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Sussex's Booming Gaming Industry: Powering Innovation and Economic Growth

The gaming industry in Sussex has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, with an estimated annual economic value of over £200 million. This thriving sector is on track to be worth a staggering quarter of a billion per year by the end of 2023. Today, we will be talking about the success of the gaming industry in Sussex and the impact it has on the region's economy.

We'll also be taking a closer look at some of the top gaming companies based in Sussex and the opportunities for careers, networking, and collaboration in this innovative sector.

The Sussex Gaming Cluster

Sussex is home to various gaming companies, from indie studios to AAA developers. These companies have not only created jobs and opportunities for local talent but have also contributed to the region's reputation as a leading hub for digital and creative industries.

Some of the most successful gaming companies in Sussex include:

  • Creative Assembly (Horsham): With over 800 employees, this renowned studio is known for its multi-million selling Total War series and has received numerous awards, including BAFTA and Develop’s Industry Excellence awards.
  • Electric Square (Brighton): A leading mobile game developer, responsible for popular titles such as Forza Street and Wheels.
  • Futurelab (Hove): A boutique studio specialising in PC and console games, with titles like PowerWash Simulator and Peaky Blinders: Mastermind under its belt.
  • Hangar 13 (Brighton and Novato, California): Known for the Mafia series, this international studio has over 50 employees working on console games.
  • Hi-Rez (Brighton and Georgia): Developing PC and console games like Battleground of the Gods and Champions of the Realm, this studio employs over 50 talented individuals
  • MAG Interactive (Brighton and Stockholm): This mobile game developer has created popular titles like Ruzzle, Word Domination, and Word Brain.
  • Make Real (Brighton): Specialising in VR gaming, Make Real has released successful titles such as Radial-G: Racing Revolved and Loco Dojo.
  • Mediatonic (Brighton and London): With a platform-agnostic approach, this studio has developed hit games like Fall Guys and Murder by Numbers.

These are just a few examples of the thriving gaming companies in the Sussex region. This sector is continuing to grow fast, creating new opportunities for aspiring game developers, designers, and producers.

Jobs in the Gaming Industry

From game developers and artists to producers and quality assurance testers, there is a wide range of career paths within this exciting sector. We can help you stay up-to-date on the latest job openings in the gaming industry: make sure you have alerts set up for jobs in Games. This will help you hear about the latest opportunities through our Jobs board. Create an alert here

Networking and Collaboration

The gaming industry in Sussex is characterised by a strong sense of collaboration and networking among its members. Develop:Brighton, the UK's largest conference and expo for game developers, takes place in Brighton and offers excellent opportunities to learn from industry leaders, share experiences, and forge valuable connections. This annual event brings together developers of all sizes, from global superstars to micro-indies, for three days of inspiration, insight, and networking by the sea.

The Future of Sussex's Gaming Landscape

As the gaming industry in Sussex continues to flourish, it will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the region's economy and reputation as a leading digital hub. The spirit of innovation and collaboration among local companies and professionals has the potential to drive even greater economic growth and success in the future.

Sussex's gaming industry is a powerhouse that plays a significant role in the region's economy and innovation. With a diverse range of successful gaming companies, from indie studios to AAA developers, this thriving sector offers a wealth of opportunities for aspiring professionals and experienced veterans alike. The strong sense of collaboration and networking within the Sussex gaming community, fueled by events such as Develop:Brighton, provides a solid foundation for further growth and innovation.

About the author

Chris Chowen

Hi, I'm Chris, Wired Sussex's Innovation and Technology Manager. I help to facilitate the Brighton Immersive Lab, offer support to the FuseBox residents and lead our programme of Brighton Immersive events.

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