The heart of Leamington Spa’s gaming scene | Vicky Wilson-Theaker interview

We interviewed Vicky Wilson-Theaker, PR Manager of Third Kind Games, about Leamington Spa’s Charity Pub Quiz event and what it means for the industry.
third kind studio logo on the left, Vicky Wilson-Theaker photo on the right

In December 2024, Third Kind Games – a Virtuos Studio, hosted its third annual SpecialEffect Charity Pub Quiz in Leamington Spa.

The sold-out event brought together over 120 professionals and enthusiasts from the local games industry, raising an impressive £11,000. Since its first edition in 2022, the Charity Pub Quiz has raised nearly £30,000, underscoring the local video game community’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

We have reached out to Vicky Wilson-Theaker and learned about how Leamington Spa’s gaming scene supports the local video game community’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility with the event.

What inspired Third Kind Games to start the Charity Pub Quiz in 2022, and how has it evolved over the past three years?

Leamington Spa, home to Third Kind Games (TKG), is often referred to as the “Silicon Spa” due to its thriving gaming industry. At TKG, we recognized an opportunity to unite this local gaming community for a greater cause.

In partnership with SpecialEffect, we launched the Charity Pub Quiz in 2022 to create an event that was not only fun and competitive but also deeply meaningful to the industry.

Over the past three years, the quiz has grown in scale and popularity, fostering stronger connections within the local gaming community while raising significant funds for charity. It has truly become a highlight of the gaming calendar here in Leamington.

How do you envision this event contributing to the gaming community in the long term?

    We hope the Charity Pub Quiz continues to grow as a cornerstone event for the Leamington Spa gaming community, creating lasting bonds among local studios while supporting an incredibly important cause.

    The funds raised allow SpecialEffect to innovate and develop adaptive technologies, helping individuals with physical disabilities enjoy the magic of gaming. Beyond fundraising, the event fosters collaboration, compassion, and inclusion within the industry.

    What were the key challenges in organizing this year’s event, and how did you overcome them?

      One of the biggest challenges has been finding a venue that can accommodate the increasing number of participants as the event gains popularity — a problem we’re fortunate to have!

      Despite the wider challenges the gaming industry has faced this year, we are deeply grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm of local studios. Their commitment is what keeps us coming back!  

      How do you foster collaboration and camaraderie among the various local gaming studios participating in the event?

      The Charity Pub Quiz has always been about bringing people together in an informal and welcoming setting. From the start, we’ve been amazed by the generosity, competitive spirit, and good humor of the participating studios.

        SpecialEffect is a charity close to many hearts in the gaming industry, and that shared connection has naturally created a sense of camaraderie. The event’s relaxed vibe, combined with fun elements like the charity raffle, ensures everyone feels part of something bigger than just a competition.

        How does the funding from events like the Charity Pub Quiz impact your mission to enhance gaming accessibility?

        All funds raised go directly to SpecialEffect, which requires over £2 million annually to maintain its services. Their work, from creating custom gaming setups to developing cutting-edge adaptive technologies, transforms the lives of people with physical disabilities by giving them the ability to experience the joy of gaming.

          At TKG, accessibility is central to our values. We believe great games are for everyone, and supporting SpecialEffect aligns perfectly with our mission to create inclusive and accessible experiences across all our projects.

          Are there plans to expand the scope of the Charity Pub Quiz, such as hosting similar events in other locations or on a larger scale?

          The Charity Pub Quiz has grown significantly each year with more studios joining, with bigger raffle prizes, and increasing raised funds.

          While we’re proud of what we’ve built in Leamington Spa, we’re always looking for ways to expand and make an even bigger impact. Whether that’s through hosting similar events throughout the year or finding new ways to engage the wider gaming industry, the future looks exciting. Watch out for updates on TKG’s social media!

          What are your goals for next year’s event, and how can others support these efforts?

          Our goal for 2024 was to involve even more studios and teams. Last year, we had 13 studios and 21 teams participate, but there’s plenty of room to grow.

            We’d love to see new faces join us in 2025 — whether it’s through participating in the quiz, donating raffle prizes, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can make the next event our biggest and most impactful yet!

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