UK games industry trade body UKIE has partnered with Tencent, the Department for Business and Trade, and delivery partner Player One Consulting, for the second year of its Video Games Growth Programme, designed “to help ambitious studios across the UK scale both creatively and commercially.”
The programme’s return was announced in a press release on September 2, 2025, following its successful launch in 2024.
27 studios graduated in the Video Games Growth Programme’s inaugural year, and this year, it offers two “tailored pathways” for studios.
The first is an accelerator track, “for emerging studios ready to take their first big growth leap,” while the second is a scale-up track, “for established companies with high-growth potential seeking to expand further.”
“We’re excited to support the second year of the UKIE Video Games Growth Programme,” said Mark Maslowicz, vice president of partnerships and investments at Tencent.
“The UK is home to the largest video games market in Europe, worth over £7 billion and engaging more than half the population.
“With that momentum comes a unique opportunity to shape the future of the industry. By backing early-stage studios, we’re cementing the UK’s position as a global hub for game development.”
According to UKIE, studios that participate in the programme will “benefit from expert-led sessions, hands-on mentorship and access to investors.”
The programme’s curriculum also covers “critical areas for long-term success” such as securing funding, team and operations management, business strategy, and expanding into international markets.
“We’re delighted to launch the second year of the Video Games Growth Programme, empowering the next generation of start-ups and scale-ups,” said Nick Poole, CEO of UKIE.
“With tailored mentorship, expert insights and hands-on support, the programme helps participants turn fresh ideas and bold ambition into the skills, strategies and confidence they need to grow, succeed and define their future in the industry.”
Applications for this year’s Video Games Growth Programme open on September 15, 2025, and close on October 20, 2025. Interested studios can find out more here.
