Oxford, traditionally known for its prestigious university, is now gaining recognition in a different field: gaming technology. Over the past few years, Oxford has become a burgeoning hub for the gaming industry, thanks to pioneering companies like Rebellion and Black Cow Technology. This boom is reshaping the city's economy, attracting talent and investment, and fostering innovation.
The Rise of Rebellion
Rebellion, founded by brothers Jason and Chris Kingsley in 1992, has been a cornerstone of Oxford’s gaming scene. The company is renowned for its critically acclaimed games such as the Sniper Elite series and Zombie Army series. Rebellion more recently launched Evil Genius 2. The company’s success is not just about creating popular games but also about leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance gaming experiences.
Jason Kingsley has highlighted the importance of innovation in their work: “People realised that we could do tech as well as games design. We've always innovated in our games. We were the first company to do the equivalent of photogrammetry; it wasn't even called that in the original Alien vs. Predator [film]”.
Rebellion has also expanded its reach beyond gaming. The company owns 2000 AD, the publisher of the iconic comic Judge Dredd, and has ventured into film and television production. Kingsley said what motivates the company is “doing cool stuff”, and that they want to make games, films, and TV, as well as publish books. Rebellion’s focus, though, is on gaming, with Kingsley saying, “I’m a guy that really likes making and playing computer games as well.”
Black Cow Technology
Another key player in Oxford’s gaming boom is Black Cow Technology, known for its state-of-the-art Open Gaming Architecture (OGA). This platform allows developers to create and deploy games efficiently, offering unmatched flexibility and control.
Black Cow's technology is instrumental in the development of online casinos, something that they’ve taken advantage of since the iGaming boom occurred in the UK. Along with this new industry growth, we’ve seen companies like Casino.org come in to fill the vacuum in terms of reviews, much as we saw IGN grow in the 2000s as one of the first online gaming review sites.
Max Francis, CEO of Black Cow Technology, after entering a partnership deal with Interblock Gaming, said, “Our technology has been out in the wild for more than a decade now and has proven itself time and time again to support our partners in pushing boundaries to bring new online gaming products and solutions to market. We can’t wait to see how Interblock will use our single-player RGS, jackpot and multiplayer solutions, to drive innovation and change the game.”
Black Cow's collaboration with Interblock is a significant milestone, marking Interblock's entry into the iGaming space. The company said they will launch single-player RNG table games using Black Cow’s technology.
The broader gaming landscape in Oxford
The gaming boom in Oxford is not limited to these two companies. The city is witnessing a surge in gaming-related events and markets, further boosting its profile in the industry. The Oxford Gaming Market is a prime example, offering a platform for gamers, developers, and enthusiasts to connect, share ideas, and showcase their latest creations.
The 2024 edition of the market took place in April at the Kings Centre in Osney Mead. Traders including Console Passion, Bitmap Books, and Doorway To Dorkness were selling games. The market’s website says, “Our exhibitors sell a variety of gaming related items including retro games, computers, consoles, handhelds, artwork, apparel, import games, arcade machines, merchandise and more.”
Why is Oxford such a big place for gaming?
Several factors contribute to Oxford's transformation into a gaming hub.
The presence of world-class institutions like the University of Oxford provides a steady stream of talent and fosters a culture of innovation and research. The university has long been at the centre of innovation. To give an extremely abridged history: the university played an important role in England’s gothic architecture; the 20thcentury saw the university win Nobel Prizes in chemistry, physics, physiology, and economics (to name a few); and today, innovation is found in gaming.
Many gaming companies collaborate with the university and benefit from its cutting-edge research and expertise. The university offers a 3- to 4-year course in computer science, as well as a 1-year advanced computer science master’s degree. Oxford also teaches other courses that may contribute to gaming development, such as those on artificial intelligence, history of design, and software and systems security.
Oxford's rich cultural heritage and vibrant community make it an attractive place for creative professionals. The blend of history and modernity is reflected in the innovative spirit of its gaming industry.
The city has seen significant investment in technology infrastructure, which has helped support the growth of game companies. This investment is crucial in supporting the development and deployment of technologies.
Oxford's environment fosters innovation and helps companies to scale quickly. Its gaming scene is characterised by a collaborative spirit, with companies often working together on projects and sharing knowledge.
A bright future
The future looks bright for Oxford's gaming industry. With continued investment, a strong talent pool, and a supportive ecosystem, the city is well-positioned to continue leading in gaming technology. Companies like Rebellion and Black Cow are not just setting the pace but are also inspiring a new generation of developers and entrepreneurs.
As Oxford's gaming boom continues, it promises exciting developments and opportunities for those involved in the industry. The city's unique combination of academic excellence, cultural richness, and technological innovation makes it a key contributor to gaming technology.
