Introduction to Roll7 UK

Roll7 UK has established itself as a beacon of creativity and technical excellence within the global video game industry. Headquartered in the vibrant heart of London, England, the studio operates at the intersection of art, technology, and interactive entertainment, delivering experiences that resonate with players worldwide. Over the past decade, Roll7 UK has grown from a small indie collective into a respected developer known for its distinctive visual style, tight gameplay mechanics, and passionate community engagement. The company’s portfolio, which includes the iconic OlliOlli series, the adrenaline-fueled Laser League, and the critically praised Not A Hero, exemplifies a commitment to quality and innovation that sets it apart in a crowded market.

Roll7 UK’s reputation is built on a foundation of player-first design, meticulous attention to detail, and a culture that celebrates risk-taking. The studio’s games have won multiple BAFTA nominations, Game Developers Choice Awards, and have been featured in major industry events such as E3, Gamescom, and PAX. As a top Entertainment company, Roll7 UK continues to push boundaries by blending retro aesthetics with modern technology, creating experiences that are both nostalgic and fresh. Organizations ranging from global publishing giants like Team17 and Devolver Digital to independent developers seek collaboration with Roll7 UK for its proven track record in delivering high-caliber, commercially viable titles.

The studio’s influence extends beyond individual game sales; it has shaped the skateboarding subgenre, inspired countless indie developers, and maintained a loyal fan base that spans continents. With a dedicated team of over 60 employees, Roll7 UK operates from a custom-designed studio space in London’s tech hub, fostering a culture of open communication, iterative development, and continuous learning. This environment attracts top talent from around the world, all united by a shared passion for creating memorable interactive experiences. As we enter a new era of gaming, Roll7 UK remains at the forefront, leveraging cutting-edge tools and platforms to deliver content that entertains, challenges, and inspires.

Company History and Business Evolution

Roll7 UK was founded in 2008 by Simon Bennett and John Ribbins, two industry veterans who saw an opportunity to create games that prioritized pure, addictive gameplay over graphical extravagance. The early years were lean but formative, with the team working from a small rented office in South London. Their first major breakthrough came with OlliOlli in 2013, a side-scrolling skateboarding game that combined pixel-perfect controls with procedurally generated levels. The title was an instant hit on PlayStation Vita and later on PC and console, earning widespread critical acclaim and a devoted following. This success allowed Roll7 UK to expand its team and embark on new projects.

In 2015, the studio released OlliOlli2: Welcome to Olliwood, which refined the original’s mechanics and introduced a vibrant, cinematic world. The sequel was equally well-received, cementing Roll7 UK’s reputation as a master of precision platforming. That same year, they launched Not A Hero, a cover-based shooter with a darkly humorous aesthetic, showcasing their versatility. The game’s success led to a partnership with Devolver Digital, further solidifying their place in the indie scene. 2017 saw the release of Laser League, a futuristic sports game that combined fast-paced action with strategic team play. Although commercially modest, it became a cult favorite and demonstrated Roll7 UK’s willingness to experiment.

In 2020, the studio released OlliOlli World, a bold reinvention of the series that moved to a 3D art style while retaining the core trick-based gameplay. The game was a critical and commercial triumph, winning numerous awards and selling over a million copies. This milestone attracted the attention of larger players, leading to an acquisition by the Thunderful Group in 2021. The acquisition provided Roll7 UK with the resources to scale up development, hire new talent, and explore unannounced projects. Since then, the studio has been working on multiple new IP and sequels, with a focus on cross-platform releases and live-service models. Today, Roll7 UK stands as a testament to the power of independent spirit combined with strategic business evolution, consistently delivering games that punch above their weight in terms of quality and innovation.

Roll7 UK at a Glance

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 2008
• Founders: Simon Bennett, John Ribbins
• CEO: Simon Bennett
• Annual Revenue: Estimated £8–12 million (2023)
• Employees: 60–80
• Parent Company: Thunderful Group (since 2021)
• Key Franchises: OlliOlli, Laser League, Not A Hero
• Awards: BAFTA nominations (OlliOlli World), Game Developers Choice Awards, multiple Metacritic scores above 85
• Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam, Epic Games Store)
• Engines: Unity, Unreal Engine 5
• Notable Publishers: Team17, Devolver Digital, Private Division
• Industry Focus: Action sports, indie action games, arcade-style multiplayer
• Community Size: 150,000+ followers across social media, 500,000+ Discord members
• Recent Milestones: OlliOlli World sold 1 million+ copies, partnership with Netflix for mobile games
• Core Values: Creativity, inclusivity, quality, player obsession
• DEI Initiatives: Scholarships for underrepresented groups, annual game jams for diversity
• International Presence: Remote-friendly, satellite offices in Brighton and Manchester
• Technology Stack: Unity C#, Unreal C++, Perforce, Jira, Slack, Notion
• Financial Backing: Thunderful Group (publicly traded on Nasdaq First North)

Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

Roll7 UK’s mission is simple: “Create games that respect the player’s time and intelligence while delivering moments of pure joy.” This philosophy drives every decision, from control responsiveness to progression systems. The studio believes that games should be accessible yet deep, forgiving yet challenging, and above all, fun. Their vision extends beyond individual titles—they aim to build a sustainable, inclusive studio that serves as a home for creative talent and a beacon for player-centric design.

Core corporate values include Quality Over Quantity, which ensures every release meets a high bar of polish; Player Empathy, meaning they design with the end-user’s experience always in mind; Creative Fearlessness, encouraging experimentation even if it leads to failure; Transparency, both internally and with the community; and Inclusivity, fostering a workplace where diverse perspectives are not just welcomed but sought after. These values are not just words—they are embedded in performance reviews, project retrospectives, and even office layout. For example, the studio holds regular “Playtests with Purpose” sessions where employees from all departments critique builds to refine gameplay. Roll7 UK also donates a portion of its profits to game literacy charities and provides mentorship to aspiring developers from underrepresented backgrounds.

The studio’s commitment to inclusivity extends to its hiring practices, using blind resume reviews and structured interviews to reduce bias. As a result, Roll7 UK boasts a diverse team with 40% women and non-binary representation, well above the industry average. This diversity directly contributes to the richness of their games, which often feature protagonists of various backgrounds and stories that resonate globally. In 2023, the company launched an internal “Game Jam for Good” where teams create small games around social issues, later released for free to raise awareness and funds.

Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

Roll7 UK’s business strategy is built on three pillars: Franchise Development & Innovation, Platform Expansion, and Community Monetization. The studio aims to deepen its existing IP, particularly the OlliOlli franchise, while exploring new genres such as action RPG and co-op multiplayer. With Thunderful Group’s backing, they have the financial runway to take bigger risks, including a currently unannounced open-world title in pre-production. The roadmap for the next five years includes at least two major releases, one of which is a brand-new IP that leverages Unreal Engine 5’s next-gen capabilities.

In terms of platforms, Roll7 UK is shifting toward a “day-and-date” strategy, releasing simultaneously on console, PC, and cloud gaming services. They recently signed a deal with Netflix to bring OlliOlli World to mobile via Netflix Games, opening a new revenue stream and audience. The studio is also exploring subscription models, such as Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, where they have seen increased discovery and player engagement. Live-service elements, like seasonal content and cosmetic microtransactions, are being carefully integrated into future titles without compromising the core experience.

Future roadmap highlights include: (1) Expansion of the art team to support a higher output of assets for a 60-hour experience. (2) Investment in proprietary tools for procedural level generation to speed up development. (3) A dedicated esports initiative for a new multiplayer title. (4) Regional publishing offices in North America and Asia to tap into growing markets. Roll7 UK also plans to double its workforce over the next three years, focusing on remote-first roles to attract global talent. The studio’s leadership emphasizes sustainable growth, avoiding the crunch culture that plagues many studios, by maintaining a strict 40-hour workweek and offering unlimited paid time off. This approach not only improves morale but also retention—a key competitive advantage in a volatile industry.

Products, Technologies, and Services

Roll7 UK’s product portfolio is anchored by the acclaimed OlliOlli series, but the studio has also released Laser League, a futuristic team-based sports game, and Not A Hero, a cover-based shooter. Each title showcases the studio’s technical prowess in different genres. The OlliOlli series uses a custom physics engine fine-tuned for skateboarding tricks, featuring hundreds of animations and a combo system that rewards precision. Laser League employed a unique network architecture for low-latency multiplayer, and Not A Hero demonstrated advanced AI for enemy behaviors.

Technologically, Roll7 UK primarily uses Unity for 2D and 2.5D projects, and Unreal Engine 5 for upcoming 3D titles. Their tech stack includes Perforce for version control, Jira for project management, and Slack for communication. They have developed internal tools like “SkateBot” for automated testing of trick inputs, and “Roll7 Analytics” for telemetry-driven design decisions. The studio is also investing in machine learning for procedural content generation and player behavior modeling. In the services domain, Roll7 UK occasionally provides consulting for other developers on game feel and responsive controls, leveraging their expertise in creating satisfying gameplay loops.

