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How remakes and remasters are driving the UK gaming economy


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With 37.3 million gamers, the UK gaming industry is the biggest in Europe
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New report finds remastered games to be a driving force behind industry growth
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Gaming is more accessible than ever thanks to the rise of mobile gaming
Nineties teens are 69%1 more likely than the national average to spend between 21 and 28 hours gaming every week. And with this age group 47% more likely to have access to a Nintendo Switch, PS4 (42%) and Xbox One (44%), a new report reveals how developers are tapping into this market to drive the UK gaming economy.
From the impact of remakes and remasters, to how digital downloads are changing the industry, online smartphone retailer, Mobiles.co.uk, has taken an in-depth look at how the UK’s gaming industry is evolving.
The study reveals that the UK gaming industry has experienced huge growth in the past 10 years, with retail sales revenue between 2009 and 2019 increasing by a huge 72.6%2. Further insight also reveals that in 2019, the entire UK video game industry generated a huge £5.35 billion1 in revenue, with £3.77 billion3 of that total generated from video game software sales. But with an impressive 37.3 million4 gamers in the UK alone, what exactly is contributing to this growth?
According to Mobiles.co.uk’s report, the trend for remastered games including Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy, Resident Evil 2 and The Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening, all play significant roles in the growth of the gaming industry here in the UK.
The new UKIE UK Top Selling Games List for 2019 revealed the below remakes/remastered games were amongst the top 100 best selling boxed games sold in 2019, while the more recent Final Fantasy VII remake quickly became one of the PS4’s best selling game to date:
Rank |
Title |
Monthly Search Volume |
16 |
Crash Bandicoot N.SaneTrilogy |
6,6005 |
21 |
Resident Evil 2 |
27,1005 |
32 |
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening |
8,1005 |
Still remaining in the top 20 for the UK’s best-selling games of 2019 two years after its release, Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy receives around 6,600 unique searches every month4, its continuing popularity indicates that British gamers are becoming increasingly nostalgic when it comes to their gaming choices.
Crash Bandicoot also features at number 21 in the 2019 list. The remaster spiked the interest of gamers in the UK with a huge 49% increase in search volume over the past 12 months alone5. With an average of 27,100 monthly searches5, the franchise’s decision to reboot this classic was certainly welcomed by the industry, indicating there is a huge appetite for nostalgic gameplay here in the UK.
The final remaster included in the list of the top-selling games is The Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening. Originally launched on the Game Boy in 1993, the remake was designed for the Nintendo Switch. As of March 2020, the new Link’s Awakening had sold more than four million copies globally6, and it’s one of the best-selling games of all time for the Nintendo Switch.
Lee Chambers, Psychologist and gaming expert, commented on the research: “Gaming and nostalgia are heavily interconnected, to the point where it fuels trends and shapes the industry direction. Video games are incredible triggers for nostalgia, anchoring us back to an often carefree time, when we had fewer responsibilities and gaming became a social construct as groups of children all sat around in a bedroom socialising while playing.
“The reality of the industry is that nostalgic gamers are now the ones with purchasing power to relive past glories fighting dragons of their youth, while being decision-makers for buying games as presents for their children. And that is gradually shaping the industry, risk aversion for the new, settling for the old. Your average early millennial is approaching 40. They don’t have the time they did as a child to form an emotional bond to a game’s story with life’s distractions, but a remake removes that barrier, making it all the more attractive.”
The new study also reveals the impact digital downloads are having on the industry, with over two thirds (70%)6 of the UK’s total video game sales revenue, generating a total of £2.63 billion6, coming from digital downloads. Even more remarkably, 42%6 of this revenue came directly from mobile games, indicating a shift in the industry towards smartphone gaming.
The report indicates that UK gamers are not only changing the way they purchase games but thanks to recent advancements in smartphone technology – including cinematic displays, advanced GPUs and even the introduction of high-speed 5G – they’re also expanding the devices they play on.
