TIGA, the tradeassociation representing the UK video games industry, says the Wii U, tablet
and smartphone devices are further evidence of the games industry’s creativity
and popularity.
Nintendo's new
machine, the Wii U – which sold 400,000 in its first week in the US – is
indicative of the confidence in the gaming industry. Its innovative
screen-based gamepad, says TIGA, also shows how the boundaries between portable
gaming and traditional consoles is blurring.
Although there has
been some stagnation with gamers waiting for the next PlayStation and Xbox,
these are set to be announced next year. Millions of consoles are still sold
and played each year and the Nintendo Wii U adds to that mix.Yet there has also been a rise in mobile
games development studios over the last year, driven in part by the increasing
prevalence of smart phones and the lower costs of development.
Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said:
“The Wii U's early commercial success and
innovation shows the games industry’s creativity and popularity. The Wii U is
an exciting new format and it is a powerful machine. Yet we have also seen a
major rise in PC gaming – Minecraft is testament to its on-going popularity and
Steam is of course a major platform. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of
smart phones and tablets provides further opportunities for games developers to
create and publish new content. There are now more great
opportunities for games developers.”
Notes to editors:
About TIGA:
TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s
games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games
developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games
publishers, outsourcing companies, technology
businesses and universities amongst our membership. Since 2010, TIGA has won 13 business awards and has been nominated a
finalist for 16 other awards. TIGA's vision
is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We
focus on three sets of activities: political representation, generating media
coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our
members. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the
corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits
that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in
costs and improved commercial opportunities.
For
further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939
643, or email: richard.wilson@tiga.org.