UCA launches initiative to foster growth of Surrey games sector

Published by

Daniel Face

Motion capture technology at UCA Farnham. Image: UCA

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Surrey is leading a new initiative to create a thriving regional games development cluster.

PixelRise will work to grow, diversify and support Surrey’s gaming sector by raising industry standards, establishing new studios and developing talent.

Cllr Matt Furniss, cabinet member for highways, transport and economic growth at Surrey County Council, said: “We do need to recognise that strategic collaboration is critical for all of us to work together to develop the talent that we need in this industry.

“That’s why we collaborated with UCA to commission a report to understand the barriers and opportunities to our local games cluster and how we can attract that growth in the area.

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“We’ve seen a huge amount of grant income coming into the county, particularly in the createch sector, so it’s a truly exciting time for Surrey’s games industry.”

The report, compiled by Steve Cuss of The Game Plan Consultancy, highlights the exciting potential of Surrey’s games cluster.

It lays out how the sector could harness the region’s collective expertise and resources to capitalise on significant innovation, talent development and economic growth opportunities.

“There’s a potent case for collaboration,” added Steve.

“If we look at the priorities of games developers in the region and the commercial environment, what we need is an initiative that unites and unlocks this potential across a diverse range of stakeholders.

“We believe that PixelRise provides this strategic solution, fostering an environment to address the challenges of the industry and take advantage of the massive potential in the cluster.”

The initiative comes as part of the Games and Innovation Nexus (GAIN) project, which saw UCA and the universities of Surrey and Warwick secure £1.5 million funding from Research England.

Surrey County Council has also committed a further £240,000.

A portion of that funding will soon be made available via ‘innovation vouchers’ to game developers, studios, or those looking to start a career in the industry.

“We’ll be opening a call very soon for you to apply for innovation vouchers”, said Sophy Smith, director of the School of Games & Creative Technology at UCA.

“Along with that, you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art resources, VICON motion capture and virtual production facilities, and wealth of research expertise throughout the university.”

Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL. Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience. Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.