A Dundonald-based entrepreneur plans to power up his gaming and experiential events business after receiving specialist business support through the Go Succeed mentoring programme by expanding it into a gaming community-focused drop-in gaming hub.
Luke Wilson, co-founder of Game Locker, launched the business with his father in 2022 after spotting a gap in the market for immersive gaming experiences that bring people together in person.
Game Locker provides a range of interactive experiences, including eSports events, virtual reality experiences, advanced driving simulators, private gaming parties and mobile gaming arenas for schools, youth organisations, community groups and businesses.
The company also delivers online safety sessions for children, helping young people develop safe and responsible internet habits.
Having built a strong reputation through its growing portfolio of events and experiences, the company is now exploring opportunities to expand its offering through a permanent gaming venue that would provide customers with access to the latest gaming technology, organised events and interactive experiences. This planned expansion forms part of a wider growth strategy to strengthen Game Locker's position within the region's rapidly evolving gaming and entertainment market.
Luke's inspiration came from his own experiences growing up gaming online with friends. While he enjoyed playing together virtually, he realised something was missing.
"I grew up playing games online with my friends, but over time I noticed we weren't really spending quality time together," said Luke. "When we started getting together at each other's houses to play in person, I realised how much stronger the social side of gaming could be. That's what inspired Game Locker.
"Gaming has an incredible ability to bring people together, and I want to build on that by creating a space where anyone can drop in, meet like-minded people, make friends and enjoy gaming in a safe, welcoming environment."
Luke's ambition to grow Game Locker has been supported through the Go Succeed service, where he has completed both the Start and Growth stages.
He received one-to-one business mentoring to strengthen the company’s online presence and prepare for future growth, working alongside an experienced mentor who provided tailored guidance on improving Game Locker’s digital marketing strategy, including a social media audit, website enhancements, SEO and keyword optimisation, email marketing, and identifying and reaching new target audiences.
"The mentoring came at exactly the right time," said Luke.
"We had built a strong reputation through the events we were delivering, but our online presence didn't reflect that. The support helped us understand how people were finding us, where we could improve and how to reach the audiences we want to work with.”
Services from Go Succeed are delivered completely free of charge via each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils.
Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Regeneration & Growth Committee, Alderman James Baird, said:“Luke has demonstrated considerable ambition and entrepreneurial drive in building Game Locker into a recognised gaming and events business.
“Having completed both the Start and Growth stages of the Go Succeed service, Luke is committed to developing his business and creating positive experiences that bring people together.
“Through the Go Succeed service, we are committed to supporting entrepreneurs like Luke realise their potential through guidance, mentorship and financial support. We look forward to seeing Game Locker continue to grow and make a positive impact across the local area."
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey. Participants also have exclusive access to the Go Succeed Members Area which provides business templates, bitesize business tutorials, and more.