Ukie times - gamescom 2014

UK celebrates best of British

What’s on the UK Stand Wednesday 13th August: 10.30am: Pastries & fruit sponsored by Global Step (exhibitors & their guests) 1.30pm: Sausages & English mustard sponsored by OnLive (exhibitors & their guests) 6.00pm – 8.00pm: Networking drinks reception hosted by Multiplay (open to all) Thursday 14th August: 10.30am: Pastries & fruit sponsored by Global Step (exhibitors & their guests) 1.30pm: Sausages & English mustard sponsored by OnLive (exhibitors & their guests) 6.00pm: UK Game of the show presentation – sponsored by Atomicom 6.00pm – 8.00pm: UKTI Germany & South Korea (UK Trade & Investment) networking reception Friday 15th August: 10.30am: Pastries & fruit sponsored by Global Step (exhibitors & their guests) 1.30pm: Sausages & English mustard sponsored by OnLive (exhibitors & their guests)

Coffee sponsored by Amiqus Deck chairs sponsored by Unity

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Exclusive features inside: Tax Breaks: How easy are they to claim? >> page 04

Inspiring the next generation >> page 05

Five reasons to do business with the UK games sector >> page 06

Come and visit us in Hall 4.2 at Stand Number A051 – B050

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On the UK Stand: Amiqus Atomicom Beatnik Games Bundle Stars / Focus Multimedia Born Ready Games Climax Studios Cloudant Dead Good Media DeltaDNA Evil Twin Artworks Fat Pebble Firebrand Games Publishing Firefly Four Door Lemon GameSparks Global Step Greenman Gaming ICO Partners iKinema Improbable Jelly Media Kiss Ltd Mastertronic MCV / Develop Multiplay Mutant Labs Ndreams Oink

OnLive OPM Osborne Clarke Player Research Playmob Pole to Win Pqube Redbedlam Revolution Ripstone Rising Star SCET Secret Sauce Sold Out Steel Media Super Micro Tag Games Tangentix Team17 Tech Data Testronic Ukie UKTI Universally Speaking Venatus Media Waterfront Entertainment Wired Productions YoYo Games

Turn to page 8 for full listing

Ukie staff at gamescom

CEO

@Doctoe

@ukiesam

Jo Twist CEO

@ukielex

Sam Collins Head of Commercial & Membership

@ukielex Richard Enticknap

@UkieRegis

Régis Renevey Research Analyst

@ukierichie

Richie Enticknap Community & Public Relations Officer

Student helpers Robin Silcock – Norwich University of the Arts Sam Coleman – NFTS Paul Dillon – NFTS Abu Siddek – Birmingham City University Students from Ukie Student Memership Scheme Contact Richie for more information - richie@ukie.org.uk

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Tax Breaks: How easy are they to claim? The answer is…..VERY! – it is designed to make sure that games getting support are adding to or reflecting British or European culture.

In March of this year, the UK was finally given the green light for the long-awaited introduction of UK games tax relief. This was fantastic news for the UK games sector, but how easy is the new scheme to use?

We have put together a simple guide to help you understand how the relief can help your business.

How much can I claim with the tax relief scheme?

The tax relief gives you 25% relief back on your production expenditure - the money you spend on actual development, not including marketing, PR or other costs.

You can only claim it on the first 80% of those costs, however. This ultimately means that you will get roughly 20% of your production budget back. You must be a game development business to access the tax relief.

When can I start claiming?

You can claim relief on any money you spend from the 1st April this year to make a qualifying game - the scheme is now officially live. But we’re still waiting for the last bit of legislation to go through, so you won’t receive any money until at least September.

What is the Cultural Test?

EU rules are very strict on when a country can give direct support to an industry like these tax breaks. In order to meet these rules, the UK has had to put a ‘cultural test’ in place, which games have to pass to get the support. The same kind of test is in place for UK film, animation and TV tax breaks, and for the games tax relief that France has in place

The test isn’t as restrictive as you might have heard. You will need 16 out of 31 possible points, and can get points based on many different factors. The four categories are: the content of the game - story, characters, location etc; the ‘cultural contribution’, such as how it reflects British culture; where it is made; and the citizenship and residency of the people who make it.

Will the scheme apply to my business?

The tax relief can benefit every type of games developer in the UK, no matter what shape or size.

Unlike in other countries, there is no minimum budget that your game must have and there are no restrictions on the size or type of your company (except you must be a limited company).

There are plenty of other benefits to doing this as well, not least that you will be able to claim back VAT on many purchases.

What do I need to claim the tax relief?

1.

A certificate that your game passes the cultural test, which you can get from the BFI

2.

Your business’s normal tax return, in which you will be able to claim the relief

3.

Your business’s statutory accounts

For further information contact our Policy & Public Affairs Officer Andy Tomlinson: andy@ukie.org.uk

@AndyTomlinson84

The UK in numbers

There is nothing at all in the rules that stops a mobile game claiming the tax relief. The Government is aware of the importance of supporting this vital part of the games industry, which will provide so much future growth.

The UK games industry was worth £3.5bn in consumer spend in 2013, up 17% from 2012

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The UK console market is the largest in Europe, bigger than France and Germany combined

Yes, you must be a limited company and registered in the UK tax system in order to claim the relief. This is because it works as a credit against corporation tax. It only costs £15 (around €19) to register a new company with Companies House, and it can be done quickly and easily online.

Download our guide here: bit.ly/1rEZu8q

We worked hard to make sure everyone in the industry can make the most of the tax breaks. There has never been a better time to make games in the UK!

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Do I have to be a limited company to get tax relief?

View the cultural test here: bit.ly/1nZmpeV

If you don’t feel confident doing this yourself, you can of course get an accountant to help you. This might also help make sure you get the most benefit out of it.

Does the scheme apply to mobile games and new business models?

Even more importantly, the tax relief can be claimed for continued postrelease development of a game. The Government is aware of how vital the games-as-a-service model is for the modern games industry, and will continue to be in future. As a result, you will be able to continue claiming the credit on a game that you keep working on after release.

