Creative Cities: Manchester for Gamers and Animators

Manchester is more than a powerhouse for music, film, and football. Over the past few years, it’s become a city on the cutting edge of the gaming scene and a prominent hub for animation and VFX in the UK.

Manchester for gamers

The indie game development scene

Manchester is home to an exciting independent gaming community, where small studios are making their mark with innovative titles. White Paper Games, known for its thought-provoking narrative games like The Occupation, leads the way, alongside studios like Cloud Imperium, the developers behind the ambitious Star Citizen. Acid Nerve, the team responsible for the critically-acclaimed Death’s Door, and VoxelStorm, with their distinct retro-futuristic style, add to the city’s dynamic game development landscape.

Manchester’s indie games scene provides invaluable opportunities. These studios often seek out fresh talent, offering internships and entry-level roles that allow students to gain hands-on experience in real-world projects. The city’s collaborative nature makes it an ideal place to begin your journey into the industry.

Where to play

Manchester is a city where gaming culture thrives. NQ64 Arcade Bar is a must-visit for retro gaming fans, offering a nostalgic blend of classic arcade machines and neon-lit vibes. If you’re looking for something more interactive, Immersive Gamebox provides next-gen group gaming experiences where players collaborate in ultra-modern, immersive spaces.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, head to Pixel Bar or the low-key 1Up, where you can enjoy games old and new in a social setting with friends. These bars host regular themed events, from Mario Kart tournaments to cosplay nights, making them great places to connect with fellow gamers and unwind after a day of studying.

A visit to Power UP at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum is a must for anyone with a love of gaming and digital graphics. This permanent exhibition features over 160 playable consoles, taking you on an interactive journey through the history of gaming, from the early days of the Atari to the latest in VR technology. It’s an inspiring place for students to reflect on how far the industry has come, and to draw ideas for future projects.

Gaming events in Manchester

Manchester plays host to several key gaming and pop culture events throughout the year. AireCon and Comic Con Manchester bring together thousands of gaming and comic book fans, with the perfect blend of board games, the latest video game tech, and cosplay.

Manchester Anime & Gaming Con is another highlight, where you can dive into both gaming and anime cultures in a fun, welcoming, and inclusive environment.

For games students, these events are a vital opportunity to network with industry pros, gain inspiration, and showcase your work.

Manchester for animators

Animation studios in Manchester

Manchester has cultivated a robust creative sector. Renowned games studios in the city have contributed to international animation projects for big names such as Disney, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., and the BBC.

You’ll want to scout out animation and VFX studios like Space Digital, Kilogramme, and Fuzzy Duck. Among many other studios situated in the famous MediaCity, you’ll find ThunderHawk, Krygon Studios, and ImmersivEye – all of which are big on motion design, VFX, virtual production, and 3D animation for AAA games, TV, film, and commercial clients.

Where to hang out

If anime brings you joy, then we’ve got just the place: Animaid Café in the Northern Quarter’s iconic Afflecks is a little bubble tea café with a big vibe. From regular events to themed drinks and desserts, and a whole lot of memorabilia and wild décor, Animaid is an awesome hidden gem. While you’re in Afflecks, wander over to Tokyo Go for total immersion in Japanese cosplay, cute accessories and knick-knacks.

The Northern Quarter itself is Manchester’s creative epicentre, boasting a distinct alternative and bohemian atmosphere. Expect jaw-dropping street art, trendy independent shops, and lots of live music venues. Comic book stores Forbidden Planet and Travelling Man are worth an inspo-generating browse, as is Paramount Books – an old-school hive of used books and comics.

Unmissable animation events

Manchester Animation Festival. Absolutely unmissable. As the UK’s largest animation festival, it’s the ideal place to meet fellow artists, animators, and industry faces. Packed with screenings, workshops, talks and panels, masterclasses, and networking events, it’s an absolute must for any student of animation.

We highly recommend keeping up to date with Motion North, an organisation of animators, filmmakers, and VFX artists based in Manchester. The group runs regular smaller events, as well as their iconic The Big ‘Un event, a day of workshops, speakers, drinks, food, and ‘fun times’ – another perfect networking opportunity for animation students in the city.

Build a future in Manchester

Manchester is a brilliant place to build your career in the game, animation, and VFX sectors. With Manchester’s supportive community and regular events designed to foster innovation and connect talent across the creative industries, you’ll find a vibrant and diverse scene ready to welcome you with open arms.

MetStudios offers BA (Hons) degrees in Games Art and Technology, Games Design and Development, and Animation.

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