes the game unique, how Luca’s team overcame bugs, and what’s next for the game’s development.

Building your brand through co-development

May, 2021
We look at benefits and challenges for studios who operate as work-for-hire and why developers should consider this business path

Indie Spotlight: Milky Tea

May, 2021
Hyperbrawl is the ultimate game of intergalactic handball created by Liverpool based studio Milky Tea. We spoke to Designer Scott and Producer Kevin to hear about their creative process with the game, the future of Milky Tea, and their own compelling stories of becoming game developers.

Innovations in AI

May, 2021
We spoke with Emily Short and AI and Games to get the latest on all that AI has to offer. From game design improvements to NPC voice generation, to how gamers in the future will play.

NSE Innovation Challenge Winners: ZenTower

April, 2021
Student team from the University of York, Albie, Sam & Dan took on the NSE Innovation Challenge with their game Zen Tower. Matt sat down with Albie to find out more about what made their entry special.

A guide to getting the funding and finance your game needs

April, 2021
Industry experts offer advice on navigating the tricky world of games investment.

Tech Beyond Games

April, 2021
The technology powering the latest video games has advanced rapidly, and it’s not just games developers that have taken notice. The film, automotive, and architecture industries are just a few who have been integrating it into their non-gaming workflows.

DF Developers: Brand New Mega Drive/Genesis Games with Bitmap Bureau and Big Evil Corp

April, 2021
In this special episode, John Linneman talks to Bitmap Bureau and Big Evil Corp about how they created the brand new Sega Mega Drive/Genesis titles Xeno Crisis and Tanglewood.

DF Developers: Ori And The Will of the Wisps – The Next-Gen Xbox Series X/S Challenge

April, 2021
Digital Foundry returns to the brilliant Moon Studios, to talk to co-founder and lead engineer Gennadiy Koral.

DF Developers: Inside Next-Gen Indie Development with Phigames

April, 2021
Digital Foundry got an exciting look into the creative process of Recompile, a Metroidvania-inspired hacking adventure.

Crowdfunding your game

April, 2021
We speak to developers about the challenges of using Kickstarter and other platforms to raise finance for development, and how you can improve your chances of meeting your goal.

Using Game Audio To Its Full Potential

April, 2021
Adrian Hon, Co-Founder and CEO of Six to Start, details how their hit audio-only game, Zombies, Run!, uses narrative hooks and audio design to keep runners on their path and hear how it all ends.

SpecialEffect

April, 2021
We spoke to the wonderful Becky from SpecialEffect to get the latest on their charity fundraisers like StrideQuest, and how they are adjusting to providing support and accessibility remotely.

The potential of large-scale simulation in the games industry 

April, 2021
We meet Hadean and Improbable to discuss how the technology they are trying to define could impact the way we design and develop video games.

Kowloon Nights

April, 2021
The games publishing industry has been given a shake-up by Kowloon Night’s programme funding developers across the world. Advisor, Jenny Windom tells the story of how they are being the wind in the sails of developer studios, helping them succeed while letting them steer the ship.

How to set up a Gaming Society

April, 2021
University gaming societies bring all kinds of like-minded students together. Whether looking to get involved in esports tournaments as a player, get experience as an admin behind the scenes, or just find new friends interested in gaming, societies connect students to each other.

The financial challenges of running a studio

April, 2021
Five indie game studio Founders at different stages of their journey share their experiences on how they run successful businesses while staying independent and retaining creativity.

Why Fnatic’s recent crowdfunding push wasn’t about money 

March, 2021
CFO Patrick Foster and head of special projects and strategy Chloe Marinier share what the esports firm was seeking on Crowdcube if not cold, hard cash. 

How Eagle Labs is supporting games businesses

March, 2021
From a one-person developer to a scaling indie dev studio, we’re here to help.

How can we improve representation in games to match the audience?

March, 2021
The gaming community is more diverse than ever, but the games themselves don’t often convey this.

Gayming Magazine

March, 2021
Dedicated to raising the game, Industry Gayming is shining a spotlight on LGBTQ+ professionals in games.

The Economics of Streaming

March, 2021
Successful streamers are able to make a living out of playing games for an online audience, but how do they maximise their earnings and what risks do they face?

Women Business Owners: Heather Dower and Hotdrop

March, 2021
What goes into starting and growing a business in a rapidly developing industry? Hotdrop founder and CEO, Heather Dower talks about her career so far.

Building Games for the Players

February, 2021
Esports is growing, which means communication between developers and players has to level up. We spoke to Andrew Stickney, general manager of the London Royal Ravens, regarding the importance of building your esports game around professional players.

How to retain and promote women in the games industry

February, 2021
We look at ways games companies can break the glass ceiling and support women so they can realise their full potential.

