Regional Champions Ukie’s big report demonstrates the positive economic impact of games companies across the length and breadth of the UK – a critical factor as government looks to encourage growth right across the country UKIE’S new report is well-timed. Think Global, Create Local is a study that points out how games are one of the best-distributed creative industries in the country. For example, over 55 per cent of game development jobs in the UK are based outside of London and the South East, with over 1,000 roles in each of The North West, East of England, West Midlands and Scotland. With the country now having entered the transitional period for Brexit, and with a refreshed government settling into power, now is the perfect time to make the case, yet again, that the games industry is a boon for the country as a whole. Especially with such the prevailing will to better distribute well-paid and highly-skilled jobs all around the country. The report shows that there are six towns and cities outside of London where the video games industry generates £60m in gross value added (GVA) to the local economy. And it also highlights Scotland’s game economy, which puts £131m into the nation each year – making it the most economically productive of the devolved nations. Stuart Dinsey, chair of the Ukie board, said: “This report demonstrates how the UK games industry’s regional strength is delivering a hugely positive economic return. Towns and cities of all sizes share in the high productivity jobs, commercial growth and cultural contribution that our sector offers. While UK games businesses are successful on the global stage, the direct benefits of their pioneering creative work are felt across the country. “The video games industry has an important role to play in rebalancing the economy and creating skilled careers. We look forward to working with government and policy makers to continue to bring the jobs of the future to local communities.” The data used to collate the report comes from the 2016 Screen Business report, which still represents the most complete and relevant dataset for such a study, covering over 2,100 game businesses, with Ukie stating “It is the single most authoritative economic analysis of the UK games industry ever conducted.” All data here comes from that report, though obviously there’s likely to
52 | MCV/DEVELOP February 2020
52-54 MCV 954 Ukie Regions_v4FINAL.indd 12
30/01/2020 09:17
