UKIE's Video Games Growth Program Enters Second Round with Tencent's Help

27 studios took part in the first Video Game Growth Program. Now the British industry association is launching a second round and is cooperating with the Department for Business and Trade and the Chinese publisher Tencent.

Applications for the Ukie Video Games Growth Programme open on 15 September 2025 and close on 20 October. Participants in the program can look forward to a variety of expert sessions, mentorships, and opportunities to meet investors. The aim is to help studios grow and achieve long-term success in the market. The program has two different tracks: the Accelerator track and the Scale-up track. The aim is to provide studios in different stages of business development with the best possible support. According to the organizers, 27 studios took part in the program last year.

For the second round of the Video Games Accelerator Program for the British industry, UKIE is once again collaborating with the Department for Business and Trade. "We’re proud to support this programme, helping ambitious studios scale up and succeed. This will support innovation, creating jobs and boost the economy as part of our Plan for Change," says Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports.

The second partner on board is Chinese publisher Tencent, which has invested heavily in many European studios and publishers in recent years. "We’re excited to support the second year of the Ukie Video Games Growth Programme. The UK is home to the largest video games market in Europe, worth over £7 billion and engaging more than half the population. With that momentum comes a unique opportunity to shape the future of the industry. By backing early-stage studios, we’re cementing the UK’s position as a global hub for game development," says Mark Maslowicz, Vice President of Partnerships and Investments at Tencent.

And Nick Poole, CEO of Ukie says: "We’re delighted to launch the second year of the Video Games Growth Programme, empowering the next generation of start-ups and scale-ups. With tailored mentorship, expert insights and hands-on support, the programme helps participants turn fresh ideas and bold ambition into the skills, strategies and confidence they need to grow, succeed and define their future in the industry."