With a projected 2%7 compound annual growth rate, the huge surge in the mobile gaming sector is predicted to maintain its momentum in 2020 and beyond. An estimated 21 million people in the UK played a mobile game in 20197, with 19% of users aged 18 to 24, 37% falling in the 25-34 age bracket and 23% aged 35-447.
Andrew Cartledge, mobile expert at Mobiles.co.uk, says “In the UK, and all across the world, there’s no doubt that the gaming industry is growing at a rapid speed. The excitement for the next remake or remaster makes sure there’s still a place for the old, while the huge shift towards digital assures the industry and its consumers can keep up with the new.
“Mobile gaming is already huge in 2020 and will only get bigger in the years to come. If you’re interested in trying out some of the very best mobile games like PUBG and Fortnite for yourself, make sure you have a powerful handset to play on.”
For the full report on the UK gaming industry, mobile gaming, remasters and more, please visit: https://www.mobiles.co.uk/blog/understanding-the-uk-gaming-industry-mobiles-remasters-and-more/#fn1
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: How remakes and remasters are driving the UK gaming economy

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Take Aim at Mega Wins: ELA Games Unleashes Chaos With New Shooter Game “Shoot Happens”
A chaotic jungle journey with big, bad foes and insane riches.
Welcome to the jungle, where Shoot Happens! Face your opponent, take aim, and fire your way to riches.
ELA Games unveils its boldest title to date, a combination of decision-making and narrative progression where every shot counts.
In Shoot Happens, you’re not just a player. You’re the main character who has to fend off waves of increasingly dangerous (and valuable) monsters. Armed with 3 shots per round, you’ll need precision and calm nerves to take down the reward and add it to your Winpot. Hit the target for riches. Miss… and it’s back to the beginning.
The Choice Is Yours
Each round is in the hands of the player. Do you cash out now? Or keep slashing through the jungle for bigger and better rewards? Decision-making, timing, and a whole load of guts go a long way.
Expect the Unexpected
Random projectile bonuses can appear in any round, boosting your rewards massively. And just when you thought your journey through the treacherous jungle was over, the final boss appears. While the other monsters may have been a piece of cake, he doesn’t stay down. Each time you defeat him, he respawns for juicier and recurring payouts. Keep going as long as you can handle it, and you might walk out as the top dog of the jungle.
Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the game’s release, “With Shoot Happens, the team ventured outside of conventional game formats, and we wanted to give players a super engaging experience where they’re in control. This title is a bold approach to game design in this industry, as we’re empowering players with choice and enriching the gameplay experience with strong visuals, narratives, and plenty of replayability.”
Play how you want. The Winpot is yours
Shoot Happens is the perfect blend of fast-paced action, bold decision-making, and interactive gameplay. Whether you’re a cautious player or a complete daredevil, the game is an enticing experience for all.
How deep into the jungle are you willing to go?
The post Take Aim at Mega Wins: ELA Games Unleashes Chaos With New Shooter Game “Shoot Happens” appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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HIPTHER Enters Next-Level Operations Era: E-Residency, Flexibility, Tech & Collaboration
HIPTHER, the innovative events organiser and media hub behind renowned boutique conferences and online news platforms for the iGaming and Technology industries, is thrilled to announce its new, dynamic era of operations.
Staying true to its international character, HIPTHER breaks free from geographical and logistical limitations by becoming an e-resident company of Estonia and embracing a fully remote work model built on trust, flexibility, and technology.
Estonian E-Residency: A Logical Step Forward for HIPTHER
With a strong focus on innovation, digitalisation, and entrepreneurship, Estonia has long been at the forefront of e-governance. For HIPTHER, a company operating across borders with a digital-first mindset, joining the Estonian e-Residency programme was not just a strategic move – it was the natural next step.
