The founders of Playrix top the newly released Sunday Times Gaming Rich List 2024
Image credit: Playrix
The Sunday Times has introduced its inaugural Gaming Rich List 2024, highlighting the wealthiest 30 game developers and players based in the UK.
At the forefront are Igor and Dmitry Bukhman, founders of Playrix, with a fortune estimated at £12.54 billion. They also secured the 27th spot on the broader Sunday Times Rich List 2024.
The second position was claimed by Herman Narula, co-founder and CEO of Improbable, with assets totaling £780 million. Riccardo Zacconi, a co-founder and former CEO of King, followed with £410 million.
Zacconi, ranking as one of three King figures in the Top 10, is accompanied by Mel Morris in 7th place with £312 million, and Sebastian Knutsson in 9th position with £225 million.
Sam and Dan Houser, the minds behind Rockstar, are placed 4th with a net worth of £350 million, while Garry Newman of Facepunch Studios is positioned 6th, amassing £335 million.
Debbie Bestwick, previously heading Team17, is in 13th place with £130 million, distinguishing herself as one of the trio of women amongst the names.
The youngest entrant at 27 is Harry Lewis of KSI and The Sidemen, valued collectively at £50 million.
Robert Watts, who compiled the list, remarked, "The UK gaming industry stands as a remarkable British achievement, significant for job creation and economic growth."
He continued, "Our initial Gaming Rich List identifies those benefiting financially from popular titles like Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto, and Candy Crush."
The Sunday Times Gaming Rich List 2024 Top 10:
- Igor and Dmitry Bukhman (Playrix) – £12.54 billion
- Herman Narula (Improbable) – £780 million
- Riccardo Zacconi (King) – £410 million
- Sam and Dan Houser (Rockstar Games/Take Two) – £350 million
- Lior Shiff (Tripledot Studios) – £347 million
- Garry Newman (Facepunch Studios) – £335 million
- Mel Morris (King) – £312 million
- Neil Taylor (Game) – £230 million
- Sebastian Knutsson (King) – £225 million
- David Braben and Wendy Irvin-Braben (Frontier Developments) – £175 million
