TIGA, the trade association representing the UKgames industry, has welcomed comments by US President Barack Obama in which he
backed videogames and their economic contribution.
The president revealed he was in favour of computer
programming lessons in schools as part of a Google+ discussion. He said
computers and videogames excited youngsters and spurred them on to learn.
He referred to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, saying
he taught himself to program due to his interest in games. He said he wanted
people to understand the principles involved in a career in videogames such as
maths, science and design.
Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, said:
“It is refreshing
to hear the US president's comments about the gaming industry. President Obama
is fully aware of the positive aspects of an industry which is important from
an economic, cultural and educational perspective. “The UK games
industry is set for growth, especially with the advent of Games Tax Relief from
April 2013. As the industry grows we can expect greater recognition of the
importance of the video games development industry in the UK.”
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 14 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.