More information

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UK digital and online game sales were up from £655m to £819m in 2013

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The UK games sector generates £2bn in global sales each year and contributes almost £1bn to national GDP

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The UK has the largest games development community in Europe, with 100s of new and established studios developing across platforms

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There are 34.7m players in the UK. More than eight million of them play across four different platforms, like mobile and tablet

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Games companies are clustered across the breadth of the UK, with hubs in London, Brighton, Cambridge, Oxford, Liverpool, Guildford, Leeds, Sheffield, Dundee, Leamington Spa, Bristol, Edinburgh and more

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Over half of the £500m UK app market is spent on games

Inspiring the next generation There’s only so much that one studio can do but as professionals in the games industry we can all contribute to guiding the next generation into rewarding and exciting careers. And we should.

The Video Game Ambassador (VGA) scheme, run by Ukie in partnership with STEMNET, gives people who work in the games industry the chance to volunteer to speak to school children, change lives and inspire the next generation of games talent across the UK. VGAs can choose how they want to interact. Once they’re signed up they are only committing to one action per year, which could be half an hour talking to a local primary school assembly or an afternoon doing workshops with a group of secondary school design students. Of course they are free to do as much as they like – but they only have to do one thing.

We caught up with games ambassador Natalie Griffiths, Founder of Press Space, about her experiences as a VGA. I’ve been actively working with the next generation of game developers for nearly 15 years, in a variety of ways, and it never stops being anything less than incredibly rewarding. I definitely get as much out of it myself as I hope I give to the students I talk to.

It started back in 2000 when I made the move from games journalism to PR, joining independent developer Blitz Games. They were passionate about ‘putting something back’ and we quickly established a programme of careers talks at local schools, colleges and universities. By 2005 this had evolved into the highly respected Student Open Day initiative. Over the following six years we saw hundreds of students pass through the doors, each of them getting a unique insight into life in the games industry.

Next wave I now have my own PR business and even though I work for myself, being a VGA has enabled me to keep helping the next wave of game creators. I’m also the Event Director of an award-winning games festival called Backspace.

Centred on the thriving games cluster in Leamington Spa, it aims to celebrate the rich history of development in the region. Its driving aim is also to showcase the potential future of games, so we include a range of inspirational activities aimed at all ages, from pixel art character creation to RaspberryPi workshops and careers evenings.

This year we’ve gone a step further and launched a County-wide schools’ game design competition. Teams of kids aged 8 and above are coming up with Warwickshire-themed game ideas that will be judged by a panel of experienced local developers. The best five will take part in a unique game jam in October, joining professional developers and game students to bring their ideas to life. Showing that every game idea starts in someone’s head and that there’s a host of different skills that must come into play to turn it into a finished game, offers an invaluable perspective to any young creative mind.

Your skills But you don’t need to organise whole festivals to be a VGA. Every one of us has unique skills and experience in the games industry that we can share with aspiring developers, regardless of discipline. The basic requirements aren’t onerous and we can all fit in an hour to join a careers panel, or a morning doing mock interviews at a local school, or offering some email advice or mentoring to an enthusiastic student.

After nearly 25 years in the games industry I can’t ever imagine doing anything else. I’ve worked with an endless stream of creative, passionate, energised and inspiring people – why wouldn’t I want more people to experience that?

Ukie Times

PROGRAMMING DEV MANAGEMENT TEST AND TRANSLATE COMMERCIAL CREATIVE

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We’re excited when you like us.

We’re thrilled when you follow us.

But meeting you in person is best of all.

We are OPM Recruitment, and we’ve been successfully filling vacancies in the games industry for over 16 years. In fact, there’s no-one in the business quite like us and we’d love to tell you more.

So come and find us in the UKIE area.

T: +44(0)1206 21 44 21 www.opmjobs.com

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The UK Game of the Show award The UK Game of the Show Award returns this year exclusively on the UK stand due to popular demand.

The winning trophy is presented to the best unreleased game from a UK studio and this year is being judged by a panel of games experts. Last year’s British Bulldog trophy was claimed by developers Fayju with their title ‘Cascade’ and the studio received a year’s membership of Ukie. Fayju founder Gaz Bushell said “Winning the award at last year’s gamescom was an honour.

We received great coverage from the press and the award really helped our game stand out from the crowd. The trophy was amazing as well. We loved it so much that we made it part of our game Amazing Frog!”

Superlambanana This year looks to build on last year’s success with the award being officially sponsored by Liverpool based game studio ‘Atomicom’, who have created a unique “Superlambanana” trophy.

Gary Nichols, CEO of Atomicom, said “The UK games industry is once again back in top form with indie developers leading the charge and we couldn’t be prouder sponsoring the UK game of the show award. It’s really important for UK games to get noticed and we can’t wait to see who is in the line-up.”

Ukie CEO Jo Twist said the award was a key highlight of gamescom for the UK industry: “The award is a way of shouting about not just the industry but the UK as the best place in the world to make and sell games. We make the biggest selling and most creative entertainment products, we have the right business environment and a fantastic blend of creative talent to make globally successful exports. The UK game of the show award is a great way to highlight all of these at Europe’s biggest games expo.”

Make sure you visit the UK stand on Thursday 14th August at 6:00pm to see the winning game announcement. All are welcome.

Five reasons to do business with the UK games sector We give you five reasons why you should do business with the UK games sector.

Batman: Arkham series have established a reputation for genre-defining originality.

1. An attractive base for investment and R&D The UK is the number-one business location in Europe, with a businessfriendly policy, regulatory and tax environment. It offers a rich and diverse ecosystem of talented people, trade partners, tax breaks, educational establishments and suppliers.

3. The large market opportunity The UK games sector generates £2bn in global sales each year and contributes almost £1bn to national gross domestic product (GDP), with UK-based studios investing £427m in creating games.

Games revenues account for 40.2% of the UK entertainment market.

The UK is also investing in the next generation of games talent. There are more than 106 UK universities providing 300-plus specialist courses in games.

2. A reputation for innovation and creativity The UK is at the forefront of a number of global trends driving the digital games market, especially the spread of social, massive multiplayer online (MMO) and mobile games variants.

The increased availability of super-fast broadband infrastructure, tablets and smartphones is supporting this growth.

Last years ‘British Bulldog’ trophy

Within the more mainstream games segment, UK-produced titles such as Grand Theft Auto, Little Big Planet and

4. Its international outlook Overseas trade missions for UK games companies, such as gamescom and GDC San Francisco are enabling small companies to think globally. The UK already provides the European headquarters for global overseas games companies, including Microsoft, Sony, Konami, Take-Two, SEGA and many others.

