MP Watson says games â??will rule the centuryâ??

Popular backbench MP