Brighton: A city for gamers and creatives

Brighton is the place to be for anyone who loves games. With a vibrant gaming scene, plenty of spots to play with friends, regular events, and independent shops to explore, it’s a city where your interests can thrive.

For anyone thinking about studying games, Brighton stands out as a hub where you can connect with a strong, creative community. Whether you enjoy retro titles, board games, or dream of a future in the industry, Brighton offers a wide range of experiences to suit every gamer.

Where to play games in Brighton

Brighton is packed with venues where you can play games, meet fellow enthusiasts, and have fun. Dice Saloon, conveniently located near MetStudios Brighton, lets you book a table, enjoy your favourite board and tabletop games, or discover new ones from their extensive collection. The venue also hosts regular events and tournaments, alongside a retail shop stocked with gaming essentials.

World’s End is one of the city’s top arcade pubs, featuring an upstairs retro arcade and a remote-controlled race track where friends can compete, while along the lively seafront, Loading Bar provides a lively setting for video games, board games, and drinks.

Puzzle Bored is a café dedicated to puzzles and board games, spanning multiple floors with a wide selection of games and drinks, as well as regular social events. For fans of classic titles, Retro Gaming Night at The Dorset and The Martha Gunn pub brings retro consoles and games into a relaxed pub setting, offering a chance to revisit old favourites and meet other gamers.

Don’t miss these gaming events

Brighton hosts a range of events that bring together gamers, creators, and fans. Brighton Comic Con at AMEX Stadium combines comic art, games, and cosplay for a fun day out, while Brighton Anime and Gaming Con celebrates anime and games together, offering opportunities to shop, take part in activities, and make new friends.

Develop: Brighton, is one of the UK’s leading game development events. It features talks, panels, and networking sessions that bring together people from across the industry, from established studios to indie developers. Over three days, the conference offers workshops, sessions, and practical insights, inspiring anyone pursuing a career in games.

The Strange Games Festival, held every August bank holiday, offers a unique camping experience where over 500 gamers gather to enjoy board games, RPGs, and social deduction games at a scenic Sussex campsite.

Where to buy games in Brighton

Brighton is home to a variety of shops for gamers and collectors. Warhammer Brighton offers a wide range of miniatures, paints, and hobby supplies, alongside a community hub for players to paint, learn, and play games such as Warhammer 40,000.

Dave’s Comics, a classic local store in North Laine, stocks an impressive collection of comics and games. Just a short trip away in Hove, Games Network specialises in trading cards, including Pokémon, Lorcana, and Magic: The Gathering, and hosts weekly events, leagues, and tournaments.

Interested in becoming a game designer, artist, or developer at MetStudios?

Sign up for one of our Open Days or apply via UCAS.

Craft the Digital Worlds of Tomorrow.

MetStudios is for people who imagine new worlds and want to bring them to life. Small classes, one-to-one mentorship, and practical, hands-on projects sit at the heart of everything we do. We put wellbeing and diversity first, so you have the space and confidence to explore your creativity and create work that feels truly your own.

Learn more about us here.

We’re a part of BIMM University, one of the largest providers of creative arts courses in Europe. The university is made up of MetStudios, BIMM Music Institute, Performers College and MetFilm School. Together we provide an extensive range of courses in modern music, performing arts, filmmaking, animation, games and VFX to over 10,000 students in the UK, Ireland and Germany.