Game Republic has supported the call for Game Hubs and improved pathways in The North from Tanglewood Games in a recent article in GamesIndustry.biz, highlighting Game Republic’s work with One Creative North as part of The Great North and their work as the largest games industry network in the North of England. Featured image is Kerrie Holland – Tanglewood Games winning the Studio Hero Award as part of the annual Game Republic Awards, one of many events the network runs across The North. Game Republic has been progressing tangible proposals for local growth and social mobility following announcements of the inclusion of games in the Industrial Strategy earlier in the year, where it was identified as a key organisation supporting its delivery.
Game Republic wholeheartedly backs GR member Tanglewood Games’ views on supporting the games industry, including in Hartlepool and the North East. One Creative North launched before the Summer with a clear set of proposals to support the games industry and Game Republic was identified as the partner leading these interventions. Since then, Game Republic has been working with combined authorities and industry to flesh out the proposals which include a new Northern Games Fund, skills support, funding for new starters and initiatives such as computer hardware loans to support those from diverse communities and social economic backgrounds to access and succeed in the games industry.
Jamie Sefton, MD of Game Republic said:
“We are fortunate in The North to have Game Republic and many regional meet-ups and hubs that work together and collaborate. We continue to work with networks in regions across the UK too, as we know that the majority of games are created and produced outside of London and the South East – and we believe passionately in devolved funding and support for regional games hubs. We agree very much with CEO and Founder of Tanglewood, Chris Wood’s sentiments, which is why we are leading initiatives to better address those gaps. We look forward to working with Tanglewood Games to progress the work which must be led by Northern companies and networks.”
Chris Wood, CEO and Founder of Tanglewood Games said:
“As a proud Northern business here in Hartlepool, we’re thrilled to be working with Jamie, Game Republic, One Creative North and their amazing plans to help disadvantaged people into the games industry, and increased access to funding for the North.”
Alongside Game Republic’s network, in The North, game developers can join GaMaYo – a free network for developers and those supporting developers with access to two free events a year, with the next event taking place at WX in Wakefield on the 13th November. In addition Game Republic runs the Great Northern Games Discord where meet-ups and hubs are included for people to join to encourage pan-Northern collaboration.
On 16th October, Game Republic New Horizons will be taking place at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough. The event is a new flagship conference in the North and will include industry leaders from MachineGames, Supercell, Kickstarter, Xbox and 200+ attendees.
About Game Republic:
Game Republic is the largest games industry body in the North of England with over 1300 developers, educational partners and industry suppliers. It is a key partner in The Great North and One Creative North initiative. The network runs 12 events a year for game developers and works internationally on trade missions and at international events supporting games businesses across The North of England and the wider games industry. Anyone interested in joining the Northern Games Network powering the best UK games visit www.gamerepublic.net/join-us
About Tanglewood Games:
Established in 2017, Tanglewood Games was co-founded by former Epic Games engineers Chris Wood and Terence Burns, and supplies extensive Unreal Engine support to developers as an officially recognised source of expertise; achieving in 2025 Gold Service Partner Status. Specialising in optimisation, porting, technology integration, and full consultation, the team’s experience spans a catalogue of AAA titles and global IPs, including Hogwarts Legacy, Quidditch Champions and Train Sim World 5
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