The UK has long been a global powerhouse for video game development, but we are at a critical crossroads. As capital and talent become increasingly mobile, the competition for the "next big hit" is no longer just between studios—it’s between nations.
In the latest MCV/DEVELOP (Issue 1007), our Founder & CEO, Paul Sulyok, featured as the "Final Boss," sharing his perspective on the global shifts defining our sector and what the UK must do to regain its momentum.
Paul highlights the "Australian Blueprint" as a primary example of how decisive government policy can shift the global scales. Through the Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO), Australia has successfully attracted major projects from industry giants like Rockstar and Ubisoft—work that historically belonged in the UK.
With nearly 4 billion gamers projected globally by 2028 and a market value of $206 billion, the stakes have never been higher. For the UK to sustain its growth, it must move beyond its heritage and implement modern, aggressive policies that support both grassroots talent and major production.
At Green Man Gaming, we operate at the intersection of retail, publishing, and distribution. We see firsthand the consequences of these shifts. Talent is moving where the support is strongest. Recent closures in historic UK gaming hubs like Leamington and Liverpool are a wake-up call that we cannot take our leadership for granted.
"The opportunity remains firmly within reach," Paul notes in the feature. "What is required now is the willingness to recognise the sector's importance and ensure that the UK once again becomes the best place in the world to build games."
We are proud to see our leadership contributing to these vital industry conversations. You can read the full article and Paul’s "Final Boss" interview in the digital edition of MCV/DEVELOP.