Brighton is becoming a hotbed for the UK’s gaming industry

Brighton is on its way to becoming a gaming paradise, with a rich variety of experiences that cater to all kinds of gamers. Unique gaming cafes and bars together with escape rooms and retro games shape Brighton into one of the kinds of places that gamers like to connect and unwind. Exciting annual events like fairs and conferences add to the city’s major networking hub. Casual and serious gamers, game developers and hobbyists find Brighton to be a must-visit destination. Let’s dive deeper into what makes Brighton’s gaming scene so special. 

Online gaming in the UK

The gaming scene in the UK is booming, with huge advances across PC, console and cloud gaming. PC gaming, in particular, has fostered a diverse community, with competitive players and modders (for those less familiar with the lingo: that’s those who alter or modify games) creating unique gaming cultures. High-end gaming PCs let players dive into visually stunning, open-world games that require serious graphics power. Console gaming is just as popular, with new consoles from PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo offering exclusive games and fresh experiences.

The online casino scene has also seen significant growth in recent years. Advancements are driven by an increase in popularity of digital platforms. In 2024, the market continues to grow with major innovations like live dealer games and better user interfaces. The list of all available table games in online casinos expands daily. Players are now able to enjoy a wide range of games from the comfort of their homes.

Esports in Brighton

In Brighton, esports has a thriving and growing community of like-minded gamers. The Brighton Esports Society at the University of Brighton is at the heart of this scene, offering everything from competitive teams taking on national tournaments to relaxed game nights for all skill levels. Numerous inclusive events, like gaming sessions for women, are driving its popularity. Brighton’s esports presence is further enhanced by local competitions like the Brighton vs Sussex Valorant Tournament. Here players from the University of Sussex and University of Brighton put their gaming skills to the ultimate test in a friendly but competitive atmosphere.

Gamers’ favourite spots

Gaming cafes and bars in Brighton are the perfect spots for players who want to game and socialise at the same time. The World’s End is a hangout spot loved by locals. It’s packed with arcade games, consoles and a lively crowd, making it an ideal spot for gamers looking to spend quality time with friends or family. And at 1UP Café, players will find a more relaxed vibe, with retro games and cosy areas to sit back and play.

For something completely different, ImmotionVR offers a unique and immersive virtual reality experience, allowing players to step into various virtual worlds. This VR hub delivers an exciting way to experience games in a completely interactive way. Whether this involves exploring new realms in God of War or playing something action-packed like Uncharted, everyone will find something that is to their liking. Meanwhile, Vrroom Virtual Race Room brings the thrill of high-speed racing into the realm of VR, offering incredibly realistic racing simulators. Authentic car physics and responsive tracks will take you on an adrenaline roller coaster.

Hands on experiences

For those seeking even more interactive gaming experiences, Brighton offers a variety of thrilling activities. The Bewilder Box escape room challenges you to escape with your wits, while Dice Saloon is the go-to spot for tabletop gaming, offering board games and role-playing adventures. If you’re looking for something unique, try Hatchet Harry’s Axe Throwing, where you can test your aim in a fun, competitive environment. For a quirky family-friendly experience, the Upside Down House lets you step into an Instagram-worthy world of topsy-turvy rooms, perfect for those seeking something unique.

Brighton Anime and Gaming Con

If you’re a fan of anime and gaming, the Spring Brighton Anime Con on 15-16 March 2025 is an unmissable event. This two-day festival celebrates the best of both worlds, featuring cosplay competitions, gaming tournaments and panels with industry professionals. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the community, meet fellow fans and experience the exciting blend of anime and gaming culture. With a wide range of activities from merchandise stalls to live entertainment, this event adds another layer to Brighton’s growing reputation as a gaming hub. Bring your family or friends and dive into the colourful world of anime.

Where developers meet 

The Develop:Brighton Conference is another key event that showcases the best of the gaming industry. As one of the UK’s largest conferences for game developers, Develop brings together experts, indie developers and major studios to discuss new projects, trends and the future of gaming.

The event features talks from industry leaders, panel discussions and networking opportunities that help shape the future of game development. It’s an important gathering for anyone looking to connect with other professionals and stay on the cutting edge of gaming innovation. Although the dates for 2025 haven’t been fully confirmed yet, this annual conference has become a must-attend for those interested in the development side of gaming​.

Shop away

Brighton boasts a range of gaming stores that appeal to both retro collectors and tabletop fans. Warhammer shops cater to hobbyists with detailed models and accessories, while the Video Game Retro Market is a goldmine for those seeking rare, nostalgic games from past decades. If tabletop gaming is more your style, Dice Saloon offers not only a great selection of games but also a friendly, open space for gaming sessions. These stores help make Brighton a unique destination, where enthusiasts can find everything from vintage collectibles to the latest game releases.

Brighton is on its way to becoming a major destination for gamers, with its vibrant mix of esports, interactive gaming experiences and unique venues. The city’s thriving gaming community offers something for everyone, ranging from competitive tournaments and casual meetups to VR adventures and local gaming events. With popular spots like the Brighton Esports Society and gaming cafes such as The World’s End and 1UP Café, the local scene is both welcoming and exciting. As the gaming world continues to grow in Brighton, it’s clear that the city is becoming a key player in the UK’s gaming landscape.