InGAME International

InGAME International was a £463,000 research projected funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) as part of the UK-China Creative Partnerships programme. Led by Abertay University in partnership with Shanghai Academy of Social Science, Outplay Entertainment, Beano Studios, and Perfect World, this three-year project aimed to identify opportunities for and barriers to collaboration between the UK and China games industries. Activities included sharing of knowledge through events and conferences, co-production of new products, examination of market access, and discussion of mutual sector growth.

InGAME International has delivered a comprehensive report on the state of collaboration between the UK and China in the games industry. The 'Pathway to Collaboration' report is underpinned by interviews with experts across the UK, China and internationally, and provides recommendations for those in the UK looking to initiate relationships or considering routes to market in China.

InGAME International supported collaboration between key stakeholders in universities, the games industry, and trade and government agencies in both the UK and China. As an industry-focussed project, all project activities were focussed on addressing challenges arising from games studios and practitioners in both countries.

Following the completion of the project in January 2024, the team has published a comprehensive report on an original qualitative study involving ~50 industry experts drawn from China, the UK and internationally, all with experience of UK/China games industry and the inherent challenges involved in collaboration. Detailed findings are included in the report. Highlight findings are:

1) Insights into UK-China collaboration in game production.

We have developed key findings on UK-China collaboration that are grounded in studies of live transnational development projects and that engage experienced business stakeholders in both nations. These findings are reported in our publications and case studies.

2) Development of international networks of UK-China games researchers

We have delivered two 2-day international conferences that brought together academics from the UK, China, and internationally to present their insights into games, China, and engagement with the West. Our conferences have been online or hybrid online, allowing for wider participation in the context of international travel restrictions during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

3) Recommendations for industry

Our analysis of interviews with industry experts, reports, market data, and wider academic literature (including texts published in China), underpinned our set of industry recommendations in our final InGAME International Pathway to Collaboration report.

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
AH/T011491/1
£463,153