5. The supportive infrastructure In addition to the UK Government’s future commitment to ensure that 90% of the UK has access to a 24Mbps internet service, games companies operating in the UK already have access to sophisticated support services for games publishing, marketing, server capacity and IT infrastructure.

Big games on small devices Email gamescom@onlive.com to speak with the onsite business development team

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Exhibitor listing 8

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D = Developer

Web: amiqus.com Twitter: @weareamiqus Telephone: +44 (0)1925 839700 Address: 101 Dalton Avenue, Birchwood Park, Warrington, WA3 6YF

S

M = Media

Amiqus is a specialist, multi award winning agency with over 14 years’ experience recruiting for the games sector, supporting the growth of the industry. We love what we do!

Based in the UK, working with studios locally and internationally, we are trusted to deliver quality and results.

We’re deeply connected, we’re inspired by the industry, we’re next gen!

We are looking to meet: Game developers, publishers or service providers supporting the games industry. Big or small if you are looking to grow your team now or in the future come and talk to us.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To connect with you and to talk about your business. We’d love to give you an intro to Amiqus and learn how we can support your growth plans. We’re also looking forward to catching up with clients and networking with other great industry people.

P = Publisher

S = Service

Atomicom is developing and publishing high-quality original IP for release on multiple platforms.

Using proprietary advanced technology that supports iOS, Android, WM, BB10, PS3, PS4, PSVita, X360, Xbone, WiiU, PC, MacOS, & Linux. Switch Galaxy Ultra launches on PS4 and PSVita in Q3 and in Q4 on all formats.

We are looking to meet: Companies with distribution opportunities for cross platform IP.

Web: atomicom.co.uk Twitter: @ichibangary

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Gain awareness and pursue opportunities for Switch Galaxy Ultra across Multiple Platforms

Telephone: +44 (0)7990 541801 Address: 59 Jordan Street, Liverpool. L1 0BW

D

P

Founded in 2008, Beatnik games is an independent development studio based in London.

Born Ready Games are a successful UK independent developer. We have recently released our PC hit game,”Strike Suit Zero” on to Xbox One and PlayStation 4. We are now embarking on an ambitious next title, a spacebased Free to Play MMO.

We are looking to meet: Publishers Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To establish long term relationships with publishers.

We are looking to meet: PC distribution partners Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Continue and build relationships

Web: beatnikgames.co.uk

Web: bornreadygames.com

Telephone: +44 (0)7962 220231

Twitter: @BornReadyGames

Address: Lombard House, 2 Purley Way, Unit 109a, Croydon, CR0 3JP

Telephone: +44 (0)7974 402163

D

Address: 81 Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4UH

D

OCUS Ukie Times Bundle Stars has experienced amazing growth since its launch in 2012. Now the world’s second most popular bundle store behind Humble Bundle, Bundle Stars has a fanbase of more than 600,000 gamers worldwide, and 1.7 million visits per month. Find out how we can generate significant revenue for your PC, Mac and Linux games!

We’re a 26 year old studio that has partnered with many major publishers such as Konami, Sony and Codemasters. For instance, we made two of the Silent Hill games, including Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, which won a number of awards. We’re experienced at using a wide range of technologies.

We are looking to meet: Publishers and investors

We are looking to meet: PC/ Mac/Linux game developers, publishers, media and marketing partners.

Web: bundlestars.com Twitter: @bundlestars Telephone: +44 (0)1889 571228

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To license more awesome digital games to sell worldwide on our successful web store.

Address: The Studios, Lea Hall Enterprise Park, Wheelhouse Road, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 1LH

S

Web: cloudant.com Twitter: @cloudant Telephone: +44 (0)7943 648890 Address: 25 Orchard St, Bristol, BS1 5EH

S

Web: climaxstudios.com

Twitter: @delta_DNA Telephone: +44 (0)1315 570649 Address: Greenside House, 25 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA

S

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To make new connections and see what business opportunities are available

Twitter: @climaxstudios Address: 7-10 Somerville Office, North Promenade, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3TR

D Cloudant, an IBM Company, provides the world’s first globally distributed database-as-a-service (DBaaS) for loading, storing, analyzing, and distributing operational application data for developers of large and/or fastgrowing web and mobile applications. Delivered as a managed cloud service, Cloudant technology accelerates time-to-market and time-to-innovation because it frees developers from the mechanics of data management so they can focus exclusively on creating great applications.

It also offers high availability, elastic scalability, and innovative mobile device synchronization.

We are looking to meet: Mobile and gaming companies that are looking for a database solution to help them scale big from day one.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To demonstrate how using Cloudant helps you focus on building your game and company, while product runs smoothly and scales easily.

A boutique, multi-award winning entertainment PR agency based just outside London, we’ve been making waves since we opened in 2012, including: record-breaking, pan-European Kickstarter campaigns; VR entertainment consultancy & strategy; indie and mobile game launches.

We are looking to meet: Game developers and publishers who are after PR consultancy services.

Web: deadgoodmedia.com

We are looking to meet: Publishers and developers of F2P, social casino and real-money gambling games on any platform.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To forge new and exciting business partners and to discover new opportunities.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To find new business and strengthen current business relationships.

Twitter: @stoonami Telephone: +44 (0)7780 600728 Address: 69 Knowl Piece, Wilbury Way, Hitchin, SG4 0TY

S

deltaDNA provides flexible Player Relationship Management (PRM) technology to maximize player engagement for Free-2-Play Games, Social Casino and Real Money Gambling.

The end-to-end solution enables developers to better understand different behaviors and create personalized experiences by targeting individual players in real time, significantly increasing engagement and unlocking retention & monetization.

Web: deltadna.com

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We are Evil Twin Artworks multiplatform game developers and the minds behind River Cottage Get Foraging for Channel 4. Our current project is a Real Time Strategy game called Victory At Sea, based on the bestselling miniature battle game by Mongoose Publishing.

We are looking to meet: As many press to show our new game Victory At Sea to, as well as companies with brands to convert to video games.

Web: eviltwinartworks.com Twitter: @ievilgames Telephone: +44 (0)7909 605855 Address: 189 Cranmore Avenue, Park South, Swindon, SN3 2EW

D

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To build press and peer awareness of our new game Victory At Sea as well as showcase our company profile to a wider commercial market to exploit opportunities and develop other brands.

