Difference between revisions of "Notable Dates in UK Games Industry History"

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Help us complete this list of notable dates in the UK games industry history by submitting any suggestions you have via [https://forms.gle/9agp8mppXNuWYiBL6 this online form].
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== 1950s ==
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=== 1950 ===
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*Following the second world war and his groundbreaking work on cracking the enigma machine, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Turing Alan Turing] develops a [https://www.history.com/news/in-1950-alan-turing-created-a-chess-computer-program-that-prefigured-a-i chess-playing program]
 +
 +
=== 1951 ===
 +
 +
*For a post-war festival celebrating British contributions to science and technology, a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nimrod_(computer) computer was developed that could play the game Nim], a mathematical  game in which players take turn to remove matches.
 +
 +
=== 1952 ===
 +
 +
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OXO OXO (or Noughts and Crosses)] was developed by A.S Douglas for the Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC), one of the first games developed in the early history of video games.
 +
 +
=== 1957 ===
 +
 +
*14th October - The British Computer Society (now known as [https://www.bcs.org/ BCS, The Chartered Institute for I.T.]) is founded [http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/6099/BCS%20-%20%20British%20Computer%20Society%20is%20Founded promote the study,  practice and advance the knowledge of computing].
 +
 +
== 1960s ==
 +
 +
=== 1961 ===
 +
 +
*25th July - [http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/5856/Clive%20Sinclair%20founds%20Sinclair%20Radionics Clive Sinclair founds Sinclair Radionics] in Cambridge, developing hi-fi products, radios, calculators and scientific instruments, a precursor to his computer company Sinclair Research.
 +
 +
== 1970s ==
 +
 +
=== 1975 ===
 +
 +
*1st April - The [http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/34794/The%20Magnavox%20Odyssey,%20the%20first%20video%20game%20console,%20is%20released Magnavox Odyssey], the first video game console, is released in the UK.
 +
 +
*Roy Trubshaw, a student at the University of Essex, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MUD#Origins started working on a multi-user adventure game] in the MACRO-10 assembly language for a DEC PDP-10. He named the game MUD (Multi-User Dungeon). Deveopment was completed in 1980 by fellow student Richard Bartle.
 +
 +
=== 1975 ===
 +
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Games_Workshop Games Workshop], famous for selling Dungeons and Dragons and Warhammer tabletop games, is founded.
 +
 
== 1980s ==
 
== 1980s ==
  
−
'''1980'''
+
=== 1980 ===
 +
 
 +
*29th January - The [http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/5445/Sinclair-ZX80-Launched/ Sinclair ZX80] personal computer was launched by Sinclair Research Ltd of Cambridge.
 +
 
 +
=== 1981 ===
 +
 
 +
*5th March - The ZX81, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZX81 Sinclair Research's pioneering British home computer], was released.
 +
 
 +
*May - The [http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/10388/VIC-20%20Released%20in%20Europe%20&%20US Commodore VIC-20] is released in the US and Europe.
 +
 
 +
*1st December - The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_Micro BBC Micro], designed and built by the Acorn Computer company for the BBC, is released.
  
−
'''1981'''
+
=== 1982 ===
  
−
*5th March - The ZX81, Sinclair Research's pioneering British home computer, was released. ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZX81 Wikipedia])
+
*January - The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_64 Commodore 64] is launched worldwide.
  
−
'''1982'''
+
*23rd February - Argonaut Games was [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argonaut_Games founded in Colindale, London]. It was most notable for the development of the Super NES video game Star Fox and its supporting Super FX hardware
  
−
'''1983'''
+
*23rd April - The [http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/43781/Sinclair%20ZX%20Spectrum%20Launched Sinclair ZX Spectrum] is released by Sinclair Computers.
  
−
'''1984'''
+
*August - The Dragon 32 home computer [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_32/64 was released for sales in the European market] by Dragon Data Ltd, but with limited graphics capabilities it struggled to compete against the more popular ZX Spectrum and BBC Micro home computers.
  
−
*20th September - Elite, the space trading game written and developed by David Braben and Ian Bell, is published by Acornsoft for the BBC Micro and Acorn Electron computers. ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elite_(video_game) Wikipedia])
+
*17th September - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imagine_Software Imagine Software] was founded in Liverpool byt formeer members of Bug-Byte. The short-lived company achieved nationwide notoriety when it was filmed by a BBC documentary crew while in the process of going bust.It would later be referenced in Bandersnatch, Netflix's interactive espisode of Black Mirror,
  
−
'''1985'''
+
=== 1983 ===
  
−
'''1986'''
+
*The American [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_crash_of_1983 video game crash of 1983] occurs, having a significant knock-on impact on the British games industry.
  
−
*October - Codemasters, one of the oldest active British game studios, founded by brothers Richard and David Darling. ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codemasters Wikipedia]
+
*1st August - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manic_Miner Manic Miner], developed by Matthew Smith, was released by Bug-Byte for the ZX Spectrum.
  
−
'''1987'''
+
*[https://web.archive.org/web/19980611190501fw_/http://www.vie.co.uk/level3/corporat.htm Virgin Games was founded]. It would later become Virgin Interactive Entertainment, the video game publishing division of the Virgin Group. The company grew significantly afer acquiring Mastertronic in 1987.
  
−
'''1988'''
+
=== 1984 ===
  
−
'''1989'''
+
*12th April - The Amstrad CPC 464 was [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amstrad_CPC_464 released in the UK]. The first personal home computer built by Amstrad, it was one of the bestselling microcomputers of the era with more than 2 million units sold in Europe.
−
*6th September - [http://ukie.org.uk Ukie], then known as ELSPA, is founded - the first trade association for the video games industry anywhere in the world. ([http://ukie.org.uk/about Ukie])
+
 
 +
*July - [https://reflections.ubisoft.com/ Ubisoft Reflections] is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubisoft_Reflections founded in Newcastle],
 +
 
 +
*20th September - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elite_(video_game) Elite], the space trading game written and developed by David Braben and Ian Bell, is published by Acornsoft for the BBC Micro and Acorn Electron computers.
 +
 
 +
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockstar_North Acme Software was founded in Dundee]. It would later rebrand as DMA Deisgn and produce many well-known titles across the Amiga, Atari ST and Commodores 64, including the smash hit Lemmings. In 2001, following the release of Grand Theft Auto III, DMA Design was renamed Rockstar North and became part of the Rockstar Games label.
 +
 
