To strengthen Scotland’s presence in the global gaming industry, eight leading Scottish games companies are set to embark on a two-week journey to Japan. This venture, part of the Scottish Government’s ambitious Techscaler programme, aims to showcase Scotland’s innovative gaming talent to a global audience, attract new investments, and forge strategic partnerships in one of the world’s most influential gaming markets.
On April 5th, these companies will depart for Tokyo, where they will be based at Tunnel Tokyo, a cutting-edge startup incubator operated by the SEGA Sammy group and venture capital firm Pegasus Ventures. This strategic location offers a unique opportunity for Scottish start-ups to immerse themselves in Japan’s vibrant gaming ecosystem, known for its rich history and innovative spirit.
Following their time in Tokyo, the companies will travel to Osaka to participate in the 2025 World Expo, a global event expected to attract over 28 million visitors from more than 150 countries. The Scottish Government has organized a dedicated gaming event on April 17th at the Expo, providing a platform for these companies to demonstrate their products and expertise to a massive international audience.
The Companies Leading the Charge
The participating companies represent a diverse range of expertise within the gaming sector:
- BearHammer Games (Glasgow): Specializes in virtual reality projects and game development.
- Konglomerate Games (Dundee): Develops video game technology for healthcare and education sectors.
- Buildstash (Glasgow): Assists game developers in managing iOS and Android apps.
- Yaldi Games (Edinburgh): Focuses on education-focused software development.
- Speech Graphics (Edinburgh): Develops facial animation technology.
- Blazing Griffin (Glasgow): A multi-media company involved in film, games production, and post-production.
- Wardog Studios (Edinburgh): Develops virtual reality weapons and vehicles.
- GLITCHERS (Edinburgh): Known for games supporting dementia research.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “Japan is synonymous with gaming technology and, with a market valued at around $50 billion, it offers phenomenal economic opportunities for our own, hugely talented Scottish sector.” The Techscaler programme is designed to empower entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools and networks needed to innovate and expand into new markets.
Justin Alae-Carew, Co-Head of Games at Blazing Griffin, expressed excitement about the potential for cross-border partnerships, particularly in intellectual property (IP). He noted, “Japan is not only an incredible consumer and producer of games, but also home to a fantastic array of multi-media intellectual property (IP). We see huge opportunity in exploring cross-border partnership with a specific focus on IP—either Japanese IP coming to the West or Western IP gaining foothold in Japan.”
Launched in November 2022, Techscaler is a comprehensive initiative aimed at making Scotland the best place for tech start-ups to launch and grow. The programme has already attracted significant investment, with participating companies securing over £52 million in funding in 2023. Nearly 2,500 companies are now part of the Techscaler network, which offers education programs, expert mentoring, and access to physical hubs.
Ruth Oliver, Head of Bridge Programmes at CodeBase, emphasized the global mindset of the selected companies, stating, “The companies selected to join the first Japan cohort represent some of Scotland’s most exciting and promising companies from the gaming sector… With the opportunity to make valuable industry connections and gain insights and learnings, the programme offers the companies a golden chance to win customers and take their business to the next level in one of the world’s most dynamic and important markets.”
Japan’s gaming industry is renowned for its influence on global gaming trends, with iconic franchises like Pokémon and Mario becoming cultural phenomena worldwide. The market is projected to grow significantly, reaching USD 60.5 billion by 2033, driven by the popularity of social gaming and e-sports.
As Scotland’s gaming start-ups prepare to take the stage in Japan, they are not only representing their country’s innovative spirit but also paving the way for future collaborations and investments. The Techscaler programme’s focus on empowering entrepreneurs and fostering global connections positions Scotland as a rising star in the global gaming landscape. With the support of initiatives like Techscaler, Scotland is poised to become a leading hub for gaming innovation, leveraging the vast opportunities offered by international markets like Japan to drive economic growth and cultural exchange.
