“I do sometimes get a pang of envy when I see the networking and support in places like Leeds with the amazing and tireless work done by Game Republic and GaMaYo. I’d love to see something like that
blossom in Liverpool” Phil Gaskell, co-founder and creative director, Ripstone
development of the next generation of developers coming into the industry.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE GAMING INFRASTRUCTURE - CAN YOU GET THE RESOURCES, SPACE, SERVICES, ETC YOU MIGHT NEED EASILY ENOUGH?
Gareth Jones (Playdemic): In the most part yes, but the UK (not just the North West) still lags behind the rest of the world when it comes to connectivity. We’re really playing catch up when it comes to internet speeds. This has really come to light in the last two years with the business operating entirely remotely. Our team has performed fantastically but it has really brought home how much we need a broadband infrastructure that can compete globally.
Phil Gaskell (Ripstone): We’re fortunate that we chose to base ourselves in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle, which has delivered on its promise to be an expanding creative hub at the heart of Liverpool and has really flourished in the time we’ve been situated here. We have access to fast broadband and quality facilities as you’d expect, and a large number of new office builds and ongoing developments across the region mean finding space to set up or grow into isn’t difficult.
Graeme Ankers (Firesprite): Alongside opening to fully remote working from the start of the pandemic, Firesprite has also been planning a new head office space in Liverpool. The opportunity we have is to design and create a physical space built to enable new ways of working for our future, considering the mix of in office, hybrid, and remote working. This will be a space that will house our world class talent across multiple ways of working. It will be an inspirational cutting-edge space. More news on this to follow! Liverpool and the wider north west region offer a fantastic range of choice, flexibility, service companies and resources at a lower cost base than the south.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE NORTH WEST TO MAKE IT A MORE ATTRACTIVE PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO WORK?
Gareth Jones (Playdemic): The weather!
Graeme Ankers (Firesprite): Consistent sunshine would be the icing on the cake. I do believe all the ingredients exist for the North West to be the best place to work in the UK gaming sector. We have competitive salaries, a lower cost of living, beautiful and varied environments from urban to rural living, world class talent, a culture of inclusion and friendliness, a history of innovation and we are extremely ambitious and persistent.
Mike Rose (No More Robots): The main thing I would want in the North West to encourage more people to come here to work in video games, is a government that actually seems interested in making that happen. Essentially, the main reason to start a studio in the North right now is “it’s way cheaper than London,” which for a lot of people isn’t enough. We need interest from government bodies, to show this industry matters to them outside of London.
Phil Gaskell (Ripstone): Without wanting to sound glib I wouldn’t change anything. I think the North West is a fantastic place to live and work, especially for creative industries and I’m incredibly excited about the ongoing growth of our region for creative, tech and entertainment hubs. And on a practical level, the cost of living is notably lower compared to London, we have excellent transport links and connectivity with the rest of the UK, we’re culturally diverse, have some fantastic golf courses that I’m doing my best not to ruin, and we have some of the safest towns and cities. Why would I change that? What’s not to love?
March 2022 MCV/DEVELOP | 59
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