Leeds is a unique city that blends English traditions with cutting-edge technology. Our city is actively embracing digitalisation and has become one of the key hubs for the gaming industry in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, Leeds is ranked among Europe’s leading centres for digital entertainment, creative studios, and tech start-ups. Today, we are going to explore Leeds’ gaming industry, its origins, and current trends. Read more on leeds-future.com.
Leeds’ Gaming Industry Leaders
It is worth noting that the gaming sector in the Yorkshire region is valued at around £300 million. As for Leeds, our city is home to approximately 30 gaming companies, including developers, designers, and publishers. Together, they provide hundreds of skilled jobs and maintain close ties with the city’s universities: the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University.
Among the most renowned developers is the legendary Rockstar Leeds studio, founded by Gordon Hall, Jason McGann, Dave Box, Ian Bowden, and Justin Johnson. It was here that iconic titles such as Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars were created. The company is part of the global holding Take-Two Interactive and has put Leeds firmly on the map of the international gaming industry. Another notable studio is Team17, creators of the legendary Worms series and numerous indie hits. There’s also Double Eleven, a development partner for major players such as Bethesda, Paradox Interactive, and other global leaders.
The Unique Features of Leeds’ Gaming Sector
Experts report that between 2020 and 2025, Leeds’ gaming segment grew by over 25%. This makes it one of the fastest-growing sectors within the local digital economy. Moreover, around 25% of all creative industry jobs in the city are linked to video games. In total, the digital technology sector in Leeds employs more than 7,000 specialists. On average, gaming companies in Leeds generate an annual income of between £2 million and £8 million.
Today, mobile games, VR, and live-service games with long-term support (such as Fortnite and Roblox) are rapidly developing. Partnerships with esports organisations are also expanding. To put this into perspective, investments in game development in 2024–2025 exceeded £30 million.
Gaming clusters in Leeds also influence education programmes, with more than 300 students undertaking internships or placements in local gaming companies every year.
The Origins of the Gaming Industry
The history of Leeds’ gaming industry dates back to 2004. It all began with the founding of Mobius Entertainment, which later became Rockstar Leeds.
This company was the first major gaming studio in Leeds and propelled the city to international recognition by developing acclaimed titles such as Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, and other popular projects. Overall, Rockstar Leeds became a key player not only in Leeds but also on the global gaming stage, helping to set standards for quality and innovation.
This marked the start of the gaming industry in Leeds, which today comprises dozens of studios, thousands of highly skilled professionals, and a significant contribution to the local economy.
The gaming sector in Leeds is not just about technology and entertainment – it is a powerful engine for the city’s economy, education, and development. It continues to deliver steady growth and promising career opportunities for young people.
We hope you found this article informative and that you’ve learned more about our city.
