Gaming academy pressing go to help Welsh start-ups to the global stage

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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A new gaming programme aimed at accelerating the growth of Welsh games companies has launched, with backing from Creative Wales and delivery by tech hub Tramshed Tech.

The Gaming Academy Programme will provide intensive business support to 12 games companies over an eight-month period, helping developers build commercially viable and investor-ready businesses.

The initiative is fully funded by Creative Wales and targets studios that have already secured Development Funding of between £25,000 and £50,000.

The programme is designed to ensure that this early-stage funding is matched with structured business support, mentoring and industry connections, helping companies maximise their chances of commercial success.

Successful applicants are based across Wales, with participating studios located in areas including Caernarfon, Pembrokeshire, Cardiff and Blaenau Gwent.

The programme is split into two phases. The first is a two-month accelerator, during which founders will test and refine their business ideas through workshops, mentoring and a showcase event.

This will be followed by up to six months of tailored support, including one-to-one mentoring, networking opportunities and preparation for major international industry events such as the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco and Gamescom.

Participants will receive practical support in areas including business modelling, user research, market sizing, revenue planning and pitch development, addressing what organisers say is a gap in support for gaming founders in Wales.

The UK gaming market was valued at around £7.82bn in 2023, with the global market estimated at £352bn.

Creative Wales has already supported 77 digital companies across games, animation and immersive technology.

Minister for Creative Jack Sargeant said: “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 said.

“We’re backing talented entrepreneurs with the tools to turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses. That means support with everything from refining their pitch to preparing for major international events.

“Wales has real strengths in this sector, and through Creative Wales and partners like Tramshed Tech, we’re making sure our games companies have every opportunity to grow and attract investment.”

Tramshed Tech, which has supported more than 300 startups through its ventures unit and has been named a UK top ten co-working space by Wired magazine, is delivering the programme.

Sophie Webber, Head of Ventures at Tramshed Tech, said: “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 is about bridging that gap. With the backing of Creative Wales, we’re helping ambitious studios turn strong ideas into sustainable, investor-ready businesses and giving them the confidence, skills and connections to compete on the world stage.”

Hypertonic Games Limited Founder Henry Jones said: “Honey & Hives aims to use virtual reality to immerse players in the peaceful world of beekeeping.

“Developing immersive VR experiences is both creatively exciting and technically challenging in such a fast-moving industry.

“Access to funding and wider support is vital for emerging Welsh studios like mine, helping us navigate both technical and commercial challenges and giving ambitious projects the best possible chance to succeed.”

Good Gate Media is also taking part in the programme. Head of Development Alex Lightman said:
“The wraparound support and funding from Creative Wales is a massive boost for us.

“Combining targeted funding with their industry network and expertise fuels our ability scale up and maximise commercial potential.

“It’s about more than just making a great game—it’s about building our production slate and ensuring our games continue to successfully reach global markets.”