Creative Cities: Exploring Bristol’s Gaming Scene

From independent game studios making waves in the industry to social spaces that bring players together, Bristol is a must-visit for anyone passionate about gaming. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this city so special for gamers.

Bristol’s Industry

Bristol’s indie gaming scene is filled with talent. Studios like Auroch Digital are leading the charge, producing faithful adaptations of classic boardgames. Then there’s Codebyfire, a small gaming dev studio known for creating The Colonists, a relaxing planetary strategy game. Catastrophic Overload, another standout, is the team behind quirky multiplayer games Bish Bash Bots and Drink More Glurp.

For animation, Bristol is home to studios of all sizes producing everything from children’s television and video games to advertising campaigns and indie films. The most famous studio is undoubtedly Aardman Animations, who have been at the forefront of stop-motion animation for decades, with classics like Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Chicken Run. Read more about Bristol’s Animation Scene!

Where to play

Bristol’s gaming bars and cafés are at the heart of its social scene. Replay is a cosy spot that mixes board games with classic and modern consoles, making it ideal for a laid-back evening with friends. Electric Social offers a more electric vibe, with its eclectic selection of arcade games and contemporary gaming setups providing plenty of entertainment.

For those who want to take their gaming experience to the next level, LVL World of Gaming is the place to be, offering high-performance PCs and consoles in a sleek, modern environment. These venues are more than just places to play, they’re spaces to connect, compete, and unwind.

Unmissable Events and Festivals

Bristol Comic Con is a great event to dive into the city’s love for all things SciFi, with cosplaying zones, panels, and industry vendors creating an exciting, inclusive atmosphere.

The Bristol Gaming Market is another gem, back bigger than ever for 2025, celebrating the nostalgia of retro gaming with an incredible array of collectables, from vintage consoles to rare cartridges. And for fans of anime and gaming, the Bristol Anime & Gaming Con is the perfect blend of panels, tournaments, and cosplay competitions.

Build a future in Bristol

Aspiring game developers will find plenty of opportunities to hone their craft in Bristol. MetStudios’ Bristol campus is a standout, offering BA (Hons) programmes in Games Design and Development, Games Art and Technology, and Animation. These courses combine hands-on experience with industry insights, equipping students with the skills needed to launch successful careers in gaming. With access to state-of-the-art resources and a supportive creative community, Bristol is an ideal place to take your first steps into the industry.

Discover MetStudios Bristol for yourself at an upcoming Open Day or find out more about our courses here.