As we head for 2025, we come out of a tough 2024. However in spite of the challenges there were many positive stories for game studios, educational partners and service provides in The North of England. To help us all head into 2025, we highlight just some of what was achieved in the year that has passed. Many studios and developers are working on projects they can’t talk about too so we look forward to many more highlights next year.
As a big achievement for everyone the Northern games industry and the whole of the games industry was recognised as a key pillar in the New Government’s industrial strategy, and leaders from the industry were invited to attend a Royal Garden Party. Lisa Nandy MP said “The UK video games industry is an absolutely central plank [of the Governments Industrial Strategy] and the Government will be looking very closely at the recommendations in the upcoming Ukie research paper [on the competitiveness of UK tax relief].”
Game Awards and Recognition
Sumo Group co-founder Carl Cavers received an OBE for services to the video games industry in the New Year Honours List.
Pitstop Productions have has a multi-award winning year for their work with many clients (clients took 7 awards at The Games Awards at the end of this year) but most notably for their work on Baldur’s Gate 3 which won international attention and acclaim, with a special mention at the BAFTAs (featured image)- see our feature in Yorkshire Post
Several Game Republic members won TIGA Awards on 28th November in London. Simon Iwaniszak (pictured) won a TIGA Award for outstanding leadership of Red Kite Games; PitStop Productions won best service provider: University of Staffordshire was named best educational institution in the UK; Johnston Carmichael Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers won Best Tax and Accountancy Provider; Rebellion won Best Large Studio
Maximalist Ltd secured a place in Barclays Eagle Labs in York
Adam Clewes-Boyne from Betajester was named in the top 100 Shaw Trust Disability Power index
Simon Barratt of Cooperative Innovations joined the Ukie Board of Directors
Jamie Sefton from Game Republic became a Board Director for Screen Yorkshire
Revolution Software successfully released the remastered Broken Sword – The Shadow of The Templars: Reforged to critical acclaim and won the public vote for Best Indie Game Made in The North for 2024
York-based Charles Cecil and Noirin Carmody were inducted into Ukie’s Hall of Fame as Game Legends
New Game Releases and Achievements
NFL Retro Bowl ’25 developed by Yorkshire-based Five Aces made the number 1 spot in Apple Arcade in the USA. NFL Retro Bowl ’25 features all the real teams and players NFL fans expect faithfully reproduced in glorious retro pixel-art style! Players can start their NFL coaching career by assembling a roster from a choice of hundreds and hundreds of real-life NFL players. They can then take on the real teams from the AFC and NFC, and write their names into the Hall of Fame. Link here to download the game and New Star Games had a stand to show off their brilliant New Star GP racing game at PG Connects
Just Add Water released the amazing Dig VR – story here
Distinctive Games released Rugby Nations 24 on mobile
Red Kite Games jumps into the Fortnite fray with Tigers vs Dragons game mode
Worms Armageddon Anniversary Edition was released to celebrate their 25th anniversary for the game
GaMaYo regular Badgerhammer got signed by publisher Playtonic Friends for Dunk Dunk
One to One Development Trust had their Streets of Change immersive experience staged at the Changing the Narrative on Homelessness & Poverty Event. An incredibly moving and inspiring night hosting an event with INSP ‘Changing the Narrative on Homelessness’. Streets of Change VR (challenging stereotypes and raising awareness on homelessness) was seen by lots of the guests, including Scottish singer/songwriter Callum Beattie (photographed), who said “Streets of Change should be shown in every classroom around the UK”. The sentiment of bringing Streets of Change to national and international audiences was echoed by participants at the event
Under cover VR was produced by Sigtrap Games and published by Coatsink
Weaseltron gained praise for their work on Horizon Zero Remastered. Story here
Other Things produced an incredible viral campaign for Squirrel with a Gun gaining 2.6 million views
Double Eleven created its new HQ in a state of the art building in Middlesbrough, a building that was recognised for its design and released its first IP Blindfire
When the call out for Best Indie Games Made in the North from Sept 2024 went out, 16 games were nominated for public vote.
- Arcade Paradise VR – Nosebleed Interactive
- Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged – Revolution
- Dig VR – Just Add Water
- Funko Fusion – 10:10 Games
- Haus of Klaus – Recluse Industries
- 9th Dawn Remake – Valorware
- Retro Bowl College – New Star Games
- Retro Racing 2 – Mr Qwak
- Rugby Nations 24 – Distinctive Games
- Sniper Elite VR: Winter Warrior – Just Add Water and Rebellion
- Taskmaster VR – Scallywag Arcade
- Thank Goodness You’re Here – Coal Supper
- Under Cover – Sigtrap Games
- Undisputed – Steel City Interactive
- Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition – Team17
- YOYOZO – Matt Sephton
New investment
Radical Forge secured 2.6 million for future development from the NPIF II funding and the funding will enable the company to expand its team with the creation of 15 jobs, take on new and bigger contracts and launch its own game, Southfield, early next year.
Affiliate member Beam XR confirmed expansion after securing £532,000 funding. News story here
Rob Hewson and Andrew Hewson successfully completed their 20th Kickstarter campaign – The story of Hewson (Uridum, Nebulus, Cybernoid) and 21st CE (Pinball Fantasies), told by founder Andrew Hewson. EXPANDED 2nd EDITION!
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