 +
=== 1985 ===
 +
 
 +
*April - Rare Limited is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rare_(company) founded in Twycross], Leicestershire and would go on to have a long history of critically acclaimed and globally successful titles, including Battletoads, Goldeneye 007, Donkey Kong Country and Sea of Thieves.
 +
 
 +
*June - Atari release the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_ST Atari 520ST], the first of their successful ST series of home computers.
 +
 
 +
*23rd June - Commodore release the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amiga Amiga 1000], the first of the Amiga home computers.
 +
 
 +
*3rd July - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psygnosis Psygnosis was founded] in Wavertree Technology Park, Liverpool.
 +
 
 +
=== 1986 ===
 +
 
 +
*1st September - The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Entertainment_System Nintendo Entertainment System], also known as the NES, is released in the UK.
 +
 
 +
*October - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codemasters Codemasters], one of the oldest active British game studios, founded by brothers Richard and David Darling.
 +
 
 +
=== 1987 ===
 +
 
 +
*May - Commodore launch their best-selling [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amiga_500#Releases Amiga 500], the first low-end Commodore Amiga 16/32-bit multimedia home/personal computer.
 +
 
 +
*June - The first game of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dizzy_(series) Dizzy] series is created, proving to be a commercial smash hit and one of the first long term video game franchises.
 +
 
 +
*18th August - [https://www.creative-assembly.com/ Creative Assembly], one of the largest studios in the UK and creators of the Total War franchise and Alien Isolation, [https://www.mobygames.com/company/creative-assembly-ltd is founded in Horsham], West Sussex by Tim Ansell.
 +
 
 +
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullfrog_Productions Bullfrog Productions was founded in Guildford] by Peter Molyneux and Les Edgar. The company went on to achieve a string of hits, including Theme Park, Magic Carpet, Syndicate and Dungeon Keeper.
 +
 
 +
=== 1988 ===
 +
 
 +
*13th May - Core Design, developers of the original Tomb Raider titles, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Core_Design is founded in Derby] by former employees of Gremlin Graphics.
 +
 
 +
*October - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurocom Eurocom was founded in Derby]. The studio was mainly known for its arcade to console ports and games based on licensed properties.
 +
 
 +
=== 1989 ===
 +
 
 +
*March - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Berners-Lee Tim Berners-Lee] lays out his vision for [https://webfoundation.org/about/vision/history-of-the-web/ what would become the web] in a document called “[http://info.cern.ch/Proposal.html Information Management: A Proposal]”.
 +
 
 +
*5th June - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Populous_(video_game) Bullfrog Productions releases Populous] on the Amiga. The game would go on to sell over 4 million copies, becoming one of the biggest-selling PC games of all time.
 +
 
 +
*27th July - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guerrilla_Cambridge Guerilla Cambridge], initially known as Millennium Interactive Ltd, is founded. The company was best known for producing the MediEvil series.
 +
 
 +
*6th September - [http://ukie.org.uk Ukie], then known as ELSPA, [http://ukie.org.uk/about is founded] - the first trade association for the video games industry anywhere in the world.
 +
 
 +
*[http://www.ttgames.com/ Traveller's Tales], best known as the developers of the LEGO games franchise, is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traveller%27s_Tales founded in Knutsford], Cheshire.
  
 
== 1990s ==
 
== 1990s ==
  
−
'''1990'''
+
=== 1990 ===
  
−
'''1991'''
+
*September - The [https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-02-24-a-complete-history-of-nintendo-console-launches Nintendo Game Boy] is released across Europe.
  
−
'''1992'''
+
*7th December - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Team17 Team 17 is founded] in Wakefield. The company has produced many well known titles, most notbaly including the Worms series.
  
−
'''1993'''
+
=== 1991 ===
  
−
'''1994'''
+
*14th February - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemmings_(video_game) Lemmings is released on the Amiga] by DMA Design. One of the best-selling games of all time, it is estimated to have sold around 20 million copies.
  
−
'''1995'''
+
=== 1992 ===
  
−
'''1996'''
+
*April/June - The [https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-02-24-a-complete-history-of-nintendo-console-launches Super Nintendo Entertainment System], also known as the SNES, is released in Europe.
  
−
'''1997'''
+
*May - The first game in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensible_Soccer Sensible Soccer] series is released
  
−
'''1998'''
+
*10th July - The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philips_CD-i Phillips CD-i is released across Europe]. The "interactive multimedia CD player" would become seen as a commercial failure, estimated to have lost Philips as much as $1bn in the American market.
  
−
'''1999'''
+
=== 1993 ===
 +
 
 +
*Criterion Games, best known for the Burnout series, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criterion_Games is founded in Guildford].
 +
 
 +
=== 1994 ===
 +
 
 +
*11th June - The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3DO_Interactive_Multiplayer 3DO Interactive Multiplayer], often called the 3DO, is released across Europe. The console's comparably high price prevented it achiving the same success as the SEGA and Nintendo's conosles of the same era.
 +
 
 +
=== 1995 ===
 +
 
 +
*January - Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is [https://www.sie.com/en/corporate/history/1993_2002.html established in London].
 +
 
 +
*1st June - Team 17 releases Worms across multiple formats, incluing the Amiga, CD32 and Mega Drive. The original entry in the series would go on to sell more than 5 million copies and spawned over 20 sequels over the next 20 years.
 +
 
 +
*21st July - Nintendo's Virtual Boy was [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Boy released in Japan]. The first ever console to utilise stereoscopic 3D graphics, it failed to meet sales tarets and was eventually discontinued after only 22 games. While later released in North America, the console was never made available to the European market.
 +
 
 +
*29th September - Sony Computer Entertainment [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_(console) release the first PlayStation console] in Europe.
 +
 
 +
*29th September - Psygnosis's futuristic racing game [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wipeout_(video_game) Wipeout was released] as a launch title for Sony's new PlayStation console. As well as the game's positive reviews and controversial marketing, Wipeout was also famous for its unique techno and electronica soundtrack.
 +
 
 +
=== 1996 ===
 +
 
 +
*August - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Develop_(magazine) Launch of Develop], a monthly UK trade magazine for the UK video game industry. It closed in December 2017, eventually merging with MCV to become the combined [https://www.mcvuk.com/ MCV/Develop] brand.
 +
 
 +
*7th Septmeber - SEGA opens [https://segaretro.org/SegaWorld_London SegaWorld London] in London's Trocadero complex in Picadilly Circus. It was the largest indoor arcade in Europe, with 10,200m² of floorspace over seven floors.
 +
 
