NEWS21 November 2024
Guildford’s rich gaming heritage took centre stage at the University of Surrey’s Retro Games and Networking event on Wednesday, where students, academics and representatives from Guildford Borough Council gathered to celebrate the origins of video games and explore the future of Surrey’s thriving games industry.
Organised as part of the Games and Innovation Nexus (GAIN) programme, the event highlighted the region’s prestigious legacy as the UK’s “Hollywood of Games.” Guests enjoyed hands-on experiences with classic video games while connecting with GAIN participants to explore collaboration opportunities between academia, games industry, the local authority and the wider CreaTech sector.
The event also showcased the University’s Games Innovation Zone, a new space at the Stag Hill campus dedicated to playing, testing, and developing games. Opened in July and funded by Surrey County Council and the University of Surrey, the Zone cements the region’s position as a hub for innovation while inspiring and training the next generation of game developers.
Dr. Charlotte Frost, GAIN Programme Manager, said:
“The University of Surrey is uniquely positioned at the heart of one of the UK’s most dynamic and prestigious gaming clusters.
“The Games and Innovation Nexus is taking collaboration across academia, industry, and local talent to a new level.
“Today’s retro games event was an inspiring opportunity to reconnect with the rich history of gaming while laying the groundwork for exciting future partnerships that will shape the next chapter of the UK’s gaming industry.”
Caroline Fleming, Director of the Surrey Innovation District said:
“It was fantastic to experience the buzz of today’s event in the Games Innovation Zone and see this versatile space being used just as we envisioned – a resource for a diverse group of people united by a shared love of games.
“We were especially pleased to welcome representatives from Guildford Borough Council, giving them the chance to see firsthand the value of the GAIN programme but also our Games Innovation Zone. The space is not only an asset for the University, but a space for local games studios and the wider Guildford community. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the local council and local games studios and building on the region’s games legacy.”
Surrey’s connection to the gaming industry dates to the 1990s when Surrey Research Park, owned by the University of Surrey, was home to pioneering early game developers. Today, this legacy thrives with the Park hosting major gaming and CreaTech studios, including Seven League Software (7SL), 22 Cans, Boris FX, with more independent developers at the Rocketdesk co-working space.
Developing Talent for the Next Generation of Games & Digital Entertainment
Looking ahead, the University will further strengthen the region’s gaming talent pipeline with the launch of its Games Design BSc in September 2025. This innovative programme is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the gaming and CreaTech industries, ensuring Guildford’s gaming legacy continues to thrive.
Discover Opportunities to Boost Your Business
Visit our GAIN pages to explore a 360 tour of the Games Innovation Zone and discover more about GAIN or collaboration opportunities for Game and CreaTech studios with the University of Surrey and at Surrey Research Park Community.