10 Ukie Times Fat Pebble is an independent games development studio based in Brighton, UK. Our first original IP - Clay Jam - has over 6 million downloads and was nominated for many awards including a BAFTA. We’re looking for partners to help take the Clay Jam brand further and create successful new IPs.

Independent developer based in Glasgow, Scotland and Merritt Island, Florida. All formats inc PS4, Xbox1, IOS and Android. Hits include Solar Flux, Trackmania, Dirt2, Grid.

We are looking to meet: Publishers looking for independent developers for WFH on console, PC and mobile as well as outsourcers and companies to help our self published games.

We are looking to meet: Publishers and investors.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To discuss new projects and secure funding.

Web: fatpebble.com

Web: firebrandgames.com

Twitter: @fatpebble

Twitter: @firebrandgames

Telephone: +44 (0)1273 573823

Telephone: +44 (0)1412 432911

Address: Citibase, 95 Ditchling Road, Brighton, BN1 4ST

Address: Central Chambers Suite 227, 93 Hope St, Glasgow G2 6LD

D

D

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Press demos/ presentations and meeting with business partners.

P

FOUR DOOR L E M O N

Web: fireflyworlds.com

Web: fourdoorlemon.com

Twitter: @FireFlyNick

Twitter: @barog

Telephone: +44 (0)2078 016210

Telephone: +44 (0)7590 047979

Address: Shakespeare House, 168 Lavender Hill, London, SW11 5TG

Address: Unit 10, 7 Burnett Street, Bradford, BD1 5BJ

D

Web: gamesessions.com Twitter: @GameSessions Telephone: +44 (0)1143 454110

S

FOUR DOOR E M O N WeL are looking to meet: Publishers, Investors looking for work-for-hire (full development, ports) and funding new projects.

Also journalists to discuss our upcoming release.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To meet new people in the media and potential partners for later in 2014.

D

TM

Address: Electric Works, Sheffield, S1 2BJ

Experienced independent development studio based in Yorkshire, England with technology and knowledge covering every gaming platform. Established 2005 and with a fulltime in-house core team of 18 people. Recent projects have covered PS3, Vita, iOS both work-for-hire and selfpublished works. Always looking for new challenges and interesting partners.

DOOR

Firefly Studios is an independent video game developer and publisher consisting of around 30 staff, well known for the bestselling Stronghold ‘castle sim’ series. Specialising in strategy games since 1999 the company plans to stay as small and nimble as possible, crafting unique titles for long-term fans and castle lovers everywhere.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Secure WFH projects for the teams and to enhance our reach on our own original IP.

Find out how GameSessions can boost sales of your PC game using free trials with instant ingame purchase and rental. We are working with most top publishers to prepare their catalogue for super-fast download using our unique compression technology (e.g. reducing 45 GB game to under 14 GB) without changing any of the game code at all and without access to source code. The system is fully compliant with Steam and delivers a full Steam install at purchase.

We are looking to meet: Game publishers and physical retailers.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Increase catalogue of PC games and secure more store chain partnerships.

GameSparks, Games-as-a-Service platform, is a cloud-based platform for games developers to help them build the server-side features of their games and then manage their games as a service post launch. GameSparks now has hundreds of active customers including companies like Square Enix, Hutch Games, Microsoft, Smuttlewerk Interactive and Exozet.

We are looking to meet: Games developers who need the #1 server-side solution for their games.

Web: gamesparks.com Twitter: @GameSparksltd Telephone: +353 83 4455452 Address: Suite 132, Ron Cooke Hub, York Science Park, York

S

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Having debuted the platform at last year’s show and acquiring lots of customers since, we are looking to get more customers across Europe and further afield.

Ukie Times 11 GlobalStep provides functionality, compliance and compatibility QA to over half the top 20 publishers in the games industry as well as many small and midsize studios. We test on all console, mobile, social and MMO platforms.

• 1,000+ games tested • 100+ AAA titles • 450+ full-time game testers • est labs operating 24/7

Web: globalstep.com Twitter: @GlobalStep Telephone: +44 (0)7446 034697 Address: 90 Long Acre, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9RZ

We are looking to meet: Games developers and publishers of PC, console, mobile, social/ casual and MMO games.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To meet with new potential customers to gain a better understanding of their current and future QA and games testing needs.

S

Green Man Gaming, based in the heart of London, UK, is the world’s fastest growing multiplatform digital retailer targeting core gamers through its unique data-driven social commerce website. Offering more than just a sale, GMG’s new Playfire Rewards BETA program credits users for playing games linked to their account!

We are looking to meet: Game publishers and developers, indies and potential commercial partners.

Web: greenmangaming.com Twitter: @greenmangaming Telephone: +44 (0)2071 352274 Address: Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London, WC1H 9BB

S ICO Partners is a small, friendly UK-based consultancy specialising in online games within the European market. With wideranging knowledge of the online gaming space, a multilingual/ multicultural team of experts, and over ten years’ experience of online games development, service and support, we’re here to help you and your game succeed in Europe.

IKinema RunTime is a software library that provides a run-time rig for full-body IK animation of creatures and humans during game play. Bring high degree of realism and belivability and redice production cost on PS4, iOS, Android, XBox One, PC, MAC and Linux.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Introduce IKinema products to art directors, lead animators and producers.

Web: icopartners.com

Web: ikinema.com

Twitter: @icotom

Twitter: @ikinema

Telephone: +44 (0) 2081 338806

Telephone: +44 (0)7717 213744 Address: 40 Occam Rd., Surrey Technology Centre, Guildford, GU2 7YG

Address: Office 6, 10 Fleet Street, Brighton, BN1 4ZE

S

Web: improbable.io Twitter: @ImprobableNews

S Improbable is a technology startup building a distributed platform and paradigm for developing new kinds of massive online games and experiences.

The platform enables developers to allow many more players than before to inhabit huge simulated persistent online worlds.

We’re a creative digital agency experienced in the entertainment and video gaming industries, based in the UK. We work with our clients to provide a range of specialist support from design, community engagement, social media management, and event orangisation.

We are looking to meet: Established and indie developers who are interested in building new kinds of online games

We are looking to meet: Anyone with an interest in working with us.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Find developers interested in developing online worlds.