 +
*25th October - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_Raider_(1996_video_game) Tomb Raider], the first game in the best-selling Tomb Raider franchise, is released worldwide by Eidos Interactive and UK developer Core Design. It would go on to sell over 7 million copies globally and and continues to be cited as one of the greatest video games ever made.
 +
 
 +
=== 1997 ===
 +
 
 +
*March - [https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-02-24-a-complete-history-of-nintendo-console-launches Nintendo's N64] console is released in Europe.
 +
 
 +
*20th June - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmageddon Carmageddon is released] by Stainless Games. The controversial game was partly censored upon released and even banned in some countries. After successfully appealing, the uncensored version was released in the UK ten months later. The series would go on to sell around two million copies.
 +
 
 +
*July - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionhead_Studios Lionhead Studios is founded] by Peter Molyneux, Mark Webley, Tim Rance, and Steve Jackson. It would go on to produce the hit Fable and Black & White series.
 +
 
 +
*25th August - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GoldenEye_007_(1997_video_game) GoldenEye 007], developed for the N64 console by UK company Rare, is released.
 +
 
 +
=== 1998 ===
 +
 
 +
*17th July - Rare [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banjo-Kazooie released Banjo Kazooie], both a critical and commercial success.
 +
 
 +
*15th July - Codemasters release the hugely successful [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_McRae_Rally_(video_game) Colin McRae Rally] for the PlayStation, which would go on to sell over 4 million units across all formats.
 +
 
 +
*September - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MCV/Develop Launch of UK games industry trade magazine MCV] (later [https://www.mcvuk.com/ MCV/Develop])
 +
 
 +
*29th October - The first [http://awards.bafta.org/award/1998/interactive/www.bafta.org/guru Bafta Interactive Entertainment Awards] take place, with [https://twitter.com/BAFTAGames/status/1105161107084374016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1105161107084374016&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2F30yearsofplay.uk%2Fblog-1%2F2019%2F2%2F4%2Fbritish-releases-1990s Stephen Fry presenting ‘Best Computer Game’] to Rare’s GoldenEye 007.
 +
 
 +
=== 1999 ===
 +
 
 +
*27th March - The first [https://insomniagamingfestival.com/ Insomnia Gaming Festival], Insomnia99, run by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiplay Multiplay], brings together a [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/306431.stm reported 300 PC gamers] for the UK's then largest ever LAN party.
 +
 
 +
*April - Free Radical Deign Ltd, most notable for the Timesplitters series was [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crytek_UK founded in Nottingham]. The studio would later be bought by German developer Crytek and renamed Crytek UK, before eventually closing in 2014.
 +
 
 +
*20th April - Racing game specialists Evolution Studios, creators of the World Rally Championship and MotorStorm series, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution_Studios were founded in Runcorn], Cheshire.
 +
 
 +
*25th June - Newcastle's Reflections Interactive (later Ubisoft Reflection) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driver_(video_game) released the critically-acclaimed Driver] for Sony's PlayStation.
 +
 
 +
*14th October - SEGA release their [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamcast Dreamcast console] across Europe, launching the "sixth generation" of game consoles.
  
 
== 2000s ==
 
== 2000s ==
  
−
'''2000'''
+
=== 2000 ===
 +
 
 +
*March - Ninja Theory (initially known as Just Add Monsters Ltd), creators of the multi-BAFTA winning Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, were [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninja_Theory founded in Cambridge].
 +
 
 +
*28th April - Jagex, creators of one of the world's largest massively multiplayer online roleplay games, Runescape, are [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagex founded in Cambridge].
 +
 
 +
*13th June - [https://www.totalwar.com/blog/17-years-total-war/ Creative Assembly releases Shogun: Total War], the first game in the long-running Total War series.
 +
 
 +
*November - Sony Computer Entertainment release the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_2 PlayStation 2] in Europe.
 +
 
 +
*24th November - Timesplitters by Free Radical Design [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TimeSplitters_(video_game) is released in Europe] for the PlayStation 2.
 +
 
 +
=== 2001 ===
 +
 
 +
*4th January - [https://oldschoolrunescape.fandom.com/wiki/RuneScape_Classic Jagex release the original version of Runescape] (now known as Runescape Classic) for Windows PC.
 +
 
 +
*8th March - [https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/a_tiga The official launch] of [http://tiga.org/ TIGA], The Independent Games Developers Assocation for the UK.
 +
 
 +
*30th March - Lionhead [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_%26_White_(video_game) release God-simulator Black & White] worldwide for Windows PC.
 +
 
 +
*30th April - Multiplayer first-person shooter specialists [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splash_Damage Splash Damage were founded in London].
 +
 
 +
*June - Nintendo's [https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-02-24-a-complete-history-of-nintendo-console-launches Game Boy Advance] is released in Europe.
 +
 
 +
*22nd October - Rockstar Games release [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Theft_Auto_III Grand Theft Auto III].
 +
 
 +
=== 2002 ===
 +
 
 +
*The first [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MCV/Develop MCV/Develop awards] take place, celebrating the success of UK publishers, retail and distribution.
 +
 
 +
*14 March - Microsoft release the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_(console) Xbox] console in Europe.
 +
 
 +
*May - The Nintendo [https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-02-24-a-complete-history-of-nintendo-console-launches GameCube] is released in Europe.
 +
 
 +
*29th Oct 2002 - Rockstar Games releases [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Theft_Auto:_Vice_City Grand Theft Auto: Vice City].
 +
 
 +
*24th September - [https://news.microsoft.com/2002/09/24/microsoft-acquires-video-game-powerhouse-rare-ltd/ Microsoft acquires Twycross-based developer Rare Ltd] for $375m.
 +
 
 +
*18th November - Eurocom releases James Bond 007: Nightfire, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Bond_007:_Nightfire#Reception achieving “Platinum” sales] in the UK.
 +
 
 +
*11th December - Sony's [http://www.worldwidestudios.net/london SCE London Studio] and Team Soho [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Getaway_(video_game) releases The Getaway] for the PlayStation 2. The game is especially notable for its realistic re-creation of large areas of London.
 +
 
 +
=== 2003 ===
 +
 
 +
*9th April - The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_European_Game_Information Pan European Game Information] (PEGI) video game content rating system is launched. The PEGI system is now used in 39 countries. more detials on the number of games rated each year [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_European_Game_Information is available here].
 +
 
 +
*31st July - Derby-based [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/derbyshire/3112271.stm Core Design loses the rights to develop future Tomb Raider games], as parent company Eidos shifts development to California-based Crystal Dynamics.
  
