Scottish video games companies should be given government support to help develop titles, the head of the trade association representing the industry has said.
A creative content fund is among 10 recommendations in TIGA’s manifesto for the upcoming Scottish Parliament election. The manifesto, unveiled at Holyrood on Wednesday, also includes measures to enhance access to finance, improve skills and to market Scotland aggressively as a good place to base video games businesses.
It comes just weeks after Outplay Entertainment announced its intention to set up in Dundee with the creation of 150 jobs thanks to a £2.25 million investment from Scottish Enterprise.
But Dr Richard Wilson, chief executive of TIGA, said more than half of Scottish video games companies struggle to find finance for new projects.
“It is very difficult to get bank finance for these types of projects,” he told The Courier. “We think this is a new, exciting, innovative way to address the problem.
“Money could be made available on a pound-by-pound basis, and if it was run by Scottish Enterprise they could seek to recoup the money through the sales of the games that were sold.”
Dr Wilson admitted the industry, which has a strong base in Dundee, is facing “major challenges” but said he was confident video games development would continue to flourish in Scotland.
With countries outside the UK heavily subsidising their gaming industries, there are fears top British companies and talent could be lured abroad unless action is taken. Tax breaks were promised by the previous Labour administration but never implemented, and then scrapped by the coalition government in June.PotentialWhile that issue cannot be addressed by the Scottish Parliament, Dr Wilson said it was vital MSPs lobby Westminster.
“Scotland has the potential to grasp the mantle as a world leader in video games development,” he said. “The opportunity for jobs and growth in the industry will be significantly affected by the decisions made at Holyrood and the lobbying of Westminster. This manifesto sets out the right path to follow.”
Colin Anderson, TIGA board member and managing director of Dundee firm Denki, said it was “fitting” that Scottish politicians would “show clear leadership” to support the industry.
“Whilst the uncertainty of support from Westminster remains, the Scottish political parties have the opportunity to make a real difference by bringing forward the practical policies needed to assist the Scottish industry,” he said. “TIGA’s manifesto sets out the most well considered programme I’ve yet seen for how Scottish parties across the political divide can support the industry in tangible ways.”
The launch of the manifesto was hosted by Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick.
“Our cultural sector is a vital and important industry not least to Dundee yet its development is being put at risk by regressive taxation systems and a lack of support from the UK Government,” he said.
“We need to invest in our future, and in jobs, and act to stimulate development of the computer games sector in Scotland and the UK, so that we do not lose out to overseas competitors.”