Following its launch in September, Creative Swansea is delighted to be hosting its first industry panel event in partnership with Esports Wales who are celebrating the launch of the first Esports local in South Wales.
The event, which will take place at the relatively new XP Gaming Bar in Swansea city centre, will see panelists from the world of content creation, game development and education, and offer insights into opportunities that exist within the gaming and immersive technologies, whether as a developer, a competitor, streamer or content provider. There will be an opportunity to network with like-minded people and seek knowledge from some of our invited experts in creative technologies.
Creative technology has emerged as a transformative force across numerous sectors, reshaping how industries innovate, engage, and operate. At its core, creative technology blends digital tools with artistic expression, fuelling advancements that go beyond traditional creative industries like media, entertainment, and design.
Esports, or competitive video gaming, has rapidly evolved from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon, carving out a prominent place in competitive sports. With millions of players and fans worldwide, esports encompass a wide range of games—from strategy-based titles like League of Legends and Dota 2, to first-person shooters like Counterstrike and Call of Duty, and sports simulators like FIFA and NBA 2K. Its rise has transformed gaming into a professional arena where players, teams, and organisations compete for massive prize pools, sponsorship deals, and international recognition.
Esports is also gaining recognition on institutional levels, with some universities offering scholarships for esports athletes, and discussions are ongoing regarding its potential inclusion in major global sporting events like the Olympics. This shift reflects the evolving understanding of what constitutes a sport—esports athletes may not rely on physical strength or endurance, but their success is built on quick reflexes, tactical thinking, teamwork, and mental agility.
As the lines between traditional and digital sports continue to blur, esports solidifies its place in the competitive sports landscape. Its cultural influence, economic growth, and massive fanbase suggest that esports will only continue to expand, driving forward the next generation of athletic competition in a world where technology and sport increasingly intertwine.
Esports has made significant inroads into Swansea, Wales, reflecting the broader growth of competitive gaming worldwide. As one of Wales’s largest cities and a hub of technological development, Swansea has embraced esports not only as a form of entertainment but as a burgeoning industry with economic and educational potential.
Cllr Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture, Equality and Human Rights said: “We are excited to partner with Esports Wales for this event, which underscores Creative Swansea’s commitment to fostering innovation within the creative and digital industries. Esports and immersive technologies are rapidly reshaping how we think about content creation, experiences, and collaboration. We are delighted Esports Wales has selected XP Gaming Bar and Swansea as their first ESports Wales Local in south Wales and my thanks to Nerys Evans and Sarah Morgan for their invaluable work in bringing this event to life and helping us push Creative Swansea’s vision forward”
This event marks the beginning of a deeper engagement with gaming and interactive technologies in Swansea. Thanks to Nerys Evans and Sarah Morgan for their invaluable work in bringing this event to life and helping us push Creative Swansea’s vision forward. I would encourage any local businesses or individuals who are keen to find out more, or get involved to contact them at the Council’s Cultural services as they are developing more and more events and network links every day”
John Jackson from Esports Wales said, “Esports Wales is the national esports federation in Wales. Our mission is to foster a strong community, nurture talent, and provide opportunities for gamers of all ages to engage with the world of competitive gaming. Through the Welsh Esports League and the Esports Wales Academy, we aim to develop a sustainable and thriving esports ecosystem that encourages participation at all levels—from grassroots to professional play.
Our vision extends beyond the online world, as we work to create “Esports Wales Locals” across the country. These in-person events provide a space for players to connect, compete, and share their passion for gaming, all while supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement. By bringing gamers together we strive to bridge the gap between online and offline communities, promoting well-being and social interaction.
The networking event will bring together industry professionals, gamers, and local businesses to celebrate and help further develop the growth of esports in Wales, offering a platform for collaboration and innovation. By building partnerships and providing pathways into the creative and digital industries, Esports Wales aims to empower the next generation of gamers and ensure the country’s role in the rapidly evolving world of esports.
This Esports and CreaTech networking event will be held on Thursday, 24th October, at XP Gaming Bar from 6pm. There will be music by Swansea-based hip-hop artist Craze the Jack and refreshments will be available.
The event is free, supported by Swansea Council and funded by UK Governments Shared Prosperity Fund. Tickets will be limited so please book your free ticket here: www.ticketsource.co.uk/creative-swansea-network