−
'''2001'''
+
*11th September - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_(software) Valve releases] the PC-based digital distribution platform Steam worldwide.
  
−
*8th March - The official launch of [http://tiga.org/ TIGA], The Independent Games Developers Assocation for the UK ([https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/a_tiga Eurogamer])
+
*3rd October - Nokia releases the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N-Gage_(device) N-Gage], one of the first major attempts to combine a mobile phone and a handheld game system.
  
−
'''2002'''
+
*Sumo Digital, a prolific developer of games across multiple platforms is is [https://www.sumo-digital.com/who-we-are/ founded in Sheffield]. The studio would grow to become one of the UK's largest developers, employing over 500 people across multiple sites.
  
−
'''2003'''
+
=== 2004 ===
  
−
'''2004'''
+
*February - The first [http://awards.bafta.org/award/2004/games British Academy Games Awards] takes place.
  
−
'''2005'''
+
*21 May - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SingStar Sony London Studio releases SingStar] for the PlayStation 2. The series would go on to achieve over 17.5m units.
  
−
'''2006'''
+
*14th September - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fable_(2004_video_game) Lionhead releases Fable worldwide], the first game in the successful Fable franchise.
  
−
'''2007'''
+
*26th October - Rockstar Games releases [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Theft_Auto:_San_Andreas Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas].
  
−
'''2008'''
+
*5th November - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_Manager_2005 Sports Interactive releases Football Manager 2005], the first of the popular football manager series to be released after splitting from the previous Championship Manger brand.
  
−
'''2009'''
+
*13 December - [http://rocksteadyltd.com Rocksteady Studios], creators of the Batman Arkham franchise, is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocksteady_Studios founded in London].
 +
 
 +
=== 2005 ===
 +
 
 +
*March - Nintendo's [https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-02-24-a-complete-history-of-nintendo-console-launches handheld DS console] is released in Europe.
 +
 
 +
*1st September - Sony Computer Entertainment [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_Portable releases the PlayStation Portable] handheld console across Europe.
 +
 
 +
*12th October - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rag_Doll_Kung_Fu Rag Doll Kung Fu] was the first third party game released on Steam. It was created predominantly by artist Mark Healey, while working for Lionhead Studio.
 +
 
 +
*18th October - Rebellion Developments releases the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sniper_Elite_(video_game) first game in the Sniper Elite series].
 +
 
 +
*2nd December - Microsoft release the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360 Xbox 360] console in Europe.
 +
 
 +
*7th December - The [https://www.askaboutgames.com/ Ask About Games] website is [https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/98381/UKs_ELSPA_Launches_Askaboutgamescom.php launched by industry body ELSPA] (now known as Ukie), providing information to parents and carers about the video games age ratings system used in the UK.
 +
 
 +
=== 2006 ===
 +
 
 +
*4th January - [http://www.mediamolecule.com/ Media Molecule], creators of the LittleBigPlanet franchise, is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_Molecule founded in Guildford], Surrey.
 +
 
 +
*November / December - The [https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-02-24-a-complete-history-of-nintendo-console-launches Nintendo Wii] is released in Europe.
 +
 
 +
=== 2007 ===
 +
 
 +
*23rd March - Sony Computer Entertainment release the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_3 PlayStation 3] in Europe.
 +
 
 +
*19th June - The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/6767623.stm bans Rockstar Games' Manhunt 2] across the UK. It would eventually be approved by the BBFC for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhunt_2#BBFC release on 31st October 2008] with an 18 certificate.
 +
 
 +
*23rd June - Apple [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPhone launch the iPhone] worldwide.
 +
 
 +
*20th Septmeber -  Sony Computer Entertainment [https://www.sie.com/en/corporate/release/2007/070920d.html acquires Evolution Studios and Bigbig Studios].
 +
 
 +
*26th September - Activision [https://investor.activision.com/news-releases/news-release-details/activision-acquires-uk-game-developer-bizarre-creations acquires Bizarre Creations], known for the Project Gotham Racing and Geometry Wars series.
 +
 
 +
*The Chinese Room, creators of Dear Esther and Everybody’s Gone To The Rapture [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chinese_Roomis founded in Brighton].
 +
 
 +
=== 2008 ===
 +
 
 +
*February - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hello_Games Hello Games is founded] in Guildford.
 +
 
 +
*27th October - LittleBigPlanet is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LittleBigPlanet released for the PlayStation 3] by UK developer [http://www.mediamolecule.com/ Media Molecule].
 +
 
 +
*28th October - The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EGX_(expo) first Eurogamer Expo], now known as [https://www.egx.net/egx EGX] and the largest single games event in the UK, takes place at the Truman Brewery in London, attended by 4,000 people. 
 +
 
 +
*November - [https://www.playground-games.com/ Playground Games], developers of the Forza Horizon franchise, is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playground_Games founded in Leamington Spa], Warwickshire.
 +
 
 +
*November - The first Android-enabled smartphone, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTC_Dream T-Mobile G1] (also known as the HTC Dream) is released in the UK.
 +
 
 +
=== 2009 ===
 
*2009 was when game profits in UK exceeded those from film for the first time (source?)
 
*2009 was when game profits in UK exceeded those from film for the first time (source?)
 +
 +
*June - The [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/parliamentary-group-for-games-industry-created all-party Parliamentary group for the computer and videogames industry] was founded, chaired by Bill Olner MP, with Lord Puttnam and John Whittingdale MP as vice-chairs. The group continues today as the [https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/190102/video-games-and-esports.htm APPG for Video Games and Esports].
 +
 +
*25th August - [http://rocksteadyltd.com/ Rocksteady Games] release the much acclaimed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman:_Arkham_Asylum Batman: Arkham Asylum] worldwide.
  
