TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, today welcomed the publication by the Welsh Assembly Government of an action plan to capitalise on the multi-million pound opportunities of the digital age.
Some of the specific goals of the action plan include reducing digital exclusion amongst adults from 34% to 25% by 2015; ensuring that the ICT skills of all pupils aged 14 to 16 are recognised in a formally accredited qualification; increasing the number of ICT businesses undertaking R&D and innovation; and ensuring next generation broadband at speeds of at least 30Mbps is available to all by 2020.
Dr. Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, commented:
“We warmly welcome the Welsh Assembly Governments Action plan. Estimates from PWC suggest that the global market for video games will grow from $52.5 billion in 2009 to $86.8 billion in 2014. With the right economic framework, Wales could benefit from this growing market.
“The University of Wales, in Newport, and the University of Glamorgan are very respectable educational establishments offering high quality computer games courses. The potential exists for Wales to build on its academic success and expand the games industry.
“However, whilst the Welsh Government’s changes will enhance its potential in the video games sector, it will not flourish without support from the Westminster Government. TIGA will continue to campaign for the introduction of this important measure and ensure that it is well targeted to benefit the entire UK games industry and the wider UK economy.””
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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. TIGA was awarded ‘Trade Association of the Year’ and the ‘Member Recruitment Award’ at the Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards 2010. TIGA has also been named as a finalist in the 2010 Chartered Management Institute (CMI) National Management and Leadership Awards in the category of ‘The Outstanding Organisation of the Year Award (SME)’. TIGA is an Investors in People organisation.
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 07875939643: or email richard.wilson@tiga.org; or contact David Hodges on 02070911653