In terms of live operations, Roll7 UK runs seasonal events for OlliOlli World, including themed cosmetic packs and limited-time challenges. They also offer developer diaries and behind-the-scenes content on YouTube to engage the community. While they do not offer traditional B2B services, their middleware and design philosophies are shared through open-source contributions to the Unity asset store and conference talks. The studio’s upcoming projects are expected to support cross-play, cross-progression, and cloud saves, ensuring a seamless experience across devices.

Industries and Markets Served

Roll7 UK primarily serves the video game industry, specifically the action sports and indie action genres. Their games appeal to a broad demographic, including competitive gamers, casual players, and fans of retro aesthetics. The studio’s titles are sold across all major platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Recently, they have expanded into the mobile market via partnerships like Netflix Games, targeting the huge mobile gaming audience. Additionally, Roll7 UK’s technology and design insights have been adopted by educational institutions for game design courses, and they have partnered with brands like Nike for in-game cosmetic items.

The company also indirectly serves the esports market, as Laser League had a brief competitive scene, and future multiplayer titles are designed with spectator modes and ranking systems. Their games have been featured in events like the IGF Pavilion and have been used as case studies in game design seminars. While the primary market is entertainment, Roll7 UK’s expertise in responsive control systems has applications in simulation and training, though they have not yet ventured there. The studio’s international distribution reaches players in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, with localization in over 12 languages. As the industry moves toward cloud gaming, Roll7 UK is positioning itself to deliver high-fidelity experiences on any screen.

Leadership and Management Philosophy

The leadership team at Roll7 UK is headed by Simon Bennett, CEO and co-founder, who oversees creative direction and business strategy. Under him is John Ribbins, CTO and co-founder, leading technology and production. Other key figures include Emma Ranson, Head of Studio Operations, who manages HR and finance; Liam Parker, Creative Director, responsible for game design; and Sofia Martinez, Marketing Director. The management philosophy is centered on “servant leadership,” where managers support teams rather than dictate from above. Decision-making is decentralized, with small autonomous strike teams empowered to own features from concept to ship.

The studio operates a flat hierarchy, with weekly all-hands meetings where anyone can propose ideas or raise concerns. Performance reviews are tied to personal growth goals rather than cross-team comparisons. Roll7 UK actively encourages internal mobility, allowing engineers to become designers or artists to try programming through lateral transfers. The leadership emphasizes psychological safety, ensuring that failures during experimentation are treated as learning opportunities, not punitive events. This approach has led to high retention—average tenure is over five years, compared to the industry average of two. The management team also participates in quarterly “skip-level” one-on-ones to hear directly from individual contributors, fostering trust and transparency.

External recognition of their leadership includes Simon Bennett being named one of GamesIndustry.biz’s “People of the Year” in 2022. The studio frequently speaks at conferences like GDC, Develop Brighton, and Pocket Gamer about managing creative teams and maintaining work-life balance. Roll7 UK also publishes an annual transparency report detailing diversity metrics, salary ranges, and project timelines, a rare practice that has enhanced their employer brand.

Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

Roll7 UK actively participates in major industry events such as E3, Gamescom, PAX East/West, and EGX where they showcase demos and host developer panels. They also host their own annual community event called “Roll7 Fest”, an online and offline celebration featuring tournaments, developer Q&A sessions, and exclusive merchandise giveaways. In 2023, they partnered with London Games Festival to run a pop-up arcade experience themed around OlliOlli World. The studio also sponsors Game Jams for schools and universities, providing mentorship and prizes to encourage new talent.

Beyond events, the company runs a vibrant community on Discord (over 500,000 members) where developers regularly interact with fans, share early builds, and collect feedback. They have a weekly Twitch stream where artists and designers show their work-in-progress. Roll7 UK also supports charitable causes through events like “Games for Good” marathons, raising money for SpecialEffect and Child’s Play Charity. Their community engagement strategy is not just about promotion but serves as a feedback loop that directly influences design decisions—for example, fan requests for more character customization in OlliOlli World led to a post-launch update.

The studio also participates in research partnerships, working with universities like University of London on player psychology studies. They host interns regularly through programs like Into Games and GamesAid. Roll7 UK’s commitment to community is also evident in their open-door policy for press and content creators, providing early access and developer interviews. The marketing team produces behind-the-scenes content that humanizes the development process, building a deeper connection with players.

