Creative Cities: London for Gamers and Animators

From world-class studios to must-see events that attract talent from around the globe, London offers endless inspiration for games creators, animators, and digital arts aficionados. Along with the abundance of career and networking opportunities in the UK’s capital, London is full of fun and fellow creatives. Here’s your guide to some of the top places to immerse yourself in the city’s games and animation scenes.

London for Gamers

London’s Game Studios

Ever wonder where games like Fall Guys or Batman: Arkham were brought to life? Right here in London. Take Mediatonic in Victoria: they’re the geniuses behind Fall Guys, the game that made everyone laugh, rage, and jump around in jellybean-shaped chaos. Then there’s Rocksteady Studios in Highgate, whose Batman: Arkham series literally redefined superhero games (the cape physics alone are worth geeking out over).

But it’s not all about blockbusters. Bossa Studios in Shoreditch is famous for quirky, offbeat titles like Surgeon Simulator and I Am Bread. Yes, you can actually play as a slice of bread. Only in London.

Where to play

London knows how to mix work and play, especially for gamers. In Stoke Newington, Loading Bar is the go-to spot for retro and indie games paired with great drinks. Think arcade vibes, comfy chairs, and themed cocktails. Feeling competitive? Grab your mates and see who really deserves bragging rights.

Over in Hackney Wick, Four Quarters East nails the retro arcade aesthetic, Meltdown London in Islington is where esports fans come to life. With game-inspired cocktails and regular tournaments, it’s part bar, part arena. It’s also great for networking, because nothing breaks the ice like a shared love of gaming and a ridiculous victory dance.

For a cheeky gaming session or shopping spree, Razer Store in Charing Cross is a neon dreamworld, featuring five exclusive zones to pick up top-of-the-range kit or create your own setup. Razer is much more than a store, though. The venue hosts some incredible GameFest events for the gaming community, including cosplay events, keyboard meets, and exclusive opportunities to play newly-launched titles on Razer’s impressive hardware.

London’s esports scene is also next-level. The Red Bull Gaming Sphere in Shoreditch is where serious gamers and casual players collide. Whether it’s tournaments, product launches, or just geeking out with other fans, this place is always busy. Neon lights, top-notch equipment, and plenty of snacks… it’s basically gamer heaven.

Unmissable Events and Festivals

London loves a good celebration, especially when it involves games. EGX, the UK’s biggest gaming expo, is where you’ll find hands-on demos of the latest releases, developer panels, and a buzzing indie showcase. It’s also a great place to chat with industry pros (or just geek out over your favourite games). Check out our recent trip to EGX X MCM Comic Con!

The London Games Festival sees the city come to life with a plethora of events and pop-ups across London every spring. From interactive galleries to outdoor installations, showcases, and talks, it’s an important and wildly inspiring part of the London games scene calendar. Not to be missed!

Esports enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice in London. At the O2 Arena in Greenwich, things get big. When it’s not hosting mega music gigs, the O2 turns into a battleground for games like League of Legends and Call of Duty where a crowd of thousands cheer on their favourite teams! The OVO Arena in Wembley and Excel London are also massive venues for esports competitions, so worth keeping your ear to the ground for upcoming big events. If you prefer a smaller space, you’ll find countless esports community events throughout the city, too.

London for Animators

London produces over 50% of the UK’s animation output. Since 2012, investment in London’s animation sector has surged from £25 million to over £450 million annually.

London’s animation studios

With its reputation as a global animation hotbed, London attracts some of the world’s leading creative and production talent. The city boasts more than fifty world-class animation producers and studios, including big names such as DNEG, The Line, Blue Zoo, MPC, and  Framestore.

Where to spend time

It’s no secret that London is the epicentre of cultural and social life in the UK. Whatever your interests, you’ll find plenty to inspire, educate, and entertain you in the capital.

Top of the list is the Cartoon Museum, just a stone’s throw from Oxford Street. The museum, designed by Sam Jacob Studio, has a library of over 5,000 books and 4,000 comics, as well as a changing display of over 250 exhibits. Since its move to its Well Street location in 2019, the Cartoon Museum now includes a learning studio and a shop.

Check out our TikTok on our recent trip to the Cartoon Museum to see it for yourself.

For a bite to eat, anime fans will love Uzumaki, an immersive anime-themed restaurant where the dishes are inspired by your favourite titles, like the Naruto Ramen and Bakugou Flaming Miso. The restaurant is decorated with incredible amine artwork on every wall, featuring iconic characters enjoying dishes from the menu.

If you’re looking to find fellow computer graphics and animation aficionados, check out London ACM Siggraph’s monthly ‘Bring Your Own Animation’ events. Not only is this a great community to be a part of, it offers a valuable opportunity to bring along your work in progress for feedback from professional animators and grow those all-important industry connections.

Unmissable events and festivals

The London International Animation Festival showcases the whole spectrum of animation every year, with screenings of hundreds of UK, European, and World premieres at venues across the city. You can also attend screen talks, Q&As, workshops, and themed programmes. The 10-day festival culminates in a prestigious awards ceremony. This is an absolute must-visit festival for animators, packed with inspiration, learning, and networking opportunities that can’t be missed.

The UK Screen Alliance holds a range of monthly events, including the VFX & Animation Skills Meeting. You can also browse a variety of industry events, conferences, and meetups on their website to stay in the loop about what’s going on across the city throughout the year.

And don’t forget the BFI Southbank, where you can catch screenings and exhibitions that dive deep into the world of film and VFX all year round.

Build your future in London

With its top-tier studios, vibrant community spaces, and events that draw talent from across the globe, London is the ideal place to turn your passion for games, animation, or VFX into something extraordinary.

If you’re ready to take that first step, MetStudios is here to help. At our London campus, you’ll dive into hands-on courses in Games Design and Development, Games Art and Technology, and Animation, guided by industry pros who’ve been there, done it, and know what it takes to thrive.

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