Channel 4 pumping £1m into Dundee development sector

UK broadcaster Channel 4 has commissioned a number of new games based on some of its most popular TV IP.

HeraldScotland reports that Dundee developers Tag Games and Dynamo have been signed up for the work, with the former making apps based on comedy Peep Show and reality series Come Dine With Me and the latter working on apps for How To Look Good Naked and Beauty Town.

In addition, TV production company Headlight Scotland is to produce a three-part TV series about the Dundee games development sector.

The total investment has been pegged at £1m and represents about ten per cent of the channel’s digital budget.

The move is especially timely considering the recent upheaval in Dundee following the troubles at APB developer Realtime Worlds.

“It is a timely investment,” media project manager for Channel 4 Creative Diversity Ian Mackenzie stated. “This is a very positive counter point to the bad news of Realtime Worlds. This investment is one example of people recognising the talent that is in Dundee.”

Commenting on Channel 4’s investment, Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop added: “The announcement of new commissions from Channel 4 is clearly good news for the sector as a whole and will provide some confidence to those working in Dundee-based companies.

“Scottish-based games developers must be allowed to compete on a level playing field. That is why it is particularly disappointing that the UK Government has so far failed to listen to the industry and the Scottish Government on the crucial issue of tax breaks.”