It’s no secret that when working in the games industry, relocation is often just a part of the package. If you’re keen to work on the best games with the best team, then moving around the country, and world, is something you might just get used to! So, to best prepare you for your next potential move, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to know about your new city.
So, why should you consider Dundee as your next career move?
Dundee has gaming in its veins as it’s home to one of the world’s oldest games courses at Abertay University as well as being the birthplace of several world-famous games such as Grand Theft Auto and Minecraft! The city is a thriving and ever-growing hub for game developers, currently with around 16 studios developing there and it's considered by many to be one of the best places in the world to set up a game studio!
The creative industry is important to Scotland, especially for video games and the games industry in Dundee has been declared to be healthier than ever before, growing in Scotland by 27% in less than two years, with Scotland’s games industry as a whole employing over 1500 people directly, as well as 3000 people indirectly!
But what could moving to Dundee for your next job actually look like for you?
Gaming Events in Dundee
Dundee has some great games-focused events that you’re sure to enjoy - Summer of Games launched in 2019 and helped cement Dundee as an international innovation hub to inspire budding local developers. The event included: immersive tech conferences, video game design competitions, celebration of graduate talent, digital treasure trail, games awards and more.
There are a ton of gaming meetups held regularly, which is the perfect way to meet new people with the same interests in a new city! Keep an eye on the Dundee Unity User Group and the Quack Pack Social Group if you're looking for the chance to find your people in Dundee.
Another great option is Highlander Games, who offer nights dedicated to board games, RPG and more, as well as hosting events for upcoming releases and their own tournaments!
A future event to look forward to in Dundee is 4TG which is coming to several cities in Scotland in the near future once it’s safe to do so. This will include an arcade zone, workshops, cosplay, a VR zone and a whole lot more! Tickets go on sale soon so keep your eyes peeled.
Finally, the Dundee Esports Arena is due to open in 2024 which is sure to bring a whole new level of games entertainment for up to 4,000 spectators as well as huge benefits for the local economy!
Getting Around
Dundee is known for having a compact city centre, so getting around on foot generally is the most efficient way to navigate the city itself. However, if you’re wondering how to get to and from Dundee…
- Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is just an hour away by train
- Dundee is also connected by rail to London King’s Cross with an hourly service running via York, Newcastle, and Edinburgh
- Dundee airport provides direct flights to London City Airport - and to Jersey during the summer months!
How to enjoy the city
Dundee is home to every type of landmark you can think of; a river, a beach, and an extinct volcano (with some pretty amazing views) to name a few, so it’s safe to say that you won't be short of scenery to enjoy!
It has also been unveiled as a UNESCO City of Design; thanks to the abundance of striking architecture you’ll find there so simply wandering the streets can be a brilliant day out. On top of this, Dundee is home to the only V&A museum outside of London, so if you’re passionate about arts and design, that should be top of your to-do list!
There are loads of cultural spots to enjoy here, from an art gallery focusing on the history of Dundee and fine art, to a historic ship that allows you to delve into a voyage of the past, and an observatory built to encourage public interest in science.
Image Source: RRS Discovery
Housing and living
Living in Dundee is much more affordable than many other gaming hubs, as well as large cities in Scotland such as Glasgow or Edinburgh. So, it's a great option if you’re looking for a city with a low cost of living.
And if you're wondering how the cost of living in Dundee compares with other gaming hub cities, here's our handy guide!
NB: 0.5L domestic beer; 1L petrol; preschool private monthly childcare; rent of 1 bedroom apartment in city centre. Figures taken from Numbeo in May 2021
Want to compare the cost of living in London to your city? Numbeo can do this for you!
Relocating to Dundee for work
Dundee is known for scientific breakthroughs, unique landmarks, and its thriving creative industry, which certainly makes it an appealing city to explore. So if you’re considering relocating to Dundee for a job in games, the above information should give you some idea of what life could be like for you here.
It’s important that if you’re relocating for a job in the games industry, you research the studio in detail, as well as the city, to get a feel for their culture and how well you match their values. Have a read of our blog: Researching your Relocation in Games to find out more about what to consider if you are thinking of moving for a new job!
And if we've convinced you that this is the city for you... check out our latest games jobs in Dundee