Web: jellymedia.com Twitter: @jellymedia

Telephone: +44 (0)7967 606503

Telephone: +44 (0)1253 885581

Address: 20 Farringdon Road, London, EC1M 3HE

Address: 1 Darwin Court, Hawking Place, Blackpool, FY2 0JN

S

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To grow our business through identifying and signing new publishers /developers and partners.

S

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To build on existing relationships and establish new contacts.

kiss

12 Ukie Times

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keeping it simply simple

Web: kiss-ltd.co.uk Twitter: @kissltd

Telephone: +44 (0)1442 345045 Address: Suite F, Breakspear Park, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4TZ.

Launched in 2012, Kiss Ltd is a full service digital distribution management company, enabling the independent development community to secure listings across multiple digital retail sites.

As a result of their rapid growth, Kiss have subsequently add trade and consumer facing marketing & PR support to their offering, further enhancing the sales potential of their portfolio of titles.

For more information about Kiss, please visit www.kiss-ltd.co.uk We are looking to meet: Independent development studios looking for a digital label to help bring their IP to market and to maximise sales.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Meet with independent development studios from around the world and to add their titles to the Kiss portfolio.

S

Mastertronic is a multi-platform independent games publisher working with independent games developers making games that we want to play ourselves. We love games, games developers and gamers.

We are looking to meet: Other publishers/ press/ developers.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Press coverage and appointments/ awareness for our games/ business development Web: mastertronic.com Twitter: @Mastertronic Telephone: +44 (0)2075 024450 Address: 1st Floor, 1 Benjamin Street, EC1M 5QG

P MCV is the leading trade news and community site for all professionals working within the UK and international video games market. It reaches everyone from store manager to CEO, covering the entire industry. MCV is published by Intent Media, which specialises in entertainment, leisure and technology markets.

Web: mcvuk.com & develop-online.net Twitter: @MCVonline / @developonline Telephone: +44 (0)1992 535647 Address: Saxon House, 6a St Andrew Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1JA

M

Develop is in a unique position at the games industry’s heart, detailing the latest business, coding, art, sound and game design trends, and featuring interviews with the creative and commercial leaders in the field, reaching 300,000 readers.

From tools technology to production processes behind video games and serious industry issues, only Develop has complete trust and total reach within the international community.

We listen and, by working with our readership, we set the news agenda for people inside the business.

Bringing gamers together for over 17 years, Multiplay specialise in providing gaming services to a wide variety of clientele.

Through events, enterprise hosting, game hosting, and promotional services, Multiplay help you to connect with the people you need to connect with at the highest possible level.

Web: multiplay.co.uk Twitter: @multiplay Telephone: +44 (0)8458 681337 Address: Unit 7 Whitefield, Lepe Road, Blackfield Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 1XR

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Mutant Labs is a close-knit games studio founded in 2009, building high quality 2D games for web, desktop and mobile.

Their last self-published game, Half-Inch Heist, was nominated for a TIGA game award in 2013 for best debut game. When they are not working on their own creations, they work with clients all over the world to deliver bespoke 2D games.

nDreams is a fast growing UKbased game developer and publisher specialising in virtual reality. We are developing games and experiences for multiple VR headsets including the Sony Morpheus and Oculus Rift.

We are looking to meet: Publishers, press and finance partners.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To show off our new wave of VR projects and discuss publishing and finance deals.

We are looking to meet: Publishers and platform holders.

Web: mutantlabs.com Twitter: @mutantlabs Telephone: +44 (0)1752 226296 Address: Unit 6, Residence 2, Royal William Yard, Plymouth, PL1 3RP

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Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Showcase upcoming and existing projects to publishers. Negotiate deals for future games.

Web: ndreams.com Twitter: @nDreamers Telephone: +44 (0)1252 518452 Address: Trident House, 3844 Victoria Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7PG

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Web: oink.com Twitter: @OinkApp Telephone: +44 (0)2036 420153 Address: Suite 3c, 38 Jermyn Street, London

Oink is the first solution for merchants and game companies that enables kids/teens to manage and spend money within parental controls. It enables parents to teach financial management through the use of a secure family wallet that is available online or via mobile and is 100% free to use. The technology company delivers online security platforms designed for the Under 18 age group in the global online market, and also enables online businesses the ability to function in a manner consistent with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) and similar international children’s privacy laws. To date Oink solution has attracted more than 1,000,000 active users and more than 100 merchants worldwide. The company is based in CA, U.S. and London, UK, and on the Web at: www.oink.com

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OnLive is the originator of cloud gaming via the internet. With ground-breaking video compression technology, OnLive harnesses cloud computing to instantly deliver full-featured, media-rich applications anytime and anywhere, across PCs, Macs, tablets, smartphones and HDTVs. More information at www.onlive.com and www.onlive.co.uk.

We are looking to meet: PC game developers and publishers.

Web: onlive.co.uk Twitter: @OnLive

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To sign up new content for OnLive’s Cloud Gaming service.

Telephone: +44 (0)7595 004004 Address: 105 Oyster Lane #121, Byfleet, Surrey, KT14 7JF

S Osborne Clarke is widely recognised as Europe’s leading law firm in the interactive entertainment industry. We work with organisations across the sector, from start-ups through to global businesses. Our experience and understanding of the sector enable us to bring commercially focussed and cost-effective advice to any legal issue or transaction.

OPM are a specialist recruitment consultancy that work exclusively in the games industry. Formed in 1998, we have grown into an industry leader for recruitment in games. We are proud to have a diverse portfolio of job-seekers and games studios from around the globe, having placed candidates in 27 different countries in the last four years.

We are looking to meet: Developers, Distributors and Publishers.

Web: opmjobs.com Twitter: @opmjobs

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To network with companies who are hiring, and catch up with current clients.

Web: osborneclarke.com Twitter: @OsborneClarke

Telephone: +44 (0)1206 214421

Telephone: +44 (0)2071 057066

Address: Ground Floor, Anderson House, 228 Old London Road, Marks Tey, Colchester, CO6 1HD

Address: One London Wall, London, EC2Y 5EB

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S Player Research are a user research and playtesting studio which provide insights into players and gameplay. They work with studios at all stages of game development, from concept through to release, helping to provide evidence to support design decisions and deliver the best possible player experience.

Playmob is a London based technology company that enables games to monetise their players through links to good causes.

