Forget Hollywood blockbusters—this Easter, gaming is taking over the big screen in a way never seen before. Vue Cinemas is set to premiere Kartoon Channel’s Gaming Challenge UK, the first-ever feature-length “gamer movie”, featuring six British kids battling it out on Roblox, the world’s most popular gaming platform for children. This historic moment marks a shift in cinema, blending gaming and storytelling into an interactive spectacle designed for the next generation of digital natives.
The film lands in Vue Cinemas on Saturday, April 19th, 2025, offering families a fresh take on the classic Saturday morning cinema experience. With Roblox now a household name, this gaming tournament film is set to captivate young audiences and their parents alike.
Gaming Meets the Big Screen: A First-of-Its-Kind Experience
For the first time in history, a feature-length gaming competition is getting the cinematic treatment. Six young gamers—Ilyaan (10, Blackburn), Jaymee (9, Fife), Thomas (10, Cornwall), Ottie (11, Surrey), Isaac (12, North Yorkshire), and Abigail (11, Hartlepool)—were chosen from thousands of eager competitors to take part in a high-stakes Roblox showdown.
Throughout the 85-minute pre-recorded film, audiences will watch these kids compete in eight exclusive Roblox challenges, ranging from dinosaurs and shark tanks to obstacle courses and high-speed races. With each round, the stakes grow higher, culminating in an epic final where two contestants go head-to-head for the title of Ultimate Gamer.
Vue Cinemas is betting big on this new form of entertainment. Rob Lea, Head of Screen Content at Vue UK and Ireland, is confident this event will redefine how audiences engage with gaming in a shared cinematic experience.
“Roblox has proven to be a sensation with the younger generation, and we welcome gamers—young and old—to join us for the world’s first-ever feature-length gaming show film, exclusively at Vue.”
Roblox: The Ultimate Playground for Digital Natives
According to Ofcom research, 64% of children aged 8-12 in the UK play Roblox weekly—more than any other social media, radio, or TV platform, except for YouTube. It’s the digital playground of the modern era, providing interactive experiences that kids don’t just watch, but actively create and participate in.
Paul Robinson, President of Kartoon Channel Worldwide, sees this as a natural evolution of gaming entertainment.
“Kids love watching other kids have fun, and they obviously adore Roblox. We wanted to recreate the old-school Saturday morning cinema experience but in a way that feels relevant today.”
Kartoon Channel’s previous show, Kidaverse Roblox Rumble, was a global hit, airing in over 60 countries in just 15 months. The success of that series inspired Gaming Challenge UK, which transforms the format into an immersive, cinema-worthy showdown.
Why This Movie is a Game-Changer
Gaming movies have existed before, but never like this. Unlike traditional video game adaptations, Gaming Challenge UK is a live tournament, not a scripted drama. It’s a knockout-style competition with real kids competing in real time—the first of its kind ever to hit the big screen.
“We wanted to devise a show that makes you talk at the screen because you’re so involved in the play,” says Josh Gilchrist, Director of Program Development at Kartoon Studios.
The film’s format embraces the reward mechanics that make video games so addictive, keeping viewers engaged by making them feel like they’re part of the challenge. Each eliminated player gets to choose a prize, reinforcing the sense of progression and stakes throughout the tournament.
Who’s Behind the Controller? Meet the Star Gamers
Gaming Challenge UK stars six British children, aged 9 to 12, selected for their skill, creativity, and love of gaming. Their journey isn’t just about competition—it’s about teamwork, problem-solving, and the friendships formed along the way.
Presenter Frankie Vu—known for his work with BBC, ITV, and Disney—guides audiences through the action, bringing an infectious energy that mirrors the excitement of the players themselves.
“The kids were brilliant. Throughout the course of filming, they really became friends. This film shows how games like Roblox can truly bring children together.”
The Future of Gaming in Cinema
Gaming Challenge UK isn’t just a new kind of movie—it’s a bold experiment in entertainment. Vue Cinemas is at the forefront of this gaming-meets-film hybrid, exploring how interactive media can redefine traditional storytelling.
Paul Robinson sees it as just the beginning.
“We’ve been experimenting with gaming-based TV shows for a while. Turning it into a movie was the next logical step.”
With cinema audiences evolving, Vue’s strategy to embrace digital-first content could pave the way for more gaming-inspired theatrical events.
Ready to Watch? Here’s How to Get Tickets
Kartoon Channel’s Gaming Challenge UK will premiere at Vue Cinemas nationwide on Saturday, April 19th, 2025.
Tickets go on sale Saturday, February 22nd, 2025.
📍 Where? Vue Cinemas across the UK
📅 When? Saturday, April 19th, 2025
