Roblox hits the big screen as six British kids star in world’s first gaming movie
The world’s first feature-length gaming movie, Gaming Challenge UK, will hit Vue cinemas this Easter, starring six British kids competing on Roblox.
Six British children will take centre stage in the world’s first-ever feature-length gaming competition movie, as Gaming Challenge UK arrives in Vue cinemas across the UK this Easter.
The 85-minute film follows the young competitors as they go head-to-head in eight exclusive Roblox challenges, with one player ultimately claiming the Ultimate Gamer title.
With gaming culture becoming more dominant in kids’ entertainment, this cinematic first is set to be a major event for families and young gaming fans alike.
A big-screen first for gaming
Gaming Challenge UK is making history as the first-ever feature-length gaming movie to be screened in cinemas worldwide. As the film industry continues to evolve, cinema chains like Vue are embracing fresh, innovative content to attract younger audiences.
Vue’s Head of Screen Content, Rob Lea, said:
At Vue, we’re big fans of innovation when it comes to unique ways for customers to enjoy the big screen experience. Roblox has proven to be a sensation with the younger generation, and we welcome gamers—young and old—to join us for this world-first feature-length gaming show film.
The film is produced by Kartoon Channel, the creators of the hugely successful Kidaverse Roblox Rumble series, which has aired in over 60 countries in the last 15 months.
Paul Robinson, President of Kartoon Channel Worldwide, explained:
We wanted to recreate the classic ‘Saturday morning’ cinema experience, but with a modern twist using a Roblox tournament. The idea came from how much kids love watching each other play and compete—it’s something they really connect with.
Who are the young gamers?
The six stars of Gaming Challenge UK were selected from thousands of Roblox fans across the UK, all with full parental consent. They are:
- Ilyaan, 10, from Blackburn
- Jaymee, 9, from Fife
- Thomas, 10, from Cornwall
- Ottie, 11, from Surrey
- Isaac, 12, from North Yorkshire
- Abigail, 11, from Hartlepool
Throughout the film, the players face eight exclusive Roblox challenges, featuring everything from dinosaurs and obstacle courses to sharks and races. As they progress, they unlock rewards, with the most valuable prizes reserved for those who reach the later rounds.
From the fourth challenge onward, players are eliminated one by one, but each gets to choose a prize before leaving. The grand finale sees the top two competitors battling for the Ultimate Gamer title—cheered on by their former opponents.
A new kind of gaming entertainment
The inspiration for Gaming Challenge UK stems from Kartoon Channel’s experimentation with gaming-based TV shows. “Kids and families will be enthralled and excited by this never-before-seen movie,” said Paul Robinson.
Host Frankie Vu, known for presenting shows on BBC, ITV and Disney, highlighted how gaming can bring kids together:
The kids were just brilliant. Over the course of filming, they really started to become friends. It shows how games like Roblox and movies like this can create positive shared experiences.
Josh Gilchrist, Director of Program Development at Kartoon Studios, added:
I’m a gamer myself, and I wanted to create something that captures the excitement of gaming but in a safe and fun environment. Gaming Challenge UK is unique, exciting, and—most importantly—full of kindness and support.
When is Gaming Challenge UK coming to cinemas?
Gaming Challenge UK will be released in Vue cinemas across the UK on Saturday 19th April 2025, with tickets going on sale from Saturday 22nd February 2025.
With gaming now a core part of children’s entertainment—64% of UK kids aged 8-12 play Roblox weekly, according to Dubit Trends—this groundbreaking movie could be the start of a whole new genre of family-friendly cinema.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.
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