 
== 2010s ==
 
== 2010s ==
  
−
'''2010'''
+
=== 2010 ===
 +
 
 +
*26th February - The new £36.2m inner-city Derby ring road is renamed [https://goo.gl/maps/a7GHiGCrJWq Lara Croft Way] following [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/derbyshire/8538106.stm overwhelming support in a public vote].
 +
 
 +
*19th March - ELSPA [https://ukie.org.uk/node/193 announces its name change to Ukie] (the Association for UK Interactive Entertainment).
 +
 
 +
*4th November - [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12697975 Microsoft launches the Kinect], an infra-red camera for the Xbox 360 that can track players body movements. It becomes the fastest-selling consumer device to date, selling more than 8 million units in a 60 day period.
 +
 
 +
=== 2011 ===
 +
 
 +
*February / March - The [https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-02-24-a-complete-history-of-nintendo-console-launches Nintendo 3DS] is released in Europe.
 +
 
 +
=== 2012 ===
 +
 
 +
*20th February - Peter Molyneux [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/22Cans opens new game development studio 22Cans] in Guildford.
 +
 
 +
*22nd February - Sony Computer Entertianment [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_Vita releases the PlayStation Vita] handheld console across Europe.
 +
 
 +
*9th May - An Xbox 360 version of Minecraft is released, [https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Xbox_360_Edition#Release developed by 4J Studios].
 +
 
 +
*30th July - The PEGI age rating system [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19042908 becomes legally enforceable in the UK].
 +
 
 +
*22nd August - Sony Computer Entertainment [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-08-22-sony-closes-studio-liverpool officially closes SCE Studio Liverpool], founded in 1984 as Psygnosis and best known for the Wipeout series.
 +
 
 +
*November / December - The [https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-02-24-a-complete-history-of-nintendo-console-launches Nintendo Wii U] is released in Europe.
 +
 
 +
=== 2013 ===
 +
 
 +
*25th June - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouya#History The Ouya] was released worldwide. The Android-based microconsole was a Kickstarter success, raising $8.5m, however underperforming post-release sales saw the unit [https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/07/so-long-ouya-razer-acquires-microconsoles-storefront-technical-team/ discontinued in 2015].
 +
 
 +
*17th September - Grand Theft Auto v is released by Rockstar Games and becomes the [http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2013/10/confirmed-grand-theft-auto-breaks-six-sales-world-records-51900 fasting-selling entertainment product in history], grossing over $1bn in three days. To date, it has sold over [https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/gta-v-100-million-sales-1203022310/ 100 million copies] and is considered the [https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/gta-v-100-million-sales-1203022310/ most profitable entertainment product] of all time.
 +
 
 +
*22nd November - Microsoft release the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_One Xbox One] in Europe.
 +
 
 +
*29th November - Sony Interactive Entertainment release the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_4 PlayStation 4] in Europe.
 +
 
 +
=== 2014 ===
 +
 
 +
*30th January - The Chancellor, George Osborne, [https://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/announcements/launch-tax-reliefs-high-end-television-animation-video-games officially launches the video games tax relief (VGTR)].
 +
 
 +
*1st April - The Uk's [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/corporation-tax-creative-industry-tax-reliefs#video-games-tax-relief-vgtr video games tax relief] officially comes into effect.
 +
 
 +
=== 2015 ===
 +
 
 +
*5th April - HTC and Valve Corporation release the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTC_Vive HTC Vive], a high-end virtual reality head-mounted display offering "room scale" tracking technology, allowing the user to move in 3D space and use motion-tracked handheld controllers to interact with the environment.
 +
 
 +
*27th November - Samsung release the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Gear_VR Gear VR], their head-mounted visrtual reality display designed to incorporate Samsung Galaxy mobile phones.
 +
 
 +
=== 2016 ===
 +
 
 +
*22nd March - Sony [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-03-22-sony-confirms-closure-of-evolution-studio announces the closure of Evolution Studios]. However, the [http://blog.codemasters.com/community/04/codemasters-welcomes-the-team-from-evolution-studios/ Evolution Studios team would join Codemasters] less than a month later on 11th April, forming Codemasters EVO.
 +
 
 +
*28th March - Oculus release the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oculus_Rift Oculus Rift], one of the first major virtual reality head-mounted displays.
 +
 
 +
*9th August - [http://hellogames.org/ Hello Games] releases [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Man%27s_Sky No Man's Sky], featuring a procedurally-generated universe, comprising over 18 quintillion planets.
 +
 
 +
*27th September - Playground Games [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forza_Horizon_3 releases Forza Horizon 3] worldwide and would go on to sell over 2.5 million copies.
 +
 
 +
*13th October - Sony releases [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_VR PlayStation VR] (also known as PSVR), a virtual reality head-mounted display for the PlayStation 4.
 +
 
 +
=== 2017 ===
 +
 
 +
*12th January - [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-38598919 Sony closes Guerilla Cambridge].
 +
 
 +
*3rd March - The Nintendo Switch is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Switch released worldwide].
 +
 
 +
*4rd April - The inaugural [http://www.digitalschoolhouse.org.uk/articles/2017/04/team-veracity-win-inaugural-esports-tournament Digital Schoolhouse esports tournament] culminates with the Grand Final at Gfinity's arena in London, the first immersive careers education event of its kind.
 +
 
 +
*8th August - Ninja Theory release the multi-BAFTA winning [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellblade:_Senua%27s_Sacrifice Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice]. Most notably, the game featured a credible and well-received depiction of psychosis, constructed in collboration with neuroscientists, mental health specialists and people suffering from the condition.
 +
 
 +
=== 2018 ===
 +
 
 +
*January - UK video games trade magazines Develop and Esports Pro are [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MCV/Develop merged with sister trade magazine MCV]. The combined publication would eventually be rebranded to MCV/Develop in October 2019.
 +
 
 +
*2nd January - [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-01-02-sumo-digital-takes-over-ccp-newcastle-studio Sumo Digital acquires CCP Games' Newcastle studio] of 34 staff, developers of EVE Valkyrie after CCP indicates a move away from VR content.
 +
 
 +
*15th May - Hanger 13 [https://hangar13games.com/news/hangar-13-expands-to-brighton/ opens a new studio in Brighton].
 +
 
 +
*8th / 10th June - The Rocket League World Championship Finals [https://www.rocketleagueesports.com/news/the-rlcs-world-championship-returns-to-europe-/ take place in London at the Copper Box Arena].
 +
 
 +
*10th June - [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-06-10-microsoft-super-sizes-first-party-studio-system Microsoft announces the acquisition] of both Hellblade developer Ninja Theory and Forza series developer Playground Games at E3.
 +
 
 +
*15th August - [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/crackdown-3-dev-acquires-acclaimed-studio-behind-e/1100-6461160/ Sumo Digital acquires The Chinese Room], developers of the BAFTA-winning Everybody's Gone To The Rapture.
 +
 
 +
*15th August - [https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/15/17692384/thq-nordic-timesplitters-crytek THQ Nordic acquires Timesplitters series]
 +
 
