The UK Government is being urged to prioritise Scotland’s “outstanding” video games industry to help it overcome the challenges it faces.
Abertay University was the setting as the Scottish Affairs Committee today published its report on the industry in Scotland, and Abertay is singled out for special praise.
The MPs say this is a “golden age of opportunity” for the industry and proper support for small companies accessing global audiences is vital.
But the committee also warns that overseas government subsidies, cheaper labour markets and skills shortages have created an uneven international playing field.
Committee chairman Ian Davidson says, “The committee strongly believes that the video games interactive technology industry is potentially a world leader for the UK and the Government must do more to encourage development and growth in the sector.”
The report falls short of calling for tax breaks, but says there should be a comprehensive assessment of the likely benefits. It also wants to see a full study of countries whose industries flourish without such support.
However, it accuses the Government of taking an inconsistent approach to tax in relation to the film and games industries and says creative industries minister Ed Vaizey has shown a “surprising and disappointing” reluctance to press the games sector’s case to the Treasury.
The report also points to a shortage of suitably qualified graduates to support the industry and says Abertay University is an example of what needs to be replicated across the UK.To read the full report, click here. And for full local reaction, see Tuesday’s Courier.