Yorkshire’s gaming industry is on fire, and it’s not just about Grand Theft Auto VI. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the region is celebrated as a rising hub for game development, many still believe it’s overshadowed by London’s dominance. So, what’s really fueling this boom, and can Yorkshire truly compete? Let’s dive in.
When Grand Theft Auto VI, the decade’s most anticipated game, launches in 2026, its success will be a triumph for Rockstar Leeds, the Yorkshire-based studio behind it. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Yorkshire’s gaming scene is teeming with hundreds of smaller studios and solo developers dreaming of creating the next PlayStation or Xbox blockbuster. Yet, they’re calling for more government support to level the playing field with London. And this is the part most people miss: 80% of the UK’s gaming industry is already outside the capital, with Yorkshire housing over 20% of those companies.
Take Yasmina Fadel, for example. Her studio, nestled in Production Park—a creative hub near Pontefract—is crafting Wyrd Waters, a strategy game inspired by Norse folklore. Yasmina’s team splits their time between this unassuming business estate and York, where they live. She emphasizes the importance of career growth opportunities in Yorkshire, challenging the narrative that success requires a move to London. “The government is finally recognizing that gaming is the biggest entertainment industry right now,” she says, though she notes the UK still lags behind Germany in terms of support.
But here’s the bold question: Is gaming finally shedding its stigma? Yasmina believes so, pointing to the mainstream success of game-to-TV adaptations like The Last of Us. “It’s becoming clear that gaming is a unique art form,” she adds, though some still debate its cultural value compared to film and TV.
Jamie Sefton, head of Game Republic, agrees. With two decades of experience, he’s seen Yorkshire’s gaming sector grow into a powerhouse. “We’re in a generation of politicians who grew up playing games,” he says. “They get it.” Yet, he stresses the need for better education and awareness, especially for parents, to highlight the incredible career opportunities right in their backyard.
Earlier this year, the government announced a £30 million Video Games Growth Package, part of a larger £380 million investment in creative industries. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy declared, “Creativity has no postcode,” a sentiment echoed by West Yorkshire’s £25 million grant to support creative businesses. But is this enough? Some argue it’s a start, but more is needed to keep talent from migrating south.
Success stories like Hogwarts Legacy, Fall Guys, and Atomfall prove Yorkshire’s potential. Then there’s Thanks Goodness You’re Here, a BAFTA-winning game by Barnsley duo Coal Supper Games. Their hilarious homage to their hometown beat major studios, proving you don’t need a London address to make it big. “I think I’ve finally earned my parents’ respect,” joked Will Todd on the red carpet.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin is determined to keep this momentum going. Her One Creative North strategy aims to retain studios in the region, challenging the long-standing bias toward London. “Creatives shouldn’t have to leave Yorkshire to succeed,” she says. But will this shift the balance?
As Yorkshire’s gaming industry continues to thrive, the real question remains: Can it truly rival London’s dominance, or will the capital always hold the upper hand? Let us know what you think in the comments—is Yorkshire the future of gaming, or does London still reign supreme?