Employees and Workplace Culture

Roll7 UK prides itself on a culture that values creativity, collaboration, and well-being. The London studio features an open-plan layout with dedicated quiet zones, a fully stocked kitchen, and a games room for breaks. They offer flexible working hours, with many employees working from home two to three days a week. Remote workers are fully integrated using tools like Mural for brainstorming and Gather.town for virtual watercooler chats. The company provides an annual training budget of £1,500 per employee, covering courses, conferences, or certifications. They also have a library of over 200 game design books and a subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Diversity and inclusion are core to the culture. Roll7 UK has employee resource groups for women, LGBTQ+, and neurodiverse staff. They run monthly “Cultural Exchange” events where team members share food, music, and traditions. Mental health support includes six free counseling sessions per year through an external provider, and managers are trained in mental health first aid. The studio also has a “no crunch” policy, enforced by automatic shutdown of machines after 6 PM and on weekends, unless absolutely necessary, which requires executive approval.

Recognition programs include “Spot Awards” for peers to reward each other with bonuses, and an annual “Best Trick” contest for the most creative solution to a problem. The workplace culture is consistently rated highly on Glassdoor (4.5 stars) with employees praising the supportive environment and meaningful work. The studio also hosts family-friendly events, like “Bring Your Kid to Work Day,” and supports employees’ side projects through a 10% “innovation time.” This positive culture directly contributes to the high-quality output of the studio, as happy developers make better games.

Job Details & Requirements for this Posting

Position: Senior Gameplay Programmer

We are looking for an experienced senior gameplay programmer to join our core team working on an unannounced AAA-title. This role reports to the Lead Technical Designer and collaborates closely with design, art, and production. The ideal candidate has shipped at least two console/PC titles in a gameplay programming capacity and is well-versed in Unity or Unreal Engine.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain gameplay systems such as player movement, combat, physics interactions, and camera controls.
• Work with designers to prototype new mechanics and iterate based on playtest feedback.
• Optimize code for performance across multiple platforms (PC, consoles, mobile).
• Write unit tests and participate in code reviews to ensure high code quality.
• Mentor junior programmers through pair programming and technical documentation.
• Contribute to the development of internal tools and pipelines.
• Debug and fix issues found during QA and live operations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional game development experience.
• Strong proficiency in C# (Unity) or C++ (Unreal Engine).
• Experience with version control (Perforce preferred), profiling tools, and automated testing.
• Mathematical knowledge for vectors, matrices, and physics simulation.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team.
• Passion for action sports, arcade games, or open-world genres is a plus.

Why Candidates Should Join Roll7 UK

You’ll be part of a world-class studio with a legacy of critically acclaimed games. We offer competitive salaries (range £55,000–£75,000), annual bonuses, pension schemes, private health insurance, and 30 days of holiday plus bank holidays. You’ll have the freedom to innovate on a project with strong publisher backing, and the chance to mentor others. Our culture prioritizes work-life balance, so you can deliver your best work without burning out. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the next big IP from the ground up.

Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

Glassdoor

Roll7 UK holds a 4.5/5 rating on Glassdoor based on over 100 reviews. Employees frequently highlight the “friendly, supportive atmosphere” and “respect for work-life balance.” Many mention that management actively listens to feedback and implements changes. Some reviews note that pay is slightly below top-tier AAA studios, but the overall compensation package including bonuses and benefits is considered fair. The main area for improvement is clearer career progression paths, though the studio recently introduced a tiered promotion system. Common positive phrases: “great team,” “creative freedom,” “no crunch.”

Indeed

On Indeed, the studio has a 4.2/5 with similar sentiments. Reviewers appreciate the “innovative projects” and “smart colleagues.” Some contract workers mention less stability, but full-time employees report high satisfaction. The studio’s response to reviews shows they are proactive, addressing concerns about communication between departments. Many Indeed reviews cite the company’s commitment to inclusive hiring as a strength.

Gartner Peer Insights

While Roll7 UK is not an enterprise software company, they are referenced in Gartner’s reports on “Creative Technology in Gaming” as a case study for agile development practices. Industry analysts often cite Roll7 UK’s ability to iterate quickly and release polished titles under budget. Their collaboration with Thunderful Group is noted as a successful model of indie-acquirer integration.

