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 London as your next career move?
London is the largest UK hub for the games industry, with around 588 studios, employing more than 5000 people, the economic impact of games in the capital is huge. From micro studios and indies, to enormous global publishers, for a city which is leading in financial services, heritage and diversity, the creative industry certainly isn't falling behind!
Gaming Events in London
Being the games hub it is, there’s a ton of games-related fun to be had when you’re not at work. From conferences and events, to immersive experiences, games cafes and shops, there’s plenty to give you your games fix in your off time.
- EGX is the biggest celebration of gaming around in the capital, characterised by four days at the ExCel Arena in October. Tickets will be available soon depending on safety assessments.
- London Games Festival runs in March each year and is on a mission to make London the games capital of the world. The festival provides year-round support for games creators and games culture in the city, and creating 550 jobs since being founded in 2015
- ICE London has been postponed until 2022, however, once back up and running will provide a platform to explore the future of gaming
- London Gaming Market happens on a four-monthly basis, London Gaming Market is London’s only retro games fair (11th July 2021 is next!) and is the place to buy retro video games, board games, merchandise, etc. The only event of its kind in London!
- London Anime Con (31st July-1st August 2021) Brings anime fans, gaming fans, cosplayers, and geeks together. Guests include top voice actors of your fave anime, anime viewing room, anime/geek exhibitors, live J-pop/anime themed performers, cosplay – competitions, talks, workshops
If you’re looking for some more casual and every day fun as a games lover, outside of conferences and events, there’s a load more to get up to in London!
Video Games Cafes and Bars
- Four Thieves, Platform, Four Quarters, Loading Bar and Draughts all offer video games in a relaxed environment with refreshments to keep you going
- Bounce, Pong London, and Pitch, all offer a different type of game with pingpong, beer pong, and high-tech golf, if you want to switch up your entertainment
Gaming Spheres and Shops
- Looking for something a bit more immersive? Otherworld, Free-Roam Arena (Boxpark), and DNA VR all offer unique virtual reality experiences which are great to enjoy with friends
- How about checking out the latest tech? Head to the Samsung KX, Microsoft or RazorStore stores to peep the latest developments in technology in VR, esports, and gadgets. You might even have the opportunity to watch video game tournaments and esports sessions if you’re there at the right time!
Travel Links/Getting Around
Walking around London is a great way to get your bearings and a better understanding of its geography, however, due to the vastness of the city, you might want to consider some other options.
Parking and inner-city congestion charge zones make driving near impossible, but fortunately, the most efficient way to get around lies below the busy roadways…
The London Underground – AKA the Tube
- Takes you around the city centre as well as into the suburbs
- Always an underground station within walking distance when in the city centre
- Trains arrive every few minutes
- At weekends the trains run around the clock on some lines
- Tap in and out of stations using your bank card or prepaid Oyster card
Just make sure you check the map when travelling short distances... it could be quicker to walk!
London's iconic red buses are another great way to get around
- See the sights as you travel
- Slightly cheaper than the tube - hop and hop off as many times as you like within an hour fir only £1.50
- Huge network covering the whole city which runs throughout the night
Another, more green option to traverse the city is London’s cycle network
- Over 800 hubs of Santander cycles
- Use credit or debit card to unlock a bike
- Return it to another hub when finished!
- Often cheaper than the tube
- Can take in the scenery as you travel!
Getting to London
- 6 airports serve the area
- People travelling cross-continentally usually land in Gatwick or Heathrow
- Heathrow has its own tube station
- Gatwick is only 30 minutes on the train to Victoria
How to Enjoy the City
Michelin-star restaurants, street food, markets (such as Borough Market and Spitalfields), theatre, festivals and London Fashion Week are just a few of the delights London has to offer those looking for a taste of the city.
London is famous for its history, culture, and attractions, and with many of London’s museums and galleries free to enter (The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A & The Tate Modern are some great ones), the knowledge and arts of the city are easily absorbed!
There is always plenty going on in London whatever your budget or taste.
Housing & Living
London is one of the largest and most influential cities in the world. This means that unfortunately (but not unsurprisingly) London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to keep living costs down.
- Remember that very few people want to (or can afford) live in the very centre of London. You'll find most of your colleagues commute in from zones 3-6 (of the tube map) so these are good places to start your search
- Many professionals will also house share to lower the cost of rent in more desirable areas - check out SpareRoom and Gumtree and you'll find a host of people in the same boat as you
- Affordability comes down to your lifestyle and income - the graduates and directors of a studio will frequent very different 'Londons'! But there is a range of things to do whatever your budget so you'll never be bored!
But remember, wages in London are the highest in the UK and are very competitive with other cities in Europe - and this is well demonstrated in the games industry.
And if you're wondering how the cost of living in London 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 London for a job
London is a hugely multicultural city that has always attracted people from around the world, as well as the rest of the UK, making it one of the most ethnically diverse cities on earth. This means that whoever you are and wherever you’re from, you won’t feel out of place here.
Relocating can be daunting, but London is full of opportunities to get to know people and the city itself.
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 when moving cities for a new job!
And if we've convinced you that London is the city for you... check out our latest games jobs in London