Playmob’s platform is a quick and simple solution to integrate your chosen cause/s to your games.

We are looking to meet: Mobile/Social/F2P developers interested in integrating charities into your games/platforms.

We are looking to meet: Studios which require user research services (such as playtesting).

Web: playerresearch.com Twitter: @playerresearch

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To raise our visibility and to acquire new clients.

Web: playmob.com Twitter: @playmob

Telephone: +44 (0)7825 201921

Telephone: +44 (0)2072 555180

Address: 38 Holland Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 1JL

Address: 81 Whitfield Street, London, W1T 4HG

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Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Meeting new developers and publishers to discuss our platform.

14 Ukie Times PQube publishes and distributes across all formats and digital channels, currently handling major franchises throughout the UK and Europe, including MotoGP, WRC, Senran Kagura, BlazBlue, SBK, Crash Time and Persona 4 Arena together with NeoGeo, SEGA, and Atari retro consoles.

PQube also offers Marketing/PR, Web Design, E-Commerce, Production, and Fulfillment services.

Pole To Win is the world’s premier video game and e-commerce services provider. With a range of services including Testing, Quality Engineering, Localisation, Customer Support and Onsite Services, Pole To Win is a one-stop-shop for your production needs. With two decades of experience and a global reach stretching accross 19 studios, PTW has the infrastructure to support projects and companies of all sizes.

Web: poletowininternational.com Twitter: @poletowinintl Telephone: +44 (0)7718 192438 Address: 9th Floor, SkyPark1, 8 Elliot Place, Glasgow, G3 8EP

We are looking to meet: Developers & publishers who would like to discuss QA Testing, Quality Engineering and Customer Support Services.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Meet existing clients and make new contacts in the QA Testing and Customer Support environment.

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Web: redbedlam.com Address: The Sussex Innovation Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9SB

Twitter: @RipstoneGames Telephone: +44 (0)1517 092351 Address: Elevator Studios, 25 Parliament Street, Liverpool, L8 5RN

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Web: pqube.co.uk Twitter: @PQubeGames Telephone: +44 (0)1462 487373

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To aquire new products for publishing and distribution.

Address: Venture House, Fifth Avenue, Letchworth, Hertfordshire, SG6 2HW

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RedBedlam are a leading UK game developer based in Brighton, England. RedBedlam’s latest project is a single-player shooter called Bedlam based on the novel of the same name by cult Scottish author Christopher Brookmyre. Find out more about Bedlam at – www.bedlamthegame.com

Founded in 1990, Revolution is a world-leading developer / publisher of narrative-driven adventure games, with titles such as the Broken Sword series, which has earned over $100 million at retail, Beneath a Steel Sky and numerous major licenses released on PC, console and mobile platforms.

We are looking to meet: We’re only really interested in meeting with games journalists and bloggers to demo the latest version of Bedlam the shooter.

We are looking to meet: Press, publishing partners, other developers.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To demo our game to as many press and journalists as possible.

Web: revolution.co.uk Twitter: @revbot

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To promote Broken Sword 5 and build new contacts.

Telephone: +44 (0)1904 639721 Address: 23 Ogleforth, York, YO1 7JG

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Web: ripstone.com

We are looking to meet: Developers, publishers, licensors and distributors.

D Ripstone® Publishing is an independent UK based video game publisher specialising in digital distribution.

Ripstone’s ethos is honesty, integrity and trust; founded in 2011 in order to create a bespoke service for independent game developers.

Publishing video games on a number of different platforms including handheld and home consoles, PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android; Ripstone is best known for games such as Stick It To The Man. Pure Chess, the award-winning Knytt Underground, Big Sky Infinity & Men’s Room Mayhem.

P Rising Star Games Limited is a worldwide video games publisher for Steam, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation3, PSP and Vita. Rising Star Games has published over 100 games with a schedule of exciting releases for 2014 and beyond.

We are looking to meet: Press.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Business and press relations.

Web: risingstargames.com

We are looking to meet: Indie Developers.

Twitter: @RisingStarGames

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To meet some great indie developers.

Address: Latchmore Court, Brand Street, Hitchin, SG5 1HX

Telephone: +44 (0)1462 860012

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Ukie Times 15 SCET specialise in serious games and bespoke software development, implementation and technology related research and development.

We are experienced designers, technologists and IT advisers who are passionate developing interactive / engaging solutions and helping companies explore and exploit the latest technologies in the development of new or existing products, services, systems and knowledge.

Web: scet.co Twitter: @SCETscotland Telephone: +44 (0)1418 483425 Address: School of Computing, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, PA1 2BE

We are looking to meet: Potential strategic partners, players/users of our products and clients of our services.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To network and engage with innovative organisations and partners.

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Secret Sauce delivers business development services including formulating business strategies, facilitating creative workshops, project plans, writing tender responses, pitching to publishers and negotiating and agreeing contracts. We will build a strong database of contacts and help you build those “weight in gold” long terms relationships.

Web: secret-sauce.co.uk Twitter: @SecretSauceLtd Telephone: +44 (0)7881 833443 Address: Room 44, Gateshead International Business Centre, Mulgrave Terrace, Gateshead, NE8 1AN

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We are looking to meet: Developers, designers, manufacturers, distributors.

Twitter: @jamesfoti Telephone: +44 (0)2034 054584 Address: 2 John Street, London, WC1N 2ES

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To meet up with the various partners we work with but don’t get the opportunity to meet face to face. Explore and play various games that other developers and publishers have out this year.

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Web: pocketgamer.co.uk Twitter: @pgbiz Telephone: +44 (0)1612 278025 Address: The House, Kelston Park, Bath, BA1 9AE

Address: Kinetic Centre,Theobald Street, Borehamwood, Herts, WD6 4PJ

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We are looking to meet: Game developers and publishers interested in promoting their games on Steel Media websites and networks, and companies interested in our regular developer-focused events.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Meeting new clients.

Tag Games is one of Europes leading mobile and tablet game development studios. Experts in Free to Play and “Games as a Service” we create quality games for world class clients that include Gree, Mind Candy, EA, Ubisoft and 505 Games.

We are looking to meet: New work for hire clients and publishers for original IP titles.

We are looking to meet: companies whom are looking to provide cloud gaming services.

