Mark Horsfield from Game Republic Affiliate member Plus Accounting will be hosting a roundtable at GaMaYo on 26th November. We asked him to share the challenges he has come across when supporting indie game studios. Please read the feature that includes some of the challenges as well as how to deal with them. If you want to discuss this more or get more tips on all things from investment, tax reliefs and support, make sure to meet him at the Plus Accounting roundtable at GaMaYo.
Creating a great game takes creativity, technical expertise, determination and often years of hard work. But behind every successful game is a business, and managing the financial side of development can be just as challenging as bringing the game itself to life.
For independent games studios, balancing development costs, securing funding, managing cash flow and planning for the future are all important considerations. With the games industry continuing to evolve, having a clear understanding of your studio’s financial position can make a real difference.
At Plus Accounting, we work with independent developers and established games studios across the UK, helping them navigate the financial and commercial challenges of running a games business.
Ahead of the upcoming GaMaYo event, we’re exploring some of the key considerations for indie developers looking to build a financially sustainable studio.
- Managing cash flow throughout development
Game development rarely follows a predictable financial pattern. Costs can build up long before a game generates revenue, and unexpected delays or changes to development schedules can put additional pressure on finances.
Understanding your monthly expenditure, forecasting future costs and planning for periods without income are important steps towards maintaining financial stability.
A regularly updated cash flow forecast can help studios identify potential funding gaps early and make more informed decisions about recruitment, development and project timelines.
- Understanding your funding options
Whether you’re developing your first title or planning your next release, accessing funding can be one of the biggest challenges for an independent studio.
There are several potential routes to explore, including publisher agreements, private investment, grants and self-funding. Each comes with different financial and commercial considerations.
Before seeking external funding, it’s worth understanding how much investment you actually need, how the funds will be used and what the implications could be for the ownership and future direction of your studio.
Having realistic financial forecasts and a clear business plan can also help strengthen conversations with potential investors and publishing partners.
- Making the most of available tax reliefs
The UK offers specific tax incentives designed to support qualifying video games development, including the Video Games Expenditure Credit (VGEC).
For eligible studios, VGEC can provide valuable financial support towards qualifying development expenditure. However, understanding the eligibility requirements, qualifying costs and claims process is important to ensure studios can benefit from the relief appropriately.
Other incentives, such as Research and Development (R&D) tax relief, may also be relevant in certain circumstances, although the rules around eligibility and overlapping claims need careful consideration.
Seeking advice early can help developers understand which reliefs may be available and factor potential benefits into their wider financial planning.
- Planning beyond your next game
For many indie developers, the immediate priority is understandably completing and launching their current project. However, thinking about what happens afterwards is equally important.
How will the studio fund its next game? What happens if sales take longer than expected to materialise? Is there sufficient financial flexibility to retain key team members between projects?
Building a sustainable games business means considering these questions before they become urgent.
Whether your ambition is to remain a small independent studio, develop multiple titles or grow your team, having a longer-term financial strategy can help support those decisions.
- Remembering that every studio is different
There is no single formula for building a successful independent games studio.
Some developers are focused on launching their first commercial title, while others are managing established teams, multiple projects and international audiences.
The important thing is understanding the financial position of your own business, identifying potential risks and opportunities, and making informed decisions that support your ambitions.
Join the conversation at GaMaYo
These are just some of the topics we’ll be exploring at the upcoming GaMaYo event, where Mark Horsfield from Plus Accounting will be joining indie developers for a Ask me Anything discussion on the financial and commercial challenges facing games studios.
The session will provide an opportunity to share experiences, ask questions and explore practical ways to build stronger, more sustainable games businesses.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking ahead to your next stage of growth, we’d love to hear about the challenges and opportunities you’re experiencing.
About Plus Accounting
Plus Accounting is a Brighton-based firm of Chartered Accountants with a specialist video games team supporting independent developers and established studios across the UK. We provide accounting, tax and business advisory services, including specialist advice on Video Games Expenditure Credit (VGEC), helping games businesses manage their finances and plan for the future.
Find out more: www.plusaccounting.co.uk
To find out about events on the Great Northern Games Discord, GaMaYo and Game Republic events and webinars, visit the events page.
If you are interested in becoming a Game Republic member you can apply to join Game Republic here.
If you are developing or supporting games in The North, you can join the Great Northern Games Discord here.
If you like this post, please help us by sharing it!
If you like this post, please help us by sharing it!