TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, said today that Ofcom’s latest research confirms that video games are now an established aspect of Scottish culture. According to Ofcom, 93 per cent of households with children in Scotland own a games console and, after television, playing computer or video games would be the media activity that children would miss the most if they were not available.
Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said:
“Video games are embedded in Scottish culture and society in particular and the UK more generally. Video games can reflect society, make cultural commentary, use narrative and can be highly artistic. Video games also interact with other forms of media, for example, inspiring film, television and music.
“As well as being culturally important, the video games sector is economically significant. The UK Government should support the video games industry as part of an economic strategy that rebalances our economy away from financial services towards investment and export led growth. The UK video games industry is export oriented: on average 62 per cent of a UK developers’ turnover is generated through exports. The sector is also research and development intensive, with two fifths of studios specifically earmarking a budget for research and development purposes.””
Chris Wright COO of Proper Games, said:
“Ofcom’s new research shows that video games are one of the dominant cultural past times in Scottish society. Video games are the industry of the future. The industry will realise its potential if the new Coalition Government in Westminster introduces Games Tax Relief.””
Ofcom’s research also shows that 73 per cent of adults in the UK used the internet at home or elsewhere in 2009, compared to 63 per cent in 2007. Adults in Scotland say they use the internet at home the most at 10.6 hours per week, with adults in England at 8.3 hours per week and those in Wales at 6.8 hours per week. Adults in Northern Ireland say they use the internet at home the least at 6.5 hours per week.
Additionally, 84 per cent of parents surveyed in Scotland by Ofcom said that they trusted their children to use the internet safely and 71 per cent think that benefits of the internet for their children outweigh the risks.
For further information, please contact Eva Field, TIGA PR Manager on: 07814 039 983, or email eva@tiga.org.