Radical Forge, a games studio based in Middlesbrough, has successfully secured £2.6 million from NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia Ventures as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). This investment will enable the studio to expand by adding 15 new team members, take on larger projects, and prepare to release its latest game, Southfield, early next year.
Founded in 2017 by Teesside University graduates Bruce Slater and Freddie Babord, Radical Forge now employs around 70 people. The studio has collaborated with some of the top names in the gaming industry, contributing to well-known games like Gang Beasts, Sea of Thieves, Golf With Your Friends, and Zombie Army 4.
Alongside partnerships, Radical Forge has been developing its own intellectual property, launching its first game, Bright Paw, a murder mystery puzzle, in 2020. Their upcoming title, Southfield, is described as a physics-driven farming sandbox game, adding to their diverse portfolio of projects.
Bruce Slater, CEO, expressed his excitement: “Well, we did it! We are beyond happy to say that we’ve secured funding to help us build Radical Forge into the company we want it to be and bring everyone along with us on the journey.”
Chris McCourt from Mercia Ventures commented on the company’s growth: “Radical Forge are a talented team with a vibrant culture that has helped them attract and retain skilled developers. We believe the current environment holds real opportunities for the business. With many of the big players in the industry downsizing their teams, they have the chance to attract top talent, expand their skills base and win larger and more complex projects. The NPIF II funding will enable them to pursue their expansion strategy and provide a further boost for Middlesbrough’s growing games industry.”
Radical Forge received expert fundraising guidance from Mick Morris and Jonny Sharp of Cerelo Advisory, a games-specialist advisory firm based in Leeds. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, valued at £660 million, supports business growth across the North of England, providing loans and equity investment to help small and medium-sized companies launch, expand, and innovate. Focused on enhancing economic growth in the region, NPIF II provides essential resources to companies like Radical Forge, helping overcome financial access barriers and fostering regional opportunities.
