The South is a creative hotbed for innovative game-making
The South is a creative hotbed for innovative game-making
A spotlight on the Solent’s rising indie games scene
What if the next big thing in gaming wasn’t a breakthrough engine, a viral trend, or a billion-pound acquisition – but a place?
A place where game development doesn’t mean burnout. Where collaboration beats competition. Where the next generation of developers, storytellers, artists, and self-proclaimed ‘weird little game gremlins’ are quietly building something extraordinary – and just need the spotlight.
Welcome to the Solent, where a quiet revolution in game development is taking place and we’re determined to shine a light on it.
Across Southampton, Portsmouth, and Hampshire, a new kind of creative ecosystem is taking shape – one where indie developers, micro studios, returning veterans, and cross-disciplinary creatives are making bold, value-driven work.
This isn’t a scene chasing the next hype cycle. It’s a community focused on sustainable creativity, experimental design, and telling stories that don’t fit the traditional mould. These developers are reimagining fairy tales, building innovative narrative tools, and helping new voices break into the industry in fresh and accessible ways.
And this year – for the first time – they’re coming together in a focussed way at Venturefest South.
Ed Gould, Chair of Venturefest South said, “We’re thrilled to be working with Annie Durwood from Antivenin Games to bring together the very best in gaming innovation from across the south as part of this year’s Festival of Innovation. There’s a real opportunity here to signal something fresh and it’s long overdue for the region’s creative scene.”
Why now?
Gaming is already one of the world’s biggest entertainment industries. But what’s happening in the Solent isn’t just about scale – it’s about culture. Developers here are pushing for a different kind of games industry: one grounded in imagination, sustainability, and a willingness to do things differently.
It’s not just about making games. It’s about changing how games get made and therein lies the innovation.
Come and see what’s happening
Whether you’re an investor looking for emerging talent, a policymaker exploring new sectors of innovation, a publisher seeking the next standout title – or just someone who loves games – we invite you to take a closer look at Venturefest South’s Festival of Innovation, which takes place at the Utilita Bowl on 12th November 2025.
