UKIE collaborates with Tencent to launch Video Games Growth initiative

The UK games industry association, UKIE, is teaming up with Tencent, the Department for Business and Trade, and Player One Consulting once again for the Video Games Growth Programme's second year. This initiative aims to assist UK-based game studios in boosting both their creative and commercial capacities.

The continuation of the program, which will be in its second iteration after its successful debut in 2024, was announced via press release on September 2, 2025.

In its first year, the Video Games Growth Programme saw 27 studios successfully complete its curriculum. This year, the program promises two distinct paths for participants.

The accelerator track caters to new studios poised for significant growth, while the scale-up track focuses on established companies eager to expand their high-growth potential.

Mark Maslowicz, Tencent's vice president for partnerships and investments, expressed enthusiasm over supporting the program's second year. "With the UK being the largest video games market in Europe, valued at over £7 billion, there's a tremendous opportunity to influence the industry's future," he stated.

UKIE emphasizes that participating studios will gain invaluable knowledge through expert-led workshops, personalized mentorship, and connections with potential investors.

The curriculum targets crucial elements for sustained success, including securing capital, leadership and operations management, business development, and global market entry.

Nick Poole, CEO of UKIE, shared his excitement at launching this year’s program, which is focused on nurturing the next wave of start-ups and scale-ups by turning their innovative ideas into the competencies required to thrive.

Applications for the Video Games Growth Programme open on September 15, 2025, and will close on October 20, 2025. More details are available here.