Something remarkable is happening in Moray, and unless you’re a gamer, you might not even know it.
On Monday, Richard Lochhead MSP hosted a landmark roundtable with key figures from the public and private sectors to explore how Moray can level up as a hub for game development.
Gathering at the table were leaders from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, UHI Moray, Moray Council, and the studios at the heart of this local success story Code Wizards, HexWar Games and Hunted Cow Studios.
Moray may not spring to mind as a gaming hotspot, but the numbers say otherwise.
Over 60 people are already employed in the sector locally, building hit games that reach players around the world.
From Elgin, developers are pushing boundaries in AI, working with NATO, and producing award-winning entertainment for casual gamers and military professionals alike.
Now, with momentum on their side, the ambition is to go even further.
The roundtable marks the beginning of a new chapter, as work begins on a dedicated Moray Games Plan.
Led by industry voices and backed by public bodies, the plan will set out a shared vision for growth, support, and new opportunities for young people looking to get into tech and gaming.
Richard Lochhead MSP was full of praise for what’s already been achieved, calling the local studios “hugely impressive” and saying the roundtable laid the groundwork for a brighter, bolder future.
“There’s a real drive here,” he said.
“These are talented, forward-looking teams making a global impact from right here in Moray.
“The challenge now is to build on that and make sure we have the right support in place to grow the sector.”
The industry leaders are equally optimistic.
Stuart Muckley, CEO of Code Wizards, said Moray had proved itself as a place where big ideas can thrive.
“To see Elgin now running some of the world’s biggest games is a testament to our staff and the positive environment that Moray brings,” he said.
“With the new Moray Games Plan we’ll be able to extend further, increase our staff, and bring more amazing game development to the area.
“It’s a hugely exciting time for us.”
Fred Jefferiss from HexWar Games reflected on their journey from a small start in Elgin to creating tools used by NATO and pushing the limits of AI in wargaming.
He praised the link between UHI Moray and local studios, highlighting how education is helping to grow home-grown talent.
Andrew Mulholland, Director at Hunted Cow Studios, said the growing recognition of the sector’s impact was long overdue.
“It’s exciting to see real momentum building.
“We’re proud to be part of a thriving local industry that’s creating high-quality jobs and shaping the future of tech here in Moray.”
It seems the next big game might just be built in the Highlands.
