For the latest instalment of our TIGA Awards 2022 winners interview series, we spoke to RSM UK’s Partner for Media & Technology, Richard Heap (pictured, right), about what it meant to pick up the Best Tax & Accountancy Firm 2022 award, the need to recognise excellence across the games industry, inspiring peers, advice for folks seeking a career in games and what we’ll all be talking about in 2026…
What did it mean to you/your company to win a TIGA Award?
As winner of the TIGA 2022 award for Accountancy firm of the year, we have been proud to display the trophy in our London reception, as well as display the winners logo on our website and in our client proposals. We also saw an increase in our social media coverage in LinkedIn at the time. We are truly passionate about working with, and supporting gaming companies, so it was great for this commitment to be recognised by winning an award. For me personally, it was also a fantastic achievement, as despite having worked with gaming companies since 2010, only recently (late 2021) did I form the Interactive Entertainment group at RSM, bringing the depth and breadth of RSM’s expertise together, not only across the UK but also internationally.
Why is it important that excellence in game development/services/education is recognised via awards like this?
It’s a great way to showcase the strength of the UK’s gaming sector, with games being regarded as one of the UK’s most valuable entertainment media. Winning a TIGA award provides a fantastic platform to generate significant publicity and media coverage, helping raise awareness among both industry professionals and the wider public. This increased visibility can lead to new opportunities, partnerships, investments, and business growth.
The TIGA awards also provide a platform for recognition and validation of the hard work and talent invested by individuals and teams in the gaming industry. By acknowledging their achievements, awards help motivate developers, service providers, and education providers to continue pushing the boundaries, striving for innovation, and delivering high-quality products and services. This also drives best practice, inspiring others to emulate or surpass those standards, ultimately raising the overall quality of the industry as a whole.
Another key area is around consumer trust and confidence, when a game, service, or education provider receives recognition from reputable awards, it enhances the perception of quality and reliability in the eyes of consumers. This can build trust and confidence.
Who are the people and companies in games and beyond who inspire you?
It’s hard to name individual people and companies who inspire me. I’m fortunate to work with some very creative and innovative businesses and clients in the Media & Technology arena.
Asking me to pick one person, it would be David May, FREng FRS, Computer Engineering, best known for the invention, design and commercial realisation of the transputer and the parallel programming language called ‘occam’. https://royalsociety.org/people/david-may-11915/
What piece of advice would you give to graduates and under-graduates seeking a career in games?
In a nutshell, do what you enjoy and are passionate about, that way you’ll be successful.
It is a competitive industry, but one where there is a constant need for new talent to help grow, innovate and bring new ideas to the table. Game development is a never-ending learning process. Embrace feedback and constructive criticism, and always strive to improve your skills and knowledge. Be open to new ideas, explore different technologies and methodologies, and be adaptable to changes in the industry. The games industry is dynamic and constantly evolving. Stay curious and keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and industry news. It’s also important to remember that securing a dream job in the games industry can be challenging. Rejection may happen, but don’t let it discourage you. Stay persistent and keep applying for opportunities.
Try to demonstrate your passion for game development. Create personal projects, participate in game jams, contribute to open-source projects, or collaborate with others to build a diverse portfolio that highlights your abilities and creativity. In addition to building your portfolio, seek out internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities in the gaming industry. Practical experience within a professional setting can provide valuable insights, expose you to real-world challenges, and help you understand the dynamics of the industry. It also allows you to establish relationships with industry professionals, building a strong network will be beneficial. Attend conferences, workshops, and industry events to gain insights, network, and broaden your knowledge.
Outside of winning a TIGA Award, what have been your greatest career achievements to date?
Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, and achieving Senior Partner status at RSM.
What do you value most about the work of industry associations like TIGA?
Industry associations like TIGA play a crucial role in advocating for the interests and needs of the game development community. They represent the collective voice of developers, studios, and related businesses, addressing policy matters, regulatory issues, and industry-specific challenges. By actively engaging with government bodies, policymakers, and other stakeholders, associations like TIGA can influence decisions that impact the industry and ensure that the concerns of their members are heard and understood.
Organisations like TIGA also provide a platform for networking and collaboration within the gaming industry. They bring together professionals, studios, educators, and other stakeholders through events, conferences, workshops, and online platforms. These opportunities facilitate knowledge exchange, the sharing of best practices, and help build a sense of community and valuable connections.
In 2026 we’ll all be talking about…?
In such a fast paced industry, it’s hard to think as far ahead as 2026, but below I’ve shared a few thoughts below:
My prediction would be that in 2026, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be at the forefront of the games industry. Although the industry has been using AI for many years, not just as part of the gameplay experience, but also as part of the game-making experience – it is set to become increasingly important for the industry and a key component for the future of gaming. For several years, designers have been using AI to help generate game assets, using a technique called ‘procedural content generation’ which has become fairly standard practice in the industry, but this is set to continue to develop in areas like character behaviour and development and personalised content generation from a gameplay perspective. With the UK being a driving force for AI, it will be interesting to see the new technologies incorporated into gaming.
Cloud gaming is another area that has gained traction in recent years. These games allow players to stream games directly to their devices without the need for high-end hardware. As internet infrastructure continues to improve and the availability of high-speed internet expands, cloud gaming is likely to become more widespread, offering greater accessibility and flexibility for players.
Increased adoption of VR and AR and the continued rise of mobile gaming. Mobile gaming has been a dominant force in the industry for several years, and its growth is expected to continue. With the increasing power and capabilities of smartphones, coupled with the accessibility and convenience they offer, mobile games are likely to attract even more players. Advancements in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies may further enhance the mobile gaming experience. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies have shown promise in gaming, providing immersive experiences and new ways to interact with virtual worlds. As the technology becomes more affordable and user-friendly, we may see increased adoption of VR and AR in gaming, leading to a broader range of VR/AR games and experiences. Is 2026 the year where consoles are less popular?
RSM‘s National Interactive Entertainment (video games and e-sports) group advises high-growth businesses and takes a holistic approach beyond just the financials.
Don’t forget that nominations are now open for the TIGA Awards 2023 – Click here to enter! (Deadline August 7th).
In addition, tickets and tables are now on sale for the Awards. Click here to book yours now as they are limited!