Creative Wales launches fund to develop country’s gaming industry

Welsh government agency Creative Wales has launched a fund to help grow the country’s gaming industry.

Games Scale Up Fund for Wales aims to assist companies looking to scale up operations and expand their reach within the UK and across the world.

According to a release, the fund aims to take existing projects and transition them to a model where game developers can achieve ‘long-term success and sustainability’ in addition to increasing the value of their projects. Eligible companies can earn between £50,000 and £150,000 to increase growth.

Eligible companies that benefit from the Creative Wales fund will also have the chance to apply for production funding, another scheme from the Welsh government to ensure content and initiatives from the country manage to reach a global audience.

In addition to the Welsh gaming industry receiving funds, the country’s esports industry has also experienced a period of growth throughout 2024. In January, Esports Wales secured funding from Meida Cymru’s Development Fund which aims to turn Cardiff into a hub for the media sector through economic growth.

The local esports body also launched an esports education qualification with Agored Cymru to provide students with the skills required to operate esports sessions and learn about the wider ecosystem.

2024 has been a year of launches for esports bodies in the UK. In addition to Esports Wales, Mark McCready and Dale Murray of the Scottish Esports Network launched Scottish Esports to support Scotland’s casual gamers and esports players competing in regional and international tournaments.