“《真人快打11》封面圖公佈 下�” (Public Domain) by steamXO
The North East is boosting its market, one industry at a time. Newcastle and Sunderland often appear on news reports regarding exciting innovations in advanced manufacturing, life and energy sciences. Invest North East England also highlights the digital sector, making sure it includes software and satellite operations, immersive technology and, of course, games development. As a rapidly expanding industry, everyone is eager to join the fun of creating and experiencing the best video games the digital age has to offer. Far from standing on the sidelines, the North East has been actively contributing to the UK’s gaming success stories.
Video Games
The region reportedly has 63 developers and publishers, in addition to universities and business centres dedicated to establishing the North East as a leading gaming hub. It even has an eSports presence, with prominent gamers like Durham’s Callum Swan, aka Swanny. There are some surprising titles included in ChronicleLive’s proud account of North East gaming successes, like Mortal Kombat 11 and Game of Thrones: Conquest by Atomhawk studios, as well as The Settlers and Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 by Ubisoft Reflections.
Since Sunderland University was treated with NextGen, a state-of-the-art creative studio, interest in the sector has flourished. Students have access to a workspace modelled after a real-life commercial game and VFX studio, complete with a 12-foot cinema screen and 7.1 surround sound. Apart from Ubisoft Reflections, Education Technology reports, NextGen has partnerships with Sony, Microsoft, Double Negative and Framestore. This kind of investment shows the North East’s determination to thrive in the video game industry.
Casino Games
Both brick-and-mortar and online casinos, not to mention the Newcastle Racecourse, are popular sources of entertainment in the North East. In terms of digital gaming, the region’s technological expertise has helped improve the experience. Ascot: Sporting Legends and Frankie Dettori’s Magic Seven are among the latest online slots at Betfair casino players can appreciate across gaming platforms and with greater chances of winning. Online casinos have found their place in the North East’s affections.
Despite competition with digital services, several physical establishments have maintained a strong presence in these parts of the UK. This includes bingo halls, lively social venues appreciated all over the country. Main stage bingo generated $597.04 million in revenue for the industry in 2018, always higher than mechanised bingo. Gateshead has its Imperial Bingo Club. Beach Bingo has two premises in Jarrow and North Shields. Clearly, it’s not just in Newcastle that quality casino games can be found.
Source: MaxPixel
Commercial and social gaming has already become an important part of the North East’s business landscape. Its love for video games is not only felt in the support of players, but also in its producers of new technologies and its students being encouraged to pursue their gaming dreams, to make them realities for the whole world to enjoy. A number of prestigious triumphs are attached to the North East and the efforts it’s making to push its market even further promises a long and brilliant future of gaming wonders.