The Games Hub
The Games Hub was launched in 2016 to address a skills shortage in the county, and has gone on to help students and graduates showcase their games through the Tranzfuser scheme – a project which helps people get their games to market through exposure to industry professionals and funding opportunities.
The Games Hub, run by the Careers, Employability and Enterprise Team's Enterprise experts, is a voluntary programme for third year Games students.
The programme provides an innovative and creative environment for students to learn more about business skills and what is needed when setting up a business or becoming self-employed. These student entrepreneurs are then able to put what they have learnt at University directly into practice in the industry enabling the transition from University to working in the industry to be seamless.
Topics covered include:
- Business planning
- Marketing
- Finance
- All topic areas include speakers from the games industry and local businesses.
One company that was nurtured by the Games Hub is Ipswich-based Miracle Tea who were awarded £30,000 through the project to launch its debut puzzle game, RUYA, in 2016.
What is Tranzfuser?
- A UK-wide talent development program that supports graduate teams in the games industry.
- Funded by the UK Games Fund, aimed at helping aspiring game developers turn their ideas into commercially viable projects.
Who is it for?
- Recent graduates or final-year students who want to create and launch their own video game studios can be from any course – Need to be passionate about gaming. Teams need many skills from business to arts.
- Teams of game developers, artists, and designers looking for funding and industry support.
How does it work?
- Teams apply with a game prototype or concept.
- Selected teams receive funding £7,500*, and mentorship to develop their project.
- Participants go through an intensive development phase, refining their game and business strategy.
- The best teams pitch their games for further funding from the UK Games Fund.
Key Benefits:
- Funding: Initial support to build a prototype and develop a business plan.
- Industry Mentorship: Guidance from experienced game developers and business experts.
- Showcasing Opportunities: Exposure to investors, publishers, and potential partners.
- Business Development: Helps teams transition from game projects to sustainable studios.
Final Stage:
- Teams pitch for additional funding from the UK Games Fund to continue their game development and establish their business.
*Subject to yearly Tranzfuser changes.
"In a short amount of time, Tranzfuser kick started my career from a freelancing hobbyist making weird and personal games to running my own studio. For those serious about making their own games for a living, I can't recommend Tranzfuser enough. It's a crash course on how to run a games business and an opportunity to put you in contact with a network of wonderfully talented people."