 +
*8th September - London's [https://www.theguardian.com/games/2018/sep/05/was-that-a-reference-to-magritte-design-play-disrupt-review Victoria & Albert Museum opens its first video game exhibition] entitled Videogames: Design/Play/Disrupt.
 +
 
 +
*18th October - Rockstar Games release Red Dead Redemption 2 for the Playstation 4, and experiences the largest opening weekend of any product in the history of entertainment, making [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Dead_Redemption_2#Reception over $725 million in revenue in three days]. Within two weeks, it had shipped over 17 million copies, and increased to 23 million copies by February 2019.
 +
 
 +
*29th October - The UK Houses of Parliament, in partnership with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Video Games, hosts the [https://ukie.org.uk/news/2018/10/mps-attend-first-ever-esports-parliamentary-event first ever parliamentary event on esports].
 +
 
 +
*8th December - Epic Games [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_Games_Store launches the Epic Games Store], a digital storefront for PC and Mac platforms.
 +
 
 +
*14th December - Game Workers Unite UK, a branch of the IWGB,  [https://www.gwu-uk.org/2018/12/14/game-workers-of-the-uk-unite/ becomes a legal trade union] dedicated to representing game developers.
 +
 
 +
=== 2019 ===
 +
 
 +
*3rd January - The Entertainment Retailer's Association announces figures showing [https://eraltd.org/news-events/press-releases/2019/streaming-drives-entertainment-sales-94-higher-in-2018-to-sixth-consecutive-year-of-growth/ UK sales of games exceed the combined sales of music and film] for the first time.
 +
 
 +
*9th May - [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-05-09-sega-acquires-two-point-studios SEGA acquires Two Point Studios] the Farnham-based developer of Two Point Hospital.
 +
 
 +
*19th September - Apples flagship games subscription service, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Arcade Apple Arcade], is launched worldwide.
 +
 
 +
*19th September - SEGA enters the mini-console market with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sega_Genesis_Mini launch of the SEGA Mega Drive Mini].
 +
 
 +
*19th November - Google launch their cloud gaming service, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Stadia Stadia] worldwide.
 +
 
 +
== 2020s ==
 +
 
 +
=== 2020 ===
 +
 
 +
*4th February - Ukie and the University of Sheffield launch the [https://ukie.org.uk/UK-games-industry-census-2020 UK Games Industry Census] results, the most detailed assessment of diversity in the UK games industry workforce ever conducted.
 +
 
 +
*19th March - UK trade association Ukie [https://ukie.org.uk/news/2020/03/ukie-launches-ukiepedia launches Ukiepedia], a brand new repository of games industry facts, insight, resources and links.
 +
 
 +
*28 April - MacArthur Fortune [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-04-28-jagex-sold-for-usd530m acquires] Cambridge-based Runescape studio Jagex for $530m.
 +
 
 +
*18th May - Sumo Group acquires Leamington Spa-based [https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/363065/Sumo_Group_acquires_UK_workforhire_studio_Lab42.php work-for-hire development studio Lab42] for an undisclosed fee.
 +
 
 +
*25 September - Epic Games [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-09-25-epic-games-acquires-superawesome acquires] London-based "kidtech" specialist SuperAwesome for an undisclosed fee.
 +
 
 +
*05 October - Sunderland developer and publisher Coatsink [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-10-05-thunderful-group-acquires-coatsink acquired] by Swedish company Thunderful Group for £23m.
 +
 
 +
*13 October - Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headset released worldwide.
 +
 
 +
*14 October - Ruffian Games [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-10-12-rockstar-buys-ruffian-games-rebrands-to-rockstar-dundee becomes part of] Rockstar Games as Rockstar Dundee
 +
 
 +
*10 November - Microsoft Xbox Series X/S released worldwide.
 +
 
 +
*12 November - Sony PlayStation 5 released worldwide.
 +
 
 +
*08 December - London-based mobile studio Hutch Games [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-12-08-mtg-acquires-hutch-games-for-an-expected-USD375-million acquired] by Swedish media company Modern Times Group.
 +
 
 +
*14 December - Tencent [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-12-14-leyou-shareholders-approve-tencent-takeover acquires] Bromley-based Splash Damage as part of $1.3bn purchase of Leyou Technologies Holdings.
 +
 
 +
=== 2021 ===
  
−
'''2011'''
+
*22 January - Carlyle group [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-01-25-jagex-reportedly-sold-to-carlyle-group acquires] Jagex, matching previous $530m price.
  
−
'''2012'''
+
*18 February - Electronic Arts completes its [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-02-18-ea-completes-codemasters-acquisition-and-hopes-to-revolutionise-racing-games $1.2bn acquisition] of UK-based racing games specialist Codemasters after outbidding a previous offer from Take-Two.
  
−
'''2013'''
+
*18 February - Belgian games company Larian Studios [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-01-25-jagex-reportedly-sold-to-carlyle-group acquires] Turbulenz to found Lartian Guildford.
  
−
'''2014'''
+
*02 March - Epic Games [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-03-02-epic-acquires-fall-guys-studios-parent-company buys] Tonic Group for undisclosed sum.
−
*30th January - The Chancellor, George Osborne, officially launches the video games tax relief (VGTR). ([https://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/announcements/launch-tax-reliefs-high-end-television-animation-video-games BFI])
 
  
−
*1st April - The Uk's video games tax relief officially comes into effect.
+
*05 March - Australian fitness company OliveX [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-03-08-zombies-run-dev-six-to-start-acquired-for-usd9-5m acquires] Zombies Run! developer Six to Start for $9.5m.
  
−
'''2015'''
+
*22 April - Portsmouth company Climax Studios [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-04-22-keywords-acquires-climax-for-up-to-43m joins] Keywords Group for £43m.
  
−
'''2016'''
+
*23 June - Electronic Arts [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-06-23-ea-acquires-playdemic-for-usd1-4bn purchases] Golf Clash developer Playdemic from Warner Brothers for $1.4bn.
  
−
'''2017'''
+
*19 July - Tencent [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-07-19-tencent-to-buy-crackdown-and-sackboy-developer-sumo-in-usd1-3bn-deal acquires] Sumo Group for $1.3bn.
  
−
'''2018'''
+
*08 September - Liverpool VR developer Firesprite [https://blog.playstation.com/2021/09/08/welcoming-firesprite-to-the-playstation-studios-family/ joins] PlayStation Studios for undisclosed sum.
  
−
'''2019'''
+
*14 September - Sumo Group [https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-09-14-sumo-acquires-auroch-digital adds] Bristol-based Auroch Digital to their roster for £6m.