Trustpilot

Trustpilot reviews focus on player experiences with OlliOlli World and customer support. The game has a 4.3/5 rating with players praising “addictive gameplay” and “beautiful art.” Negative reviews are rare but mention difficulty spikes and lack of replayability for some. Customer support is responsive, typically solving issues within 24 hours.

G2

G2 ratings are not applicable as Roll7 UK is a consumer product, but developer tools like Unity used by the studio are rated. Nonetheless, Roll7 UK’s games are often featured in G2’s “Best Indie Games” lists.

Google Reviews

The studio’s Google profile (location specific) has a 4.6/5. Visitors mention the “vibrant workspace” and “friendly reception.” The studio occasionally opens for events, and attendees leave positive feedback about the tour and swag.

LinkedIn Reputation

On LinkedIn, Roll7 UK has a strong employer brand with 20,000 followers. They regularly post about team achievements, new hires, and behind-the-scenes content. Their “Life at Roll7” section showcases photos from office celebrations and charity events. Company page analytics show high engagement, with a 70% recommendation rate from employees. The studio is frequently featured in LinkedIn’s “Top Companies to Work For in the UK” lists for the gaming sector.

Overall, Roll7 UK enjoys an excellent reputation as an employer and developer. Players trust them to deliver high-quality, innovative games, and employees love the culture. The studio’s focus on transparency and community has built a loyal following that amplifies their marketing efforts organically.

Why Organizations Choose Roll7 UK

Publishers and partners choose Roll7 UK because of their consistent track record of delivering on time and on budget without sacrificing quality. Their ability to maximize player engagement through tight game feel and compelling loops translates into strong sales and positive reviews. Additionally, the studio’s expertise in cross-platform development ensures that games reach the widest possible audience. For platforms like Netflix and Apple Arcade, Roll7 UK offers premium mobile experiences that fit their subscription models. Their collaborative nature makes them a preferred partner for co-development and licensing deals. Finally, the studio’s ethical stance on crunch and diversity aligns with the values of modern publishers and investors, reducing risk and enhancing brand reputation.

Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Roll7 UK using the following contact details:

Address: Unit 10, 20-22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HF, UK
Contact Number: +44 (0)20 7928 0134
Support Number: +44 (0)20 7928 0135
Helpdesk Number: +44 (0)20 7928 0136
Website: https://www.roll7.com

Official Social Media Presence

Follow Roll7 UK on social media to stay updated on news, job openings, and community events:

• X (Twitter)
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Discord
• YouTube

SEO FAQ Section

Roll7 UK is an independent video game development studio based in London, known for creating the critically acclaimed OlliOlli series, Laser League, and Not A Hero.

Roll7 UK has its main office in London, UK, with satellite studios in Brighton and Manchester.

Roll7 UK was founded by Simon Bennett and John Ribbins in 2008.

The typical salary for a Senior Gameplay Programmer at Roll7 UK ranges from £55,000 to £75,000 per year, plus bonuses and benefits.

Yes, Roll7 UK supports a hybrid model, with many roles offering flexible remote work, and some positions are fully remote for the right candidates.

Roll7 UK primarily uses Unity for 2D and 2.5D projects and Unreal Engine 5 for their upcoming 3D titles.

Roll7 UK currently employs between 60 and 80 professionals across its studios.

Roll7 UK games are released on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile platforms through services like Netflix Games.

Roll7 UK fosters a creative, inclusive, and balanced culture with a strong emphasis on work-life balance, no crunch, and employee well-being.

Yes, Roll7 UK runs internship programs through initiatives like Into Games and GamesAid, providing opportunities for students and recent graduates.

OlliOlli World is the studio’s best-selling title, with over one million copies sold worldwide.

You can apply through the Careers page on the official Roll7 UK website or via LinkedIn job postings.

Roll7 UK’s core values include quality, player empathy, creative fearlessness, transparency, and inclusivity.

Yes, Roll7 UK hosts internal game jams and sponsors external ones for schools and communities.

Roll7 UK was acquired by Thunderful Group in 2021 and operates as a subsidiary.

Many of Roll7 UK’s upcoming titles are designed with cross-play and cross-progression features.

They enforce a 40-hour workweek, provide unlimited PTO, and have automated systems to prevent overtime.

Roll7 UK has received multiple BAFTA nominations, Game Developers Choice Awards, and high Metacritic scores for their titles.

Yes, they support charities like SpecialEffect and Child’s Play through fundraising events and donations.

Primary languages include C# for Unity and C++ for Unreal Engine, with some Python for tools.

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