Press Release
01/10/2025
For Immediate Release
Manchester’s video games sector is booming, but a shortage of support is leaving developers vulnerable, a senior lawyer has warned.
Blackmont Legal, which specialises in gaming and emerging industry law, says the city’s rise as a gaming hub highlights a major opportunity for the North to challenge the dominance of London-based law firms in the industry.
Zohaib Hashim, founder of Blackmont Legal, said: “Manchester is producing some of the most exciting gaming studios in the UK, but many are left navigating complex legal issues with little guidance.
“This is where smaller, specialist firms can make a real difference.
“The big London firms have dominated the video games market for years, but that model doesn’t serve the North.”
The video games sector is one of the UK’s fastest-growing creative industries. Nationally, it now employs more than 28,000 development staff across 1,757 studios, with consumer spending more than doubling since 2013 to hit £7.6 billion last year.
Manchester cements its reputation as the UK’s video gaming capital, recording 46 official gaming companies, measuring one for every 12,000 people.
Despite Manchester’s rapid growth, most legal services for game developers remain concentrated in the South, leaving many studios reliant on generic advice that doesn’t account for the sector’s unique challenges.
“Too many developers, especially smaller studios, are left vulnerable by legal advice that isn’t built for games,” said Zohaib Hashim.
“This disconnect means studios often don’t get the strategic guidance they need. At Blackmont Legal, we understand the intricacies, because games are part of who we are.”
The firm was founded by Zohaib Hashim, who has a background in competitive gaming. Its team includes qualified legal professionals and individuals active in gaming culture.
The upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI, developed in Scotland, highlights the growing influence in gaming studios outside of London.
Zohaib Hashim added: “The legal industry has historically treated games like film, music, or TV – but the realities are very different.
“Studios face issues around digital ownership, streaming, esports, and community-driven monetisation that mainstream legal services simply don’t address.
“Poorly structured contracts, weak IP safeguards, or missed licensing opportunities can prevent studios from scaling successfully. This is the moment for the North to claim its place.
“We want Manchester’s creative businesses to thrive, and that means giving them access to legal expertise tailored to their world. We’re proud to be a firm born and built here, ready to lead that charge.”
As Manchester’s studios multiply and the UK industry enters a new era of global competition, the gap between what developers need and what they receive continues to grow.
Blackmont Legal says it is ready to close that gap – proving that regional firms can compete with London’s biggest players.
Blackmont Legal, which specialises in gaming and emerging industry law, says the city’s rise as a gaming hub highlights a major opportunity for the North to challenge the dominance of London-based law firms in the industry.
Zohaib Hashim, founder of Blackmont Legal, said: “Manchester is producing some of the most exciting gaming studios in the UK, but many are left navigating complex legal issues with little guidance.
“This is where smaller, specialist firms can make a real difference.
“The big London firms have dominated the video games market for years, but that model doesn’t serve the North.”
The video games sector is one of the UK’s fastest-growing creative industries. Nationally, it now employs more than 28,000 development staff across 1,757 studios, with consumer spending more than doubling since 2013 to hit £7.6 billion last year.
Manchester cements its reputation as the UK’s video gaming capital, recording 46 official gaming companies, measuring one for every 12,000 people.
Despite Manchester’s rapid growth, most legal services for game developers remain concentrated in the South, leaving many studios reliant on generic advice that doesn’t account for the sector’s unique challenges.
“Too many developers, especially smaller studios, are left vulnerable by legal advice that isn’t built for games,” said Zohaib Hashim.
“This disconnect means studios often don’t get the strategic guidance they need. At Blackmont Legal, we understand the intricacies, because games are part of who we are.”
The firm was founded by Zohaib Hashim, who has a background in competitive gaming. Its team includes qualified legal professionals and individuals active in gaming culture.
The upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI, developed in Scotland, highlights the growing influence in gaming studios outside of London.
Zohaib Hashim added: “The legal industry has historically treated games like film, music, or TV – but the realities are very different.
“Studios face issues around digital ownership, streaming, esports, and community-driven monetisation that mainstream legal services simply don’t address.
“Poorly structured contracts, weak IP safeguards, or missed licensing opportunities can prevent studios from scaling successfully. This is the moment for the North to claim its place.
“We want Manchester’s creative businesses to thrive, and that means giving them access to legal expertise tailored to their world. We’re proud to be a firm born and built here, ready to lead that charge.”
As Manchester’s studios multiply and the UK industry enters a new era of global competition, the gap between what developers need and what they receive continues to grow.
Blackmont Legal says it is ready to close that gap – proving that regional firms can compete with London’s biggest players.
-ENDS-
About Blackmont Legal:
- Blackmont Legal, established in 2024, is a leading law firm specialising in corporate law.
- Known for their expertise in intellectual property rights and mergers & acquisitions.
- They boast a diverse client base ranging from startups to multinational corporations.
- Committed to delivering innovative legal solutions tailored to client needs.
- For more information, visit their website at www.blackmontlegal.com.
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