Telephone: +44 (0)2083 871398

Steel Media publishes gaming website Pocket Gamer, industry portal PocketGamer.biz, and US-based 148Apps network, as well as the iPhone Alliance and Smartphone Alliance advertising networks. It also runs developerfocused networking events in global locations, including its Pocket Gamer Connects conferences, recently held in London and Helsinki.

M Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI), a global leader in high-performance, high-efficiency server technology and innovation continues to expand their range of powerful solutions for Cloud Gaming with the announcement of the Cloud Gaming Appliance. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in San Jose, California with operation centers worldwide www.supermicro.com.

Web: supermicro.co.uk

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To promote Secret Sauce as a business while meeting new potential clients and further strengthen our company’s database.

S Since November 1997, Sold Out has been the dominant force in value publishing. Sold Out has released on all formats and through all price points; the boxed version of Worms Battlegrounds placed worldwide on Xbox One & PS4. Boxed or digital Sold Out can help add value to your business.

Web: soldout.uk.com

We are looking to meet: Games developers, publishers and platform holders and anyone who is interesed in helping event organisers and building networks.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To let the market know about Supermicros end to end solution for Cloud Gaming comibined with our Eco-sytem focussed on delivering breakthrough gaming experiences via our Cloud Gaming Appliance.

Web: tag-games.com Twitter: @taggames Telephone: +44 (0)1382 220925 Address: Seabraes House, Greenmarket, Dundee, DD1 4QB

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Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Find new work for hire projects and publishing support for original IP titles.

16 Ukie Times Globally known for its Worms brand, Team17 is looking for independent developers seeking a unique publishing partnership.

Using its wealth of knowledge and experience Team17 can help realise your game’s full potential and will work with you directly to create a bespoke package designed around your individual needs.

Tech Data is one of the leading distributors of IT, communications and consumer electronics products and services in the UK and Ireland. We offer our customers specialist support in key areas of the market, underpinned by exceptional product choice with more than 30,000 stock items from over 150 leading manufacturers available for nextday delivery.

We are looking to meet: Indie developers.

Web: team17.com Twitter: @team17ltd Telephone: +44 (0)1623 857579 Address: Pure Offices (126-127), Sherwood Park, Nottingham, NG15 0DT

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Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To engage with indie developers sharing experiences and knowledge and forming publishing partnerships that allow indies to grow a sustainable business and create outstanding games.

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Web: techdata.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0)1256 788 000 Address: Redwood 2, Crockford Lane, Chineham Park, Basingstoke, RG24 8WQ

S When it comes to QA and Testing for your games, you need simple solutions that work. We’ve got over 15 years of experience partnering with industries from entertainment to games . We give you Quality Assurance, Localization, Compliance and Certification services that get it right the first time. Every time.

The Association for United Kingdom Interactive Entertainment or Ukie (pronounced YOU-KEY) is a trade body that aims to support, grow and promote the whole of the UK’s games and interactive entertainment industry. Founded in 2010 (although formerly known as ELSPA), Ukie’s membership includes all the major UK and global games publishers and the best of UK development talent - from promising start-ups to some of the biggest, most successful studios operating in the UK today.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To meet with prospective clients looking for QA services within the games industry.

Web: testroniclabs.com

Web: ukie.org.uk

Twitter: @testroniclabs

Twitter: @uk_ie

Telephone: +44 (0)2070 421700

Telephone: +44 (0)2075 340580

Address: Lyon House, 160-166 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1LB

Address: 21-27 Lamb’s Conduit Street, London, WC1N 3NL

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Twitter: @UKTI

We are responsible for: • international trade and investment • helping UK companies achieve their potential overseas through exporting • encouraging investment in the UK by overseas businesses

We are looking to meet: publishers and developers interested in localisation and QA services.

Web: usspeaking.com Twitter: @usspeaking

Telephone: +44 (0)2072 158000

Telephone: +44 (0)1480 210621

Address: 1 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0ET

Address: Knowledge Centre, Wyboston Lakes, Great North Road, Wyboston, MK44 3BY

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Ukie works with government to champion a range of issues including age ratings, education and skills, access to finance and protecting intellectual property rights. It also works with the media to ensure true and accurate representation of the sector by raising awareness of the industry’s positive economic contribution and the societal benefits of gaming to policy makers, regulators and consumers.

We provide localisation and QA solutions to the digital entertainment industry.

We help to realise the commercial potential of our clients’ products.

We are obsessed with quality, are experts in our field and have a friendly, enthusiastic team that will always go the extra mile to meet our clients’ needs.

UKTI works with UK based businesses to ensure their success in international markets through exports. We encourage and support overseas companies to look at the UK as the best place to set up or expand their business.

UKTI is a non-ministerial department.

Web: gov.uk/ukti

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: Introduction to the gaming market and show case our electronic software download solution.

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Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To establish new connections leading to new business.

Ukie Times 17 We are a gaming ad sales houses: connecting publishers and advertisers to help them target the right audience, on the right platform at the right time. We launched Venatus Market - a gaming private marketplace (PMP) for digital advertising and Venatus Insight - offering smarter, data insights into our customers.

Waterfront ENTERTAINMENT

Web: venatusmedia.com

Web: waterfrontitv.com

Twitter: @venatusmedia

Twitter: @waterfrontitv

Telephone: +44 (0)2074 048899

Telephone: +44 (0)7739 612500

Address: 29-31 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8SW

Address: 31 Ambrose Lane, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 4DG

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We are looking to meet: Publishers and those looking for work for hire developers.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To find new business partners for current and future game.

D Wired Productions are an experienced UK games publisher and producer. Credits include the We Sing franchise (over 1.3 million units), the official “Voice” branded video games based on the popular TV show and over 35 other products. Wired will be launching “Tiny Troopers Joint Ops” on all PlayStation formats at Gamescom.

YoYo Games is the home of GameMaker: Studio™, the fastest and easiest to use cross-platform game development software suite. GameMaker: Studio™ has been developed with usability and efficiency at its core, allowing developers to create games in a single code base and then publish them to run natively across an unprecedented number of platforms.

We are looking to meet: Developers who have exciting games to publish, and to contact the video game press.

Web: wiredproductions.com Twitter: @WiredP Telephone: +44 (0)1923 211238 Address: Unit 4 Watford Interchange, Colonial Way, Watford, WD24 4WP

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Waterfront is a devloper of casual games across a range of platforms including mobile, tablet and interactive TV. We generate new ideas and concepts, either starting with a clean sheet or in order to meet a client’s brief. We are also expeirenced at working with establsihed intellectual properties, always aiming to bring out the essence of the brand we are working with.

