Mastered obtains financing to bolster senior talent within UK gaming companies

Mastered, an organization focused on accelerating professional growth, has recently acquired new funding from county councils to enhance the skills of senior figures in the UK gaming industry.

This funding aims to allow game studios to "invest in their personnel" by covering up to 90% of training expenses, courtesy of local governments.

Studios based in Guildford, Brighton, and several other areas such as Liverpool, West and South Yorkshire, the North East, Kent, Oxfordshire, Essex, Hampshire, and Wiltshire will have access to these funds.

The latest contracts from Mastered will offer 64 hours of mentorship, training, or coaching spread over a four-month period.

The initiative includes mentoring from experienced technical and production leaders, engaging workshops, personalized guidance, and a dedicated manager to coordinate the project.

Over the last two years, more than 30 studios such as D3T, Sumo, Avalanche, and Radical Forge have benefited from Mastered's support.

"Mastered stands out as a true partner in the gaming community, with an in-depth understanding of industry challenges," mentioned Alison Lacy, COO of Radical Forge.

"Their expertly crafted bootcamps were exactly what we needed to enhance both individual and team capabilities.

"The expertise they offer through their mentors is unparalleled, addressing the longstanding issue of finding relevant and current external training in the games sector. By alleviating the financial barriers of bootcamp funding and adopting a flexible approach, they've enabled us to develop more of our team than we imagined possible."

Mastered's initiatives cater to senior professionals at studios, focusing on skills like updating tools and pipelines, leadership, and "strategic training to boost production processes, motivation, and team management."

Mastered CEO Perri Lewis remarked, "Studios are under significant pressure to complete ambitious projects while adapting to new tech and production hurdles."

"This type of funding means senior managers, engineers, and creative experts can receive top-tier training without financial obstacles, maintaining the UK’s position as a leader in gaming innovation."

Nick Poole, CEO of UKIE, expressed, "The strength of the UK's video games sector rests on the creativity and skill of its workforce. Amid growing pressures and the importance of retaining talent, investing in senior skills precisely when needed helps keep our industry competitive globally."

"Through UKIE's new Skills Network, we're collaborating with local governments, industry partners, and educational bodies to ensure initiatives like Mastered's are part of a broader skills strategy, keeping UK studios at the forefront of global gaming excellence."

Interested studios can apply for the funding through this online form.

The application deadline is set for November 2025, with funds being allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Businesses in Brighton can also access complimentary support and training programs.