The UK’s world‑leading video games industry is set for a major boost as the government unveils £30 million in new funding to help developers turn their ideas into the next global hit. Announced as the London Games Festival begins, the investment marks a significant vote of confidence in one of the UK’s fastest‑growing creative sectors.
A major investment in British creativity
A central part of the announcement is a £28.5 million expansion of the UK Games Fund, doubling the support available to studios across the country. The new funding will help developers at every stage of their journey — from brand‑new start‑ups to established studios ready to scale.
The three‑track funding model includes:
- Entry Track – up to £20,000 for newly formed studios with strong potential
- Emergent Track – up to £100,000 to prototype new game ideas
- Expansion Track – up to £250,000 to take games to completion and support studio growth
This targeted support is designed to turn early‑stage concepts into commercially successful games, strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in creativity and innovation.
Backing the festival that showcases UK talent
Alongside the Games Fund expansion, the government has awarded £1.5 million to the London Games Festival over the next three years. The investment will help the festival attract more international investors and aims to double private investment deals to £30 million per year.
The festival already draws major global companies to the capital, and the new support is expected to further raise the UK’s international profile.
A sector with global impact — and room to grow
The UK is home to more than 2,000 games companies, employing tens of thousands of people and producing iconic titles such as Grand Theft Auto, Fable, No Man’s Sky, RuneScape and Tomb Raider. With gamers spending £8.8 billion a year in the UK alone, the sector offers huge economic potential.
The new funding aims to help developers seize these opportunities, create jobs and drive economic growth across the country — including in established hubs such as Dundee, Leamington Spa and Guildford.
Industry welcomes the support
Leaders across the sector have responded positively, highlighting how the expanded funding will help studios start, scale and stay competitive on the global stage. Many have emphasised that access to finance remains one of the biggest challenges for developers, and this package directly addresses that gap.
Part of a wider plan to grow the creative economy
The Games Growth Package delivers a key commitment in the government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, a £380 million strategy to ensure the UK remains a world leader in creative innovation. It builds on existing support, including:
- British Business Bank investment
- UKRI research funding
- Games tax relief
- £20 million for creative technology development in the Tay Cities Region
The government is also commissioning new consumer rights guidance for gamers and working with the UK Esports Advisory Panel to support growth in competitive gaming.
A bright future for UK games
With fresh investment, stronger industry partnerships and a renewed focus on innovation, the UK’s games sector is poised for its next chapter of global success. From small studios with big ideas to established developers ready to scale, this funding marks a major step in helping British talent reach players around the world.