New Gaming Academy Programme Launches to Boost Welsh Industry

A new initiative aimed at accelerating the growth of the gaming industry in Wales has officially launched. The programme, known as the Gaming Academy Programme, is funded by Creative Wales and delivered by Tramshed Tech. It will provide intensive business support to twelve selected games companies over the next eight months.

This initiative targets recipients of the latest round of Creative Wales’ Development Funding, who have already received between £25,000 and £50,000 to further develop their gaming concepts for commercial release. Participants hail from various locations including Caernarfon, Pembrokeshire, Cardiff, and Blaenau Gwent.

Programme Structure and Benefits

The Gaming Academy Programme is structured in two distinct phases. The first phase involves an intensive two-month accelerator where founders will test, refine, and validate their business ideas. This will be supported by expert-led workshops and mentoring sessions, culminating in a showcase event to highlight their progress.

The second phase offers up to six months of follow-on support, which includes personalized mentoring, networking opportunities, and preparation for major international industry events such as the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco and Gamescom.

Welsh Minister for Creative, Jack Sargeant, emphasized the comprehensive nature of the programme, stating, “This programme is about giving games developers in Wales the complete package they need to succeed. It’s not just funding – it’s expert mentoring, practical business skills, and the connections needed to achieve commercial success.” He further noted that the initiative aims to equip talented entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses.

Addressing Industry Gaps

Tramshed Tech, recognized as a UK Top Ten co-working space by Wired magazine, has supported over 300 startups through its ventures unit. Sophie Webber, Head of Ventures at Tramshed Tech, remarked, “Wales has incredible creative talent in games, but too often founders don’t get the commercial and investor support needed to scale globally.” The Gaming Academy aims to bridge this gap by helping ambitious studios evolve strong ideas into sustainable, investor-ready businesses.

Participants will benefit from a range of support services, including business modelling, user research, market sizing, revenue planning, and pitch refinement. All sessions will be conducted by experienced founders and domain experts, ensuring that participants receive guidance tailored to the gaming industry.

According to industry estimates, the UK gaming market was valued at approximately £7.82 billion in 2023, with the global market reaching an estimated £352 billion. Creative Wales has directly supported 77 digital companies across various sectors, including games, animation, and immersive technology.

As the Gaming Academy Programme unfolds, it is positioned to provide essential support for the growth of Wales’ gaming sector, helping to attract investment and enhance the region’s reputation as a hub for gaming innovation.