Vaizey: I want to pay tribute to Livingstone

Culture minister Ed Vaizey has applauded British gaming figurehead Ian Livingstone for his consistent help uniting government and the games industry on key issues.

As the UK prepares for a nationwide games tax relief policy that could revive the fortunes of many in the sector, Vaizey said Livingstone should be acknowledged for playing a key part in reversing the government’s view on games.

“Livingstone has turned around the Department of Education and its attitude to Computer Science,” Vaizey said.

“He has really helped the Treasury understand games. He travels the world evangelising the games industry to anyone that will listen.”

“He has been very important in getting the games industry’s voice heard at the highest levels”.

Livingstone, who last year became the sixth recipient of the Develop Legend award, has become the face of Britain’s games sector on a range of issues.

He, along with Alex Hope, UKIE and NESTA, formed a policy review that called for schools to reintroduce computer science into the curriculum. The department for Education has backed the policy.

Livingstone, along with trade association Tiga, has shaped the industry’s campaign for games tax breaks in the UK.