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Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To raise the profile of Wired Productions as a publisher, promote its roster of games, and network with some good developers.

Web: yoyogames.com Twitter: @yoyogames Telephone: +44 (0)1382 204773 Address: River Court 5 West Voctoria Dock Rd, Dundee, DD1 3JT

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We are looking to meet: New game developers, game publishers, hardware manufacturers and other developement service providers.

Our main aims and objectives of the show are: To meet and build new stratgic partnerships with the business types listed above.

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Ask Dr Jo

We corner Dr Jo Twist, CEO of the UK games industry trade body Ukie, to get you the low down on on the future of the UK games sector, the importance of gamescom and a sneak peak at what theme the UK stand will have next year.

What do you look forward to most about gamescom?

Apart from the UK stand, I always look forward to seeing who wins the UK Game of the Show Award. The trophy

changes every year and I always get jealous that I can’t take it for myself. I also look forward to nosing around the other country stands in the business hall. We are always the biggest, most open, and best by a country mile. I personally think that no other expo does the blend of a B2B event and consumer expo like gamescom does in Europe. The show has such a huge pull across all of Europe and seeing the mass of players and industry from all over the world descending on Cologne is just incredible. gamescom is one of the highlights of my year.

This year’s theme for the UK stand has been a “British Seaside”.

Could you give us a hint as to what theme may be next for the stand? *Jo laughs* that would be telling.

Honestly, We really don’t know yet. Last year’s theme was a Pub Garden and we decided that British Seaside would be the perfect to follow on from that. We are always open to suggestions though, so if you think you have an idea,

How can the International Game Developers Association help me?

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) is the largest nonprofit professional association in the world serving all individuals who create video games. Our mission is to advance the careers and enhance the lives of game developers by connecting members with their peers, promoting professional development, and advocating on issues that affect the developer community.

Established in 1994, the IGDA has been actively engaged in elevating the profession of game developers, advocating on their behalf whenever necessary and providing a pathway for the next generation, working across over 100 chapters worldwide and 25 special interest groups. This list highlights just some of the key accomplishments of the IGDA in 2014: •

•

We designed and conducted the new, annual Developer Satisfaction Survey aimed at better understanding the perspective of individual game developers on issues such as industry diversity, their quality of life and employment conditions.

We supported our international developer communities, such as open opposition to a potentially intrusive game ratings system

in Mexico as well as the recent Australian government’s withdrawal of financial support for its game industry.

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We enacted a new, explicit Inclusivity Policy to be applied to all IGDArelated communities and activities.

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We facilitated IGDA Scholars groups at GDC and E3 to help upcoming graduates gain positive exposure to the game industry and be partnered with key mentors in their fields.

Regardless of where you are located, what platforms you prefer or if you are a game developer at a major publisher or studio, an “indie” developer, or a student aspiring to work in the industry, the IGDA is your professional “home”.

The IGDA have recently partnered with Ukie to create a special “Student Membership” for UK university students. The scheme aims to bridge the gap between education and industry and there are currently over 300 students registered.

You can easily become an IGDA member today and join your colleagues in elevating the craft of game development and the industry. Starting with one of our chapters that we have across the UK!

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complete with deck chairs. We have a dedicated demo area to try out games from some awesome British devs, various networking receptions, a chill out deck-chair area and a “UK Game of the Show” award for the best upcoming game from a UK developer.

especially anything cat-related, tweet them to @Uk_ie. You never know, we may just choose it.

Do you only do gamescom or do you put on a stand at any other trade shows?

We currently do 3 main trade shows a year, and we host the UK industry stand at all of them. They are gamescom, GDC San Francisco and Game Connection Paris. The stand is really important asset for our industry at these global expos because it allows SME studios to get discounted and hassle free access, which would have previously been very expensive to exhibit at. We also work with UKTI to get a bunch of TAP grants for UK games businesses which can take up to £2000 off exhibiting costs. I must say though, the gamescom stands are always my favourite of the three that we host.

What do you think are the upcoming issues for Ukie and the UK games industry?

There’s always a lot more for Ukie to do. Making sure that the tax breaks roll out effectively and that everyone understands how to use them, is massively important right now.

Beyond that there are lots of things to prepare for – there’s the UK general election next year, when we have to make sure all the parties understand what the games industry needs to thrive. And there are big changes in the law coming up, like the change in VAT for online sales to the EU in January, and the introduction of the new Consumer Rights Act later on in the year. There’s still a big conversation going on about in-app purchases, particularly at EU level, and more broadly about how advertising rules work in the new world of mobile and freemium games. We’re going to be working hard to make sure the industry’s voice is heard and that we positively PR the sector and argue for more public support for games in all of those conversations. If you want to find out any more detail about these issues, you can email andy@ukie.org.uk

What are your three top tips on surviving gamescom?

1.

Visit the UK industry stand.

There is so much going on across the three days on our British Seaside stand,

2.

WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES! I thought I did this last year. I didn’t. Invest in a pair of super comfy shoes before you get there because, chances are, you will be up and about for the majority of the day and having shoes that feel like sweet kittens snuggling your feet in a blanket of love makes a huge difference.

3.

Bring some of your own food into the expo. Unless you are happy eating bratwurst 24/7 (which everyone gets sick of very quickly) having a snack in your bag will save your life. Trust me on this one.

If you follow these three tips, I’m sure you will have a fantastic gamescom.

Who should people speak to if they want to know about the UK games industry?

If you want to speak to UK games businesses then the first people to speak to is the Ukie team. We represent over 220 businesses in the UK, from major publishers and all the main console manufacturers, to some of the best development studios, creating world class content across all platforms and devices. We also have great links with UK government who can help you to invest in the UK. More can be found on our brand new website at www.ukie.org.uk

What games are you playing at the moment?

At the moment I have been clocking up some hours on “Gang Beasts”.

If you havn’t played it yet, it’s an indie title from a small team of developers called Boneloaf that I met at the Liverpool Games Expo that we put on earlier this year. It is really compelling, has some awesome physics and it’s some of the best multiplayer action I have ever played.

Follow and contact Jo @doctoe @uk_ie

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