Action Plan for Scottish Video Games Industry

By August 18, 2010 Press Releases

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, called for the implementation of an action plan to strengthen the Scottish video games sector. TIGA made the call following yesterday’s news that Realtime Worlds in Dundee was going into administration. Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, outlined some of the features of the plan on the BBC Radio programme, ‘Good Morning Scotland’.

Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said:

“If the Scottish video games industry in particular and the UK games sector in general are to come through the current crisis and attain their potential, then we must take decisive action. We need action in the following five areas:

• Games Tax Relief should be introduced at the earliest opportunity so that the games industry can compete on a level playing against games businesses in other countries.
• Research and Development tax credits should be retained and enhanced.
• Business incubators should be established to help the formation of a new wave of video games firms. Small, start up games businesses should receive business mentoring and advice on how to create and retain IP and how to develop relatively sustainable business models.
• Games clusters should be consciously supported. Clusters can encourage knowledge transfer and business efficiencies. With a critical mass of games businesses in place, this in turn should encourage inward investment.
• Higher education must be adequately funded and the study of STEM subjects encouraged in order to ensure that the games industry has access to a well qualified and skilled workforce.

“We still hope that Realtime Worlds will find a buyer. Whether this transpires or not, we need action to ensure that our video games industry comes through the current turmoil in as strong a shape as possible. TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, will play its part through the provision of best practice business advice and support and we will continue to champion our video games sector.””

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