How the University of Roehampton is empowering women in esports

February, 2021
We find out how the University of Roehampton’s Women in Esports scholarship is preparing students for their dream careers in esports.

Exploring the ever-evolving world of live ops and community management

February, 2021
We speak to developers about how they keep their games fresh and their audiences engaged over the months and years after launch.

Path to Pro

February, 2021
How can you utilise your interests to help your career? We had a chat with Julia Ćwierz who discussed her esports journey and explained how she is utilising her gaming career to aid long-term endeavours.

The rise of esports: How competitive gaming is breaking into the mainstream

February, 2021
We’re approaching a golden age for esports. Key esports figures from Excel Esports, Hitmarker & Twitch tell us what is taking the esports industry to the next level and becoming as mainstream as traditional sports.

Industry Spotlight: epic.LAN

February, 2021
How does a business adapt to an ever-changing ecosystem? We spoke to Jon Winkle, Managing Director of epicLAN, who gave us epic insight on balancing the interests of multiple communities, while creating well-loved LAN/online events.

Esports’ long journey to medal sport status - and what happens next

February, 2021
We look at how renowned sports events are elevating professional competitive gamers to the same level as traditional athletes.

Community Spotlight: Can I Play That?

February, 2021
Can I Play That? Is a website by and for disabled gamers to discover, review, and discuss accessibility features within games. We chatted to founder Courtney Craven all about how the website helps disabled people find the perfect games to play with their in-depth reviews.

Weavr: Audience of the Future

January, 2021
When the HM Government looked to the creative industries to build new immersive experiences, Weavr gave a successful answer to the call. ESL UK CEO James Dean gives us the inside scoop on how they are championing hyper-personalised fan experiences in esports.

Gaming Roundup: January

January, 2021
January has started off with a bang. We’ve had new games, new events, and new esports seasons announced already. We’re here to help you stay in the know as we cover some of January’s biggest games news, giving you updates on Awesome Games Done Quick, LEC transfers, UKIE’s Hub Crawl and more events from our partners.

The importance of introducing game engines to students

January, 2021
Developers of some of the best known game engines are powering up students, showing them how to get the most out of their engines, and building up their technical skills. We sat down with top minds from Epic Games, NSE, and Unity to learn about the impact of their student connections.

How Creative Assembly gets kids interested in video game careers

January, 2021
Starting out in the games industry can be tough, but Creative Assembly’s Legacy Project is here to help, providing secondary schools with the information and resources needed to inspire students to chase their aspirations. We get the inside scoop from Head of Talent Emma Smith.

School of Code: Boot Camp

January, 2021
The School of Code, founded by Chris Mears aims to unlock opportunities for all marginalised communities.

Winter Wrap-Up Games: The Survivalists

January, 2021
We continue to stay warm with our Winter #WrapUp, as we spoke to Emma Bates, producer of The Survivalists, an adventure game set in a tropical desert island.

Winter Wrap-Up Games: PHOGS!

January, 2021
Our Winter #WrapUp continues, as we get the lowdown from publishers Coatsink and about PHOGS!

Winter #WrapUp Gaming Picklist

December, 2020
It’s time to keep the cold at bay, join us as we go all in on comfort and games with a Winter #WrapUp!

Overcoming the hurdles of producing multi-format games

December, 2020
Developers share advice on bringing video games to multiple platforms and how they overcome the biggest challenges.

Working in the complex and creative world of publishing

December, 2020
Publishers tell us more about the variety of roles available to anyone seeking a career in games without having to make them.

How The Pixel Mill is accelerating growth for Northern Ireland’s game developers

January, 2021
We speak to interactive manager Rory Clifford about Northern Ireland Screen’s initiatives to level up startup game studios.

How the UK games industry is meeting Brexit and Coronavirus Head-on

December, 2020
We explore how developers and publishers are proving their resilience in uncertain times.

Community Spotlight: Now ‘n’ Then: The Ramone & Uncle Daniel Gaming Channel

December, 2020
Barclays colleague Daniel and his nephew Ramone have come together over games in their YouTube channel, Now ‘n’ Then.

Rebuilding London Spitfire

November, 2020
There’s nothing simple about rebuilding a team, but London Spitfire’s recently appointed General Manager Ysabel ‘Noukky’ Müller is up to the challenge. We spoke to Noukky about the step up from British Hurricane to London Spitfire, their new focus, and UK players to watch out for.

Releasing Your Game Into Other Markets

November, 2020
Sharing your titles with the world can lead to a bigger, better future for your company, but how do you get started? We spoke with exportation experts to learn more about how studios can bring their games to new markets, approach new audiences, and broaden their horizons for years to come.

State of Play of VR Technology

November, 2020
We spoke to VR experts at award-winning studio nDreams to learn how they’re making the virtual world a more immersive and welcoming space for everyone.

