Event: Actually Starting a Video Games Business Date: Thursday 28 May 2026 Time: 5:30pm to 6:30pm (doors open 5:15pm) Venue: The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich, NR2 1BH Tickets: Free, register on Eventbrite
We're excited to share that Akcela Ventures will be taking part in one of the most practical sessions at this year's Norwich Games Festival, and we'd love to see you there.
Actually Starting a Video Games Business is a straight-talking evening for anyone who's got the game concept, maybe a demo, possibly a team, and is now wondering: how do I actually turn this into a business?
No fluff. No corporate waffle. Just real studios, real stories, and the kind of honest advice that can save you months of head-scratching.
What the evening is all about
The session is hosted by Connected Innovation, the technology ecosystem for Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, and forms part of the Norwich Games Festival programme.
Over the course of the evening, attendees will get a practical walkthrough of what it actually takes to go from idea to studio, covering:
- Setting up your studio. The legal and financial foundations you need from day one.
- Funding your game. Navigating grants, SEIS investment, and the support programmes that exist to help you.
- Finding your network. The communities, resources, and connections that can carry you through the tough stretches while you build.
Meet the speakers
Akcela Ventures
Akcela is a startup incubator based in Norwich, dedicated to helping early-stage games studios and tech businesses grow. We offer office space, structured support, mentoring, and connections to funding and financing, giving founders the foundations they need to turn an idea into a sustainable business. You can read more about what a business incubator does and how we support Norwich's startup community.
Moss Monkey Games
Moss Monkey are one of the most exciting studio stories coming out of Norwich right now. The team came together through Norwich University of the Arts and have been building their debut title Outclaw. With a full demo already live on Steam and support from Transfuzer, the UK Games Fund, and Barclays Eagle Labs behind them, they're gearing up for a 2026 launch. If you want to hear what it looks like to build a studio from a university project into a funded, full-time team, Moss Monkey's story is one to listen to.
Newfangled Games
Newfangled Games are a Norwich-based indie studio founded by BAFTA-winning developer Henry Hoffman. Their debut title, Paper Trail, a beautifully crafted 2D paper-folding puzzle adventure, picked up over 40 awards before launch, including Best Family Game at Gamescom, Game of the Year at Reboot Develop, and Best International Game at SXSW Sydney. It released in 2024 across PC, console, and Netflix Games, and the team are now deep into their next project. An established indie studio with real commercial experience, they're the perfect people to hear from about what comes after your first launch.
After the session, join us for drinks
Once the session wraps up, the group will be heading to Marzano for a casual networking get-together. Come along, grab a drink, and keep the conversation going, whether you're looking for co-founders, seeking advice, or just want to meet the Norwich games community in person.
Who should come?
This event is recommended for ages 16+ and is particularly suited to anyone who is actively thinking about starting a games studio. If you're under 16, you're welcome along with a ticketed adult.
Whether you're a developer, a designer, a student, or someone with a great idea and no idea where to start, this is a genuinely useful evening in great company.
Get your ticket
The event is free. Just register on Eventbrite to secure your spot.
We'll see you at The Forum on 28 May.
If you're building a games studio or any other tech-enabled company and want structured support to help you grow, apply to the Akcela programme or get in touch.