Latest revision as of 09:30, 14 October 2021

Help us complete this list of notable dates in the UK games industry history by submitting any suggestions you have via this online form.

1950s

1950

1951

1952

  • OXO (or Noughts and Crosses) was developed by A.S Douglas for the Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC), one of the first games developed in the early history of video games.

1957

1960s

1961

1970s

1975

  • 1st April - The Magnavox Odyssey, the first video game console, is released in the UK.
  • Roy Trubshaw, a student at the University of Essex, started working on a multi-user adventure game in the MACRO-10 assembly language for a DEC PDP-10. He named the game MUD (Multi-User Dungeon). Deveopment was completed in 1980 by fellow student Richard Bartle.

1975

  • Games Workshop, famous for selling Dungeons and Dragons and Warhammer tabletop games, is founded.

1980s

1980

  • 29th January - The Sinclair ZX80 personal computer was launched by Sinclair Research Ltd of Cambridge.

1981

  • 1st December - The BBC Micro, designed and built by the Acorn Computer company for the BBC, is released.

1982

  • 23rd February - Argonaut Games was founded in Colindale, London. It was most notable for the development of the Super NES video game Star Fox and its supporting Super FX hardware
  • August - The Dragon 32 home computer was released for sales in the European market by Dragon Data Ltd, but with limited graphics capabilities it struggled to compete against the more popular ZX Spectrum and BBC Micro home computers.
  • 17th September - Imagine Software was founded in Liverpool byt formeer members of Bug-Byte. The short-lived company achieved nationwide notoriety when it was filmed by a BBC documentary crew while in the process of going bust.It would later be referenced in Bandersnatch, Netflix's interactive espisode of Black Mirror,

1983

  • 1st August - Manic Miner, developed by Matthew Smith, was released by Bug-Byte for the ZX Spectrum.
  • Virgin Games was founded. It would later become Virgin Interactive Entertainment, the video game publishing division of the Virgin Group. The company grew significantly afer acquiring Mastertronic in 1987.

1984

  • 12th April - The Amstrad CPC 464 was released in the UK. The first personal home computer built by Amstrad, it was one of the bestselling microcomputers of the era with more than 2 million units sold in Europe.
  • 20th September - Elite, the space trading game written and developed by David Braben and Ian Bell, is published by Acornsoft for the BBC Micro and Acorn Electron computers.
  • Acme Software was founded in Dundee. It would later rebrand as DMA Deisgn and produce many well-known titles across the Amiga, Atari ST and Commodores 64, including the smash hit Lemmings. In 2001, following the release of Grand Theft Auto III, DMA Design was renamed Rockstar North and became part of the Rockstar Games label.

1985

  • April - Rare Limited is founded in Twycross, Leicestershire and would go on to have a long history of critically acclaimed and globally successful titles, including Battletoads, Goldeneye 007, Donkey Kong Country and Sea of Thieves.
  • June - Atari release the Atari 520ST, the first of their successful ST series of home computers.
  • 23rd June - Commodore release the Amiga 1000, the first of the Amiga home computers.

1986

  • October - Codemasters, one of the oldest active British game studios, founded by brothers Richard and David Darling.

1987

  • May - Commodore launch their best-selling Amiga 500, the first low-end Commodore Amiga 16/32-bit multimedia home/personal computer.
  • June - The first game of the Dizzy series is created, proving to be a commercial smash hit and one of the first long term video game franchises.

1988

  • 13th May - Core Design, developers of the original Tomb Raider titles, is founded in Derby by former employees of Gremlin Graphics.

1989

  • 27th July - Guerilla Cambridge, initially known as Millennium Interactive Ltd, is founded. The company was best known for producing the MediEvil series.
  • 6th September - Ukie, then known as ELSPA, is founded - the first trade association for the video games industry anywhere in the world.

1990s

1990

  • 7th December - Team 17 is founded in Wakefield. The company has produced many well known titles, most notbaly including the Worms series.

1991

1992

  • 10th July - The Phillips CD-i is released across Europe. The "interactive multimedia CD player" would become seen as a commercial failure, estimated to have lost Philips as much as $1bn in the American market.

1993

1994

  • 11th June - The 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, often called the 3DO, is released across Europe. The console's comparably high price prevented it achiving the same success as the SEGA and Nintendo's conosles of the same era.

1995

  • 1st June - Team 17 releases Worms across multiple formats, incluing the Amiga, CD32 and Mega Drive. The original entry in the series would go on to sell more than 5 million copies and spawned over 20 sequels over the next 20 years.
  • 21st July - Nintendo's Virtual Boy was released in Japan. The first ever console to utilise stereoscopic 3D graphics, it failed to meet sales tarets and was eventually discontinued after only 22 games. While later released in North America, the console was never made available to the European market.
  • 29th September - Psygnosis's futuristic racing game Wipeout was released as a launch title for Sony's new PlayStation console. As well as the game's positive reviews and controversial marketing, Wipeout was also famous for its unique techno and electronica soundtrack.

1996

  • August - Launch of Develop, a monthly UK trade magazine for the UK video game industry. It closed in December 2017, eventually merging with MCV to become the combined MCV/Develop brand.
  • 7th Septmeber - SEGA opens SegaWorld London in London's Trocadero complex in Picadilly Circus. It was the largest indoor arcade in Europe, with 10,200m² of floorspace over seven floors.
  • 25th October - Tomb Raider, the first game in the best-selling Tomb Raider franchise, is released worldwide by Eidos Interactive and UK developer Core Design. It would go on to sell over 7 million copies globally and and continues to be cited as one of the greatest video games ever made.

1997

  • 20th June - Carmageddon is released by Stainless Games. The controversial game was partly censored upon released and even banned in some countries. After successfully appealing, the uncensored version was released in the UK ten months later. The series would go on to sell around two million copies.
  • July - Lionhead Studios is founded by Peter Molyneux, Mark Webley, Tim Rance, and Steve Jackson. It would go on to produce the hit Fable and Black & White series.
  • 25th August - GoldenEye 007, developed for the N64 console by UK company Rare, is released.

1998

  • 15th July - Codemasters release the hugely successful Colin McRae Rally for the PlayStation, which would go on to sell over 4 million units across all formats.

1999

  • April - Free Radical Deign Ltd, most notable for the Timesplitters series was founded in Nottingham. The studio would later be bought by German developer Crytek and renamed Crytek UK, before eventually closing in 2014.
  • 20th April - Racing game specialists Evolution Studios, creators of the World Rally Championship and MotorStorm series, were founded in Runcorn, Cheshire.
  • 14th October - SEGA release their Dreamcast console across Europe, launching the "sixth generation" of game consoles.