Industry Experts Reveal the Path to Diversifying Leadership in the UK Games Industry

November, 2020
UK trade bodies and advocacy groups offer advice on how games companies can support a broad range of talent on their journey to the top.

Next-gen racing starts with Dirt 5

November, 2020
We speak to development director Robert Karp about how Codemasters is demonstrating the power of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Gaming Roundup: October

November, 2020
From big game updates, to Esports records being broken, to new opportunities for aspiring industry members. We recap the last month in games with some of October’s highlights.

Ray-tracing, subscriptions and cross-platform play: Why developers are eager for the next PlayStation and Xbox

November, 2020
We speak to studios about the opportunities the arrival of new consoles will open up, and how development might change over the coming years.

Immersive Studios’ mission to push the boundaries of virtual reality

October, 2020
We speak to the team about the origins of their VR business and its broader ambitions for gaming.

The rise and future of Fall Guys

October, 2020
Mediatonic’s Joe Walsh talks us through plans for season two and beyond as the UK developer works hard to build on its biggest success.

Essential games that inspire creativity and teach game design

October, 2020
We look at the games that encourage children to get creative and learn how to become game makers themselves.

Industry Spotlight: Junkfish

October, 2020
Following up a great game with an even better sequel is a major challenge, but the team at Junkfish was fully ready for it.

Meet Akili, the company treating ADHD with games

October, 2020
Chief creative officer Matthew Omernick tells us how an unlikely alliance of software developers and neuroscientists could have created a new kind of medicine.

I've Finished Uni, Now What?

October, 2020
UK developers talk about their experiences and share advice for taking your first steps into the industry after graduation.

Ada Lovelace Day: Coding In Games

October, 2020
Celebrating Ada Lovelace Day we spoke to the women behind the scenes of Code Coven, a Games industry-focused boot camp providing marginalized developers with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the games industry.

I didn’t go to University… Now what?

October, 2020
We spoke to top UK games studios like Codemasters and Rebellion about how you can stand out in the sea of applicants and land the job you’ve always wanted.

Engaging the Next Generation of Play: Digital Schoolhouse

October, 2020
We spoke with Shahneila Saeed and Estelle Ashman of Digital Schoolhouse about providing students with access to learning key games industry skills.

The science of Esports

October, 2020
Co-founder and CEO Ryan Scollan talks us through the goal for his start-up, which uses sports science to help esports players and teams up their game.

How the National Videogame Museum saved itself

September, 2020
We speak to the museum’s cultural director Iain Simons about how the institution has survived these turbulent times, and the importance of its mission.

Blockbusters of Q4

October, 2020
We take a look at some of the biggest games heading to shelves before Christmas.

Esports Roundup: September

September, 2020
Everyone’s throwing down this month, and it might be getting hard to keep up with it all. Seasons are rounding out and world champions are ready to rise. Let’s take a minute to look back at September’s biggest esports news so far.

Industry Spotlight: Aaron ‘Medic’ Chamberlain

September, 2020
In esports, casters are the front line between the fans and the games, they bring life to the broadcast, it’s an art form. We spoke to Aaron ‘Medic’ Chamberlain, play-by-play caster for the LEC, to learn more about his role, collaboration, and casting the biggest games.

Gaming Roundup: September

September, 2020
It’s all popping off in the console wars now, but there’s other highlights shining amongst the fray. Don’t fret on missing out, we’ve got a quick rundown of things you might like to see from September’s gaming news.

Choose Your Games Career: Journalist

September, 2020
We speak to Imogen Mellor about the challenges of starting out in the world of games media.

Choose Your Games Career: Event Management

September, 2020
Are you interested in building games events as big as PAX and EGX? We spoke to David Lilley of REEDPOP, the minds behind many great gaming events.

Choose Your Games Career: Programmer

September, 2020
What sets apart a good programmer from a great programmer? We asked Kieran Nee of Mediatonic to find an answer to that question as he outlined core skills, misconceptions, and other great tips for aspiring games programmers.

Start Your Own Studio 

September, 2020
Are you looking to start your own studio and develop your dream video game from the ground up? We spoke to members of Playtonic, Bulkhead Interactive, and other talented games studios for tips on how a new team can start their own studio.

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.

UKLC Relegation Series Recap

September, 2020
High stakes make for great games, we saw exactly that in the UKLC relegation series, where four teams competed for only two slots in the UKLC 2021 Summer Season. Barrage Academy, Bulldog Esports, Resolve, and nerdRage all played their hearts out for a chance to join or remain in the UKLC.

Esports Roundup: August

September, 2020
Hot days to hot plays, August brought us some of the very best esports has to offer.

DOTA 2 breaking records, Rainbow 6 shattering expectations & League of Legends announcing Worlds, August has truly had it all.

