UK at World Expo 2025
Osaka, Kansai
13 April – 13 October 2025, Yumeshima Island, Japan
Blog
Learn more about the UK's presence at Expo 2025 with in-depth blogs from industry leaders, culturally iconic brands and contributors to the UK Pavilion.
Meher Kalenderian, the Founder and CEO of Edinburgh based gaming studio - KeelWorks, speaks about Scotland as a powerhouse of the global gaming industry
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is an opportunity to strengthen Scotland’s presence in the global gaming industry and showcase our innovation in game development, creative technology, and international collaboration.
My own company KeelWorks has experienced first hand the value of investment and collaboration between Japanese and Scottish creative and gaming sectors.
KeelWorks originally began as an animation, visual effects and audio production company for television and film. We then transitioned into the video games development industry with our debut title CYGNI: All Guns Blazing released last year published by KONAMI Digital Entertainment.
This partnership allowed KeelWorks to leverage KONAMI’s industry experience and publishing power, ensuring CYGNI reached a global audience while maintaining our creative independence. For KONAMI, the partnership provided an opportunity to expand its portfolio with a fresh, high-quality shoot’em up, while supporting an emerging studio delivering a visually stunning and modern take on the genre.
At Expo, I’ll be taking part in a panel discussion to highlight investment and partnerships between the Japanese and Scottish creative and gaming industries. I'll also be meeting with Japanese companies, publishers, and investors to promote Scotland’s gaming scene and explore new collaboration opportunities that benefit both regions.
Home to both AAA studios and indie developers, Scotland has a strong legacy in gaming, with franchises like Lemmings and Grand Theft Auto shaping its reputation as a global hub.
Its rich history, landscapes, (and mythology) also provide a unique creative foundation. With a shared commitment to quality and innovation, Scotland and Japan have a natural synergy, making Scotland an ideal bridge for collaboration in storytelling, art design, game development, and technology.
Its leadership in game development education, led by Abertay University, has produced a steady pipeline of skilled graduates. Supported by government, Scotland fosters an environment where our games ecosystem can thrive.
Ultimately, the focus is on opening doors for meaningful collaborations that drive business opportunities, innovation, and long-term success for both the Scottish and Japanese gaming industries.
By highlighting its strong education system and cultural heritage, Scotland can offer fresh perspectives that enrich global narratives and drive cross-cultural partnerships in the creative industries.