2000s

2000

  • March - Ninja Theory (initially known as Just Add Monsters Ltd), creators of the multi-BAFTA winning Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, were founded in Cambridge.
  • 28th April - Jagex, creators of one of the world's largest massively multiplayer online roleplay games, Runescape, are founded in Cambridge.
  • November - Sony Computer Entertainment release the PlayStation 2 in Europe.

2001

2002

  • The first MCV/Develop awards take place, celebrating the success of UK publishers, retail and distribution.
  • 14 March - Microsoft release the Xbox console in Europe.
  • May - The Nintendo GameCube is released in Europe.
  • 11th December - Sony's SCE London Studio and Team Soho releases The Getaway for the PlayStation 2. The game is especially notable for its realistic re-creation of large areas of London.

2003

  • 11th September - Valve releases the PC-based digital distribution platform Steam worldwide.
  • 3rd October - Nokia releases the N-Gage, one of the first major attempts to combine a mobile phone and a handheld game system.
  • Sumo Digital, a prolific developer of games across multiple platforms is is founded in Sheffield. The studio would grow to become one of the UK's largest developers, employing over 500 people across multiple sites.

2004

2005

  • 12th October - Rag Doll Kung Fu was the first third party game released on Steam. It was created predominantly by artist Mark Healey, while working for Lionhead Studio.
  • 2nd December - Microsoft release the Xbox 360 console in Europe.

2006

  • November / December - The Nintendo Wii is released in Europe.

2007

  • 23rd March - Sony Computer Entertainment release the PlayStation 3 in Europe.
  • The Chinese Room, creators of Dear Esther and Everybody’s Gone To The Rapture founded in Brighton.

2008

  • 28th October - The first Eurogamer Expo, now known as EGX and the largest single games event in the UK, takes place at the Truman Brewery in London, attended by 4,000 people.
  • November - The first Android-enabled smartphone, the T-Mobile G1 (also known as the HTC Dream) is released in the UK.

2009

  • 2009 was when game profits in UK exceeded those from film for the first time (source?)

2010s

2010

  • 4th November - Microsoft launches the Kinect, an infra-red camera for the Xbox 360 that can track players body movements. It becomes the fastest-selling consumer device to date, selling more than 8 million units in a 60 day period.

2011

2012

2013

  • 25th June - The Ouya was released worldwide. The Android-based microconsole was a Kickstarter success, raising $8.5m, however underperforming post-release sales saw the unit discontinued in 2015.
  • 22nd November - Microsoft release the Xbox One in Europe.
  • 29th November - Sony Interactive Entertainment release the PlayStation 4 in Europe.

2014

2015

  • 5th April - HTC and Valve Corporation release the HTC Vive, a high-end virtual reality head-mounted display offering "room scale" tracking technology, allowing the user to move in 3D space and use motion-tracked handheld controllers to interact with the environment.
  • 27th November - Samsung release the Gear VR, their head-mounted visrtual reality display designed to incorporate Samsung Galaxy mobile phones.

2016

  • 28th March - Oculus release the Oculus Rift, one of the first major virtual reality head-mounted displays.
  • 9th August - Hello Games releases No Man's Sky, featuring a procedurally-generated universe, comprising over 18 quintillion planets.
  • 13th October - Sony releases PlayStation VR (also known as PSVR), a virtual reality head-mounted display for the PlayStation 4.

2017

  • 8th August - Ninja Theory release the multi-BAFTA winning Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. Most notably, the game featured a credible and well-received depiction of psychosis, constructed in collboration with neuroscientists, mental health specialists and people suffering from the condition.

2018

  • January - UK video games trade magazines Develop and Esports Pro are merged with sister trade magazine MCV. The combined publication would eventually be rebranded to MCV/Develop in October 2019.
  • 18th October - Rockstar Games release Red Dead Redemption 2 for the Playstation 4, and experiences the largest opening weekend of any product in the history of entertainment, making over $725 million in revenue in three days. Within two weeks, it had shipped over 17 million copies, and increased to 23 million copies by February 2019.

2019

  • 19th September - Apples flagship games subscription service, Apple Arcade, is launched worldwide.
  • 19th November - Google launch their cloud gaming service, Stadia worldwide.

2020s

2020

  • 4th February - Ukie and the University of Sheffield launch the UK Games Industry Census results, the most detailed assessment of diversity in the UK games industry workforce ever conducted.
  • 19th March - UK trade association Ukie launches Ukiepedia, a brand new repository of games industry facts, insight, resources and links.
  • 28 April - MacArthur Fortune acquires Cambridge-based Runescape studio Jagex for $530m.
  • 25 September - Epic Games acquires London-based "kidtech" specialist SuperAwesome for an undisclosed fee.
  • 05 October - Sunderland developer and publisher Coatsink acquired by Swedish company Thunderful Group for £23m.
  • 13 October - Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headset released worldwide.
  • 14 October - Ruffian Games becomes part of Rockstar Games as Rockstar Dundee
  • 10 November - Microsoft Xbox Series X/S released worldwide.
  • 12 November - Sony PlayStation 5 released worldwide.
  • 08 December - London-based mobile studio Hutch Games acquired by Swedish media company Modern Times Group.
  • 14 December - Tencent acquires Bromley-based Splash Damage as part of $1.3bn purchase of Leyou Technologies Holdings.

2021

  • 22 January - Carlyle group acquires Jagex, matching previous $530m price.
  • 18 February - Electronic Arts completes its $1.2bn acquisition of UK-based racing games specialist Codemasters after outbidding a previous offer from Take-Two.
  • 18 February - Belgian games company Larian Studios acquires Turbulenz to found Lartian Guildford.
  • 02 March - Epic Games buys Tonic Group for undisclosed sum.
  • 05 March - Australian fitness company OliveX acquires Zombies Run! developer Six to Start for $9.5m.
  • 22 April - Portsmouth company Climax Studios joins Keywords Group for £43m.
  • 23 June - Electronic Arts purchases Golf Clash developer Playdemic from Warner Brothers for $1.4bn.
  • 19 July - Tencent acquires Sumo Group for $1.3bn.
  • 08 September - Liverpool VR developer Firesprite joins PlayStation Studios for undisclosed sum.
  • 14 September - Sumo Group adds Bristol-based Auroch Digital to their roster for £6m.
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