Double Eleven’ s homegrown talent in world-class careers
FEATURE
MISSION
Opportunity – Double Eleven’ s July 2025 Schools to Careers cohort.
EMPLOYABLE
Double Eleven’ s homegrown talent in world-class careers
WORDS: PAUL FRASER PICTURES: CHRIS BOOTH
The Middlesbrough skyline was once defined by its towering industrial landmarks. Today, those that remain are joined by a new kind. The headquarters of Double Eleven has become a beacon for the UK’ s digital renaissance.
The Tees Valley is no longer just the industrial heartland of the north. It has rapidly evolved into a premier destination for technological creativity.
Recently recognised as the UK’ s fastest- growing tech hub outside of London, Middlesbrough sits at the core of a thriving games ecosystem.
This rise is further cemented by major events such as Teesside University’ s annual Animex festival and the Game Republic New Horizons conference, which bring international publishers and developers to the region’ s doorstep.
At the centre of this success is Double Eleven.
As one of the UK’ s largest independent games developers and publishers, Double Eleven is helping to sculpt the local landscape.
Working with global giants such as Rockstar Games, Bethesda and Mojang on titles including Fallout 76, Red Dead Redemption and Minecraft Dungeons, the studio has proven that world-class entertainment can be exported directly from Teesside.
The region is a vital part of Double Eleven’ s story and its commitment to the people within it is the bedrock of their future.
The company was built on a desire to“ make great games and have fun doing it”. In an industry notorious for burnout, the studio pioneered a commitment to developing a work-life balance.
The team created an environment where employees could build a dream career in games without sacrificing their home life.
Wellbeing, inclusivity and creative growth aren’ t just buzzwords at Double Eleven; they are the gears that turn the machine. This is most evident in its Schools to Careers initiative, a programme designed to bridge the gap between childhood curiosity and professional reality.
The UK video games market is a global powerhouse, contributing more than £ 12bn gross added value to the economy and supporting more than 73,000 jobs.
For a young person in the Tees Valley, the prospect of joining this sector is attractive but often feels out of reach.
Double Eleven views the task of changing that perception as both a privilege and a responsibility.
Launched in 2023, in collaboration with Middlesbrough College, Teesside University, Epic Games and the Tees Valley Careers and Enterprise Team, the weeklong programme runs twice yearly during half-term holidays.
Led by senior early careers adviser Maret Ward and a team of Double Eleven mentors, the initiative takes 14-to-18- year-olds on a journey from concept to production.
40 | Tees Business