The e-Residency allows HIPTHER to maintain a fully online EU-based company, benefiting from Estonia’s transparent business environment, streamlined administration, and modern legal framework. It enables the team to manage operations more efficiently, with secure access to digital services and the freedom to work from anywhere in the world.
Estonia’s global-first approach mirrors HIPTHER’s own values: agility, decentralisation, and forward-thinking, making this alignment more than practical; it’s philosophical. With its new base in the digital nation, HIPTHER further amplifies its mission to connect industries, foster innovation, and redefine how modern companies operate and grow.
Remote Work Model: Trust, Flexibility, Collaboration in a Tech-forward Era
Supported by e-Residency and the innovative mindset echoed across HIPTHER’s conferences, virtual events, and media outlets – which cover cutting-edge industries such as Gaming, Fintech, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and beyond – the #hipthers are now able to collaborate fully remotely.
Following technological advancements and staying true to its human-centric values of wellness, balance, trust, and originality, HIPTHER takes a bold leap toward remote work – where others can’t or won’t.
From managing international summits and awards to running online media and virtual panels, HIPTHER has long relied on digital infrastructure, and now turns this into a permanent advantage.
Zoltan Tuendik, HIPTHER’s Co-Founder & Head of Business, shared his thoughts behind this big next step for the company: “We believe in building a future where innovation, flexibility, and human-centric values guide everything we do. For several years now, our team has been working across borders, embracing remote collaboration and digital-first operations. With this step we’re solidifying and elevating a way of working that’s already part of our DNA. Becoming an e-resident company empowers us to bring lasting change and sets the stage for our next chapter of global impact.”
Join the #hipthers Journey – We’re Hiring!
HIPTHER is growing, and we’re on the lookout for passionate, creative, and driven individuals to join our fully remote team. If you’re excited about working across dynamic industries like iGaming, Tech, Blockchain, and more, we want to hear from you!
Open Positions:
- Social Media & Audience Engagement Lead
- Virtual Events & Community Coordinator
👉 Check out the openings here – send us your CV and a short intro to:
[email protected] or [email protected]
We look forward to hearing from you!
The post HIPTHER Enters Next-Level Operations Era: E-Residency, Flexibility, Tech & Collaboration appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Midnite launches in-stadium £1,000 giveaway for Sheffield United and Southampton fans at every home league game
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Brace Yourself campaign gives supporters chance to win at every home league match
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Cash prize awarded every time a home player scores two goals
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Midnite will match winning prize pot with charitable donation
Fast-growing UK sportsbook Midnite will give Sheffield United and Southampton fans the chance to net £1,000 at every home league match throughout the new season.
Midnite is the front-of-shirt sponsor for Sheffield United and the back-of-shirt sponsor for Southampton and is launching the Brace Yourself campaign for supporters of both clubs.
It means every time a home player scores twice – a brace – one lucky member of the matchday crowd will grab a grand or possibly more – if no brace is scored, the prize pool will roll over to the next home match.
Midnite will also match the prize pool with a donation to charity close to each club.
Fans at Bramall Lane and St Mary’s can enter by scanning QR codes placed around the stadiums and in the matchday programmes and a seat number will be drawn at random before kick-off.
Brace Yourself kicks off on Saturday (August 9) when Southampton host Wrexham and Sheffield United entertain Bristol City.
Andrew Mook, Midnite’s Head of Brand Marketing, said: “We want fans to be on the edge of their seats throughout the season.
“When a home player scores a brace in the EFL Championship this season, Midnite will reward one lucky fan with a cash prize giveaway. Starting off at £1,000 and rolling over each week if there isn’t a winner, the excitement should build throughout the campaign.
“Midnite will also match the fan prize and donate the same amount to a local charity, in a bid to repay some of the amazing work that they do within the local community.”
Midnite’s Brace Yourself campaign is open to fans aged 18 and older.
The post Midnite launches in-stadium £1,000 giveaway for Sheffield United and Southampton fans at every home league game appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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