SNP GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT SUPPORTS BOOMING COMPUTER GAMES SECTOR

11.5 million of SNP Government investment has underpinned a booming computer games sector. The number of video games companies in Scotland has risen dramatically from 5 a decade ago to 105 now, with the combined turnover increasing from £36.9m to £115.7m over the last five years alone.

Commenting, Patricia Gibson MP said:

“Scotland’s video games sector has been booming, with just a handful of firms when the SNP came into office growing into more than a hundred now.

“This sector offers high quality jobs and exports around the world, with Rockstar North a global brand.

“Support from the SNP Government via Scottish Enterprise has underpinned the growth in this sector as part of our wider efforts to grow domestic businesses and increase exports, with Scottish exports rising faster than the rest of the UK.

“I am delighted that at Garnock Community Campus and other local schools, games design is being taught, to ensure we remain at the cutting edge of this growing technology.”

From 2011-12 to 2016-17, Scottish Enterprise invested over £11.5 million in 38 games companies. Just under half of this investment, £5.5 million, was through the Scottish Investment Bank. The remainder was split between innovation grants and regional selective assistance.