Hull’s move into pixels and progress

Hull stands at the precipice of a digital revolution, with projections showing our digital sector reaching £1.6 billion by 2025 and creating over 42,200 new jobs in the region. This transformation isn’t just about numbers – it represents a fundamental shift in how we experience entertainment in our city.

You might wonder what makes Hull different from other digital hubs. The answer lies in our unique position as the UK’s fastest-growing digital region. From innovative gaming platforms like Betway, to the groundbreaking £1.6 million Federation of Sport venue in our Old Town, Hull is rapidly becoming a nexus of digital entertainment innovation.

With the rise of platforms like Betway, Hull is not only becoming a hub for tech-savvy gamers but also for those interested in digital betting and casino entertainment. The £1.6 million Federation of Sport venue in the Old Town will soon host interactive betting stations alongside its esports facilities, offering a seamless blend of traditional and digital gambling experiences. This fusion is set to redefine entertainment in Hull, providing residents and visitors alike with cutting-edge, community-focused opportunities to engage in sports betting and casino games in a dynamic, innovative environment.

Consider this: while 68% of UK gamers regularly engage in online gaming, Hull’s exceptional digital infrastructure positions us to push these boundaries further. Our city’s world-leading digital infrastructure isn’t just supporting current entertainment trends – it’s actively shaping their future.

What we’re witnessing isn’t merely a technological upgrade; it’s a complete reimagining of Hull’s entertainment landscape. As traditional venues evolve and new digital spaces emerge, our city is crafting a unique blueprint for what a modern digital entertainment hub can be. This isn’t just growth – it’s a transformation that’s redefining how we play, connect, and engage in the digital age.

Hull’s digital infrastructure

When you’re seeking the ultimate gaming experience, location matters. Hull stands unrivaled with the highest broadband speeds for gamers in England, boasting an impressive 137Mbps and 99% superfast broadband availability. This digital foundation sets the stage for our city’s remarkable transformation.

The numbers tell a compelling story of growth. Our digital sector’s workforce expands at an unprecedented 8% annually, making Hull the fastest-growing digital region in the UK. Yet this isn’t just about statistics – it’s about creating real opportunities for our community, with projections showing 42,200 new jobs emerging in 2025.

You’ll soon witness this digital evolution firsthand at the £1.6 million Federation of Sport venue in Hull’s Old Town. This isn’t your typical gaming center. Opening in spring 2025, the venue will feature state-of-the-art simulators, esports facilities, and virtual reality experiences. The space combines cutting-edge technology with social interaction, creating an environment where digital entertainment meets community engagement.

What makes Hull’s digital infrastructure truly exceptional is its reliability. While many areas struggle with connectivity issues, our city maintains consistent high-speed connections across all three Kingston upon Hull regions. This robust foundation supports everything from casual gaming to professional esports tournaments, positioning Hull as a premier destination for digital entertainment enthusiasts.

The transformation of our Old Town through venues like Federation of Sport represents more than just entertainment – it’s a testament to Hull’s commitment to digital innovation and community development.

Education and innovation

The University of Hull’s gaming programs stand as a testament to three decades of excellence, with graduates contributing to over 700 published games that have collectively shipped more than a billion copies. This isn’t just about teaching – it’s about crafting the next generation of gaming innovators.

Our partnerships with gaming giants like EA, Sony, and Black Marble create invaluable opportunities for aspiring developers. Through game jams and industry events, you’ll tackle real-world challenges alongside professionals who’ve shaped the games you play. The recent Game Republic Student Showcase saw our students clinch victories in five categories, proving that talent thrives when given the right platform.

The success stories speak volumes. Our graduates now lead projects at Codemasters, Criterion, and Microsoft, while others have launched their own successful ventures. From working on triple-A titles like Grand Theft Auto 5 to pioneering independent projects, Hull alumni are reshaping the gaming landscape.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to practical experience. Working on commercial software for real clients through our CDP program, you’ll gain crucial experience across the entire software project lifecycle. This isn’t just education – it’s preparation for industry leadership.

The cultural reset

Hull’s City of Culture legacy reshaped our identity, drawing 5.3 million visitors and generating £300 million in tourism value. This cultural renaissance created 800 new jobs in our visitor economy, fundamentally changing how we view entertainment and leisure.

Now, our city stands ready for its next evolution. The newly approved Culture & Heritage Strategy (2025-2030) positions Hull to become a global leader in community-led culture. You’ll see this vision materialize through innovative digital entertainment venues and creative spaces that blend our rich heritage with cutting-edge technology.

Our bid for UNESCO Creative City of Music status represents more than an accolade – it embodies our commitment to cultural innovation. This isn’t just about preserving our past; it’s about crafting our future together. Your voice matters in this transformation, whether through participating in digital gaming tournaments, attending cultural events, or contributing to community initiatives.

The momentum continues to build, with exciting developments like Colliderfest 2025 showcasing our commitment to fusing science, art, and culture in innovative ways. This four-day festival exemplifies how Hull continues to push boundaries, creating unique experiences that engage our community while attracting visitors from across the region. With access to a network of almost 300 cities worldwide through UNESCO status, we’re poised to share cultural and creative ideas on an unprecedented scale.

Together, we’re witnessing Hull’s progress into a digital entertainment powerhouse – we’re shaping it proactively. Join us in writing the next chapter of our city’s cultural story.