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When you think of gaming, you’re probably thinking of the American AAA gaming studios, Japanese video games, or Korean Esports players that have the status of celebrities over there. And you would certainly be right. We’ve all heard about Grand Theft Auto and Starcraft being Korean national sport. Europe somehow doesn’t fit here. But you would be wrong. London is a serious contender when it comes to gaming and can be considered one of the global capitals of gaming. The city is home to a varied gaming community and more than 600 video game studios, such as EA, Rockstar, and Square Enix, presenting opportunities for both enthusiasts and those aspiring to enter the video game industry. As 2024 progresses, London continues to establish itself as a dynamic centre for the newest gaming trends. The city stages several gaming conferences and conventions, numerous Esports events, and a host of gaming exhibitions, creating a lively gaming scene. VR Gaming Taking Off We have to say that VR has not lived up to its fullest potential yet, despite being present for a long time now. Experts often compare it to 3D TVs that entered the market with big promises and exited with ‘the hype that never fulfilled.’ Nevertheless, VR has a different aura around it. In recent years, London has witnessed a surge in the popularity of virtual reality gaming. A growing number of arcades and niche VR bars have emerged all around the city. One of the most prominent examples of this is Zero Latency, a VR gaming venue where gamers can experience an epic co-op adventure with friends or strangers. With the success of Zero Latency, more VR arcades are popping up across London, making VR one of the more prominent trends. Mobile Gaming and iGaming in London Another trend that has taken over London’s gaming scene is mobile gaming. Gamers like to make fun of mobile gaming, saying it’s not real gaming. But the numbers show a different story. This includes iGaming, with an influx of high-quality online casino websites that are creating a whole new ecosystem of social media communities, blogs, and review platforms such as PlatinPlay (https://www.platinplay.com/casinos). The rise of smartphones and tablets has made gaming more accessible than ever, with many popular mobile games have been developed in London, such as Monument Valley. Additionally, London hosts an annual Mobile Games Awards event that celebrates the best and brightest in the world of mobile gaming and is home to several notable iGaming studios and hosts many iGaming awards, like the well-known ICE London. It is a rapidly growing industry, and the English capital‘s presence in it continues to expand. Esport Gaming Attracting Unexpected Attention London is home to a thriving Esports community. The city hosts several major Esports events, including the League of Legends World Championships and the Call of Duty World League. The rapid growth of Esports has made London a prime location for international tournaments and competitions, attracting top players and teams from around the world. Even traditional sports teams in London have started investing in Esports. Football clubs like West Ham United and Manchester City are creating their own Esports teams, adding well-known names to the trend. Moving the capital to Esports events and teams is a clear indication of the expanding influence that gaming has in London. Indie Gaming On top of being a stronghold of mainstream game development, London is also seeing a rise in indie gaming and indie game development. The city has a vibrant indie game scene, with small studios and developers making their mark, locally and internationally. Events like the EGX Rezzed expo provide a platform for indie games to showcase their work and attract attention from publishers and players alike. London’s diverse and creative community has helped foster a supportive environment for indie game developers to thrive. Overall, London’s gaming scene can be described as vibrant, constantly evolving, and adapting to the latest trends. With a mix of mainstream and indie gaming, the city offers something for everyone. Whether you are a competitive gamer or simply enjoy playing games for leisure, London has a lot to offer. |
