27 studios graduated in the Video Games Growth Programme’s inaugural year, and this year, it offers two "tailored pathways" for studios. "We’re excited to support the second year of the UKIE Video Games Growth Programme," said Mark Maslowicz, vice president of partnerships and investments at Tencent. According to UKIE, studios that participate in the programme will "benefit from expert-led sessions, hands-on mentorship and access to investors." "We’re delighted to launch the second year of the Video Games Growth Programme, empowering the next generation of start-ups and scale-ups," said Nick Poole, CEO of UKIE. Applications for this year’s Video Games Growth Programme open on September 15, 2025, and close on October 20, 2025.