Great Exhibition of the North attracts gaming firm investment set to create up to 30 jobs

A lottery and bingo games provider is to set up a new games development studio in Newcastle’s Hoults Yard.

Gamevy - a licensed games supplier with offices in London, Berlin and Bilbao, Spain - produce a range of real-money games. This startup develops a range from keno and scratch cards to real skill games where players have the chance to win life-changing jackpots.

The move comes after Invest Newcastle invited them to attend the Great Exhibition of the North’s gaming festival, 1UP North. This two-week event aimed at gamers, coders and budding digital designers provided a platform to showcase the level of talent and expertise within the region.

Invest Newcastle, a service delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative, used this opportunity to give Gamevy an insight into the digital and tech sector.

Dan Rough, chief operating officer at Gamevy, said: “We have an exceptional tech team - and it means we’re only ever looking for exceptional people to join us.

“We were really impressed by the people we met in Newcastle and we’re convinced that we’re going to build a vibrant, entrepreneurial games studio here.”

Matt Bratton, inward investment manager from Invest Newcastle, introduced Gamevy to Newcastle’s tech community.

He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the tech sector for their support and for sharing their experiences. The collaborative nature of our networks here undeniably creates added value for businesses who chose to locate here.

“I have no doubt that Gamevy will benefit from the support our sector network provides. This is a great opportunity for our talented designers and developers to work for an organisation that puts creativity and autonomy at the heart of its workplace culture.”

Gamevy plans to create up to 30 jobs in the city over the next two years. They chose Newcastle as a location because of the quality of talent and because of its fit with the organisation’s collaborative and unique culture.

The community of digital and tech businesses and networks was also a big advantage, since Gamevy already has several strategic partnerships with companies based in Newcastle, including Bede Gaming.

Cllr Kim McGuiness, cabinet member for culture, sport and public health at Newcastle City Council, added: “We would like to welcome Gamevy to Newcastle. The fact that this already successful company has decided to set up a presence here is testament to the strength of the digital and tech sectors in this city.

“It is also a fitting legacy for the Great Exhibition of the North, the aim of which was to promote all that is great about the north and this city to the outside world.”

Digital and tech recruitment agency, Ronald James will be supporting the company with its recruitment process.

James Blackwell, CEO at Ronald James, concluded: “Helping Gamevy to build a new team in Newcastle is a huge privilege for us.

“Our city is full of talent and this is a great opportunity for highly skilled developers and designers to work for a forward thinking and innovative organisation. We have already placed five new developers and we are looking forward to helping the team grow.”

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