A YouTuber’s Career in Norwich’s Games Community

When Jon, YouTuber Actualol, began looking for a new place to live, the search was extensive. Considering locations across the UK, the decision came down to finding somewhere that could support both creative work and everyday life. In the end, Norwich stood out.

“We considered everywhere in the UK and Norwich came out on top,” he says. “It has everything you could want, and it’s such a perfect size.”

That sense of balance has proven central to his experience. Norwich offers the infrastructure and cultural energy of a larger city, while remaining accessible and easy to navigate. For a creator working in the games industry, that accessibility has a direct impact on productivity and connection.

“I love that it’s so easy to get around,” he explains. “From work to home to cafes to shops to parks to the library, it’s all so easy to get to.”

For Actualol, whose work focuses on reviewing modern board games, being embedded in an active and open community is essential.

Norwich has provided exactly that. One of the most valuable discoveries was the Norwich Board Gamers group, which meets regularly in the city centre.

“It’s been so helpful having the Norwich Board Gamers group,” he says. “It’s a thriving community where anyone can turn up and play games with strangers.”

That accessibility has allowed him to stay closely connected to players, test games in real settings, and engage with a wide range of perspectives. The openness of the local scene is something he found particularly distinctive.

“I was blown away when I found Athena Games’s gaming space. It’s free to play there. I’ve never seen anything like it in other cities.”

These spaces are not just places to play, but part of a broader ecosystem that supports creativity, experimentation, and collaboration. They reflect a city that actively lowers barriers and encourages participation in games culture.

Beyond the games community itself, Norwich has also provided strong support through its wider network of creative workspaces.

When he first arrived, Actualol based himself at Fuel Studios, a shared working environment for freelancers and small businesses.

“It was a great way to meet other self employed folks and join in with their socials,” he says. “Now my studio is in the same building, and it’s great to be part of a community of creatives and small businesses.”

That continuity has helped sustain both professional growth and a sense of belonging, something that is particularly valuable in independent creative work.

Norwich Games Festival

This year, that connection to the city’s games culture is taking on a new dimension. Actualol will be hosting a Social Games Lounge at the Norwich Games Festival, creating a space where visitors can drop in and take part in group games throughout the day.

“I’ll be running group party games for people to jump in and out of,” he says. “Anyone can come along and join in.”

The festival itself plays an important role in the wider games sector. It brings together creators, audiences, and industry voices, while also opening up opportunities for new talent.

“It gives local games companies a chance to share their work,” he says. “And it gives the next generation insight into working in the games industry.”

Alongside his YouTube work, Actualol is also preparing to release his first board game. You Know Me, published by Helvetiq, is due in Spring 2027.

Developing this project while living in Norwich has allowed him to remain closely connected to a real, engaged audience.

“I can’t wait to share it with the people of Norwich,” he says.

While Norwich supports creative ambition, it also enables a sustainable and balanced way of living. For Actualol, that includes family life, something that the city accommodates naturally.

“It’s so good for families,” he says, pointing to the range of activities and accessible spaces available across the city. Weekends often involve time at Chapelfield Gardens or local library sessions, all within easy reach.

“Everything is so close together,” he notes. “You can pack so much into a day here.”

That combination of proximity, creativity, and community defines Norwich’s appeal.

From independent shops and food on the market to social spaces across the city, it offers a lifestyle that feels both connected and flexible.

For a creator working in games, Norwich provides more than just a place to live.

It offers a clear pathway to build, test, and share work within a supportive network. It is a city where creative careers can grow alongside strong communities, and where projects, from YouTube channels to published games, can take shape in a meaningful way.