Trade looks to happier New Year

The UK games industry is looking to bounce back from a difficult 2009 – with improved Government relations key.

Leading industry figures have told MCV that they hope whoever wins the upcoming election will continue to work with the trade.

Whomever is leading the Government after the summer, I hope they recognise the culturally significant art-form that is video games and the economic benefit created by the UK games industry along with the transformational educational benefits of a properly broadband-enabled country,” said industry veteran Phil Harrison.

Eidos life president Ian Livingstone agreed: I am looking forward to the election and a pledge from whoever forms the next government to fully support the games industry by way of implementing tax credits, addressing the skills problem in Universities and installing a high speed fibre optic network nationwide.”

Sports Interactive’s boss Miles Jacobson added: With the work that ELSPA and TIGA are doing, the good that GamesAid and GameForGood have done, and MP’s beating the drum we’re making serious headway.”

To read Part 1 of MCV’s full look ahead to 2010, click here.