Gaming Roundup: August

September, 2020
Viral battle-beans, virtual bands, and more goose-based chaos than ever before; August was a strange but exciting month, there was a lot to keep up with. We’re here to help and give you some highlights from the last month in gaming.

Choose Your Games Career: Game Designer

September, 2020
In the first of a series of articles, we ask Red Thread Games’ Ole Andreas Haley about his role - and how you can follow in his footsteps.

The Real Deal:
Excel

September, 2020
In 2019, Excel made the ascent from grassroots UK esports all the way to the LEC, the top-flight of European League of Legends.

Competing on an international stage: Telia Masters

September, 2020
NVision Esports and Munster Rugby Gaming Academy took on Europe for the UKLC at the Telia Masters. We spoke to players Efan and DBL to find out how they earned their spot at the Telia Masters and what crucial lessons they learned from playing against unfamiliar teams.

Industry Spotlight:
Aaron Vodovoz

August, 2020
Great voice acting builds a connection between players and characters. To learn more about what that takes, we spoke to Aaron Vodovoz, the voice of Sova from Riot Games' VALORANT. We learned a lot from Vodovoz as he talked us through his experience recording for Riot and what he finds most difficult about voice acting.

Players assemble:
How Ember wants to unite gaming communities

September, 2020
Director Maxwell Logan wants to create a social network that appeals to both players and games industry professionals, with a focus on indie creation and two core values: privacy and positivity.

UKLC Summer 2020 Season Recap

August, 2020
This year, we partnered with Dreamhack to present the UKLC, the top division in UK League of Legends. If you're unfamiliar with the UKLC, we’re here to tell you what it is and show you what happened this season.

A Year Without Events

August, 2020
Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, video game trade shows around the world have either been cancelled or gone digital. Top publishers and developers share how their business has been coping without the usual calendar of conferences.

The Real Deal: Growth and Scale of Esports UK Businesses

August, 2020
We sat down with brothers, Daniel and Kalvin Chung, co-founders and managing directors of MnM Gaming to discuss their fundamental roles within the company and how they operate their business. MnM Gaming are an esport organisation who competed in the recent season of UKLC and NLC.

Ultimate Gaming #Staycation: HyperBrawl Tournament

August, 2020
A highlight in our #Staycation series, we look to Milky Tea Studios and their new game HyperBrawl Tournament. Speaking to Jon Holmes, Studio Director, and Scott Swarbrick, Game Designer, we learned about their design principles and what makes HyperBrawl unique.  

Diversifying the UK games business

August, 2020
As the Black Lives Matter movement continues, experts discuss the games sector’s diversity troubles and what companies can do to improve it.
By Aaron Lee   

Step Up Your Game at University - NSE

August, 2020
NSE (National Student Esports) builds new pathways for students to get together online, believing University esports has a role to play in helping bring like-minded students together.

The E3 That Wasn’t

August, 2020
E3, like everything else this year, was cancelled. The annual games showcase, which takes over the Los Angeles Convention Center for one week every June, was instead replaced by dozens of digital festivals and presentations - but was E3’s absence still felt?

Ultimate Gaming Staycation Picklist

August, 2020
This Summer, we’re embracing a Staycation, and looking for you to join us!

ESI Insider

July, 2020
David Gowans explains Barclays Ventures’ esports vision to Esports Insider.

Rise Podcast

June, 2020
The UK is one of the leading dev hubs in the EU, and fifth biggest market globally, Leon membership relations of UKIE sits down with David Gowans.

UK Esports -  State of play

Thursday 23 January, 2020
 A selection of world-class Professionals working in UK Esports hosted by Chester King, CEO, British Esports Association.

Developing Games from idea to living room

Thursday 23 January, 2020
Have you wanted to develop a game and get it played in people’s front rooms, then this talk is for you, hosted by Sam Collins, Head of Commercial & Membership, UKIE

Barclays and the Games Industry

Thursday 23 January, 2020
Fireside chat with Ben Davey, CEO of Barclays Ventures and David Yarnton, Chairman and Co-Founder, Edge Esports.

Women in Games

Thursday 23 January, 2020
A selection of world-class Professionals working in the industry, hosted by Margarita Skarkou, Barclays Ventures.

Developing Games from idea to living room

Thursday 13 February, 2020
From the North Frenzy:- Have you wanted to develop a game and get it from your head to being published and played in people’s front rooms? Then this talk is for you. Hosted by Rick Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, British Games Institute (BGI).

Sheffield Games montage

Thursday 13 February, 2020
Looking at the overview of the Game frenzy in Sheffield

UK Games Industry Census - understanding diversity in the UK games industry workforce

Thursday 13 February, 2020
UKIE helped commission a report of the industry to find out how diverse we were. Written by Dr. Mark Taylor of the University of Sheffield and funded via the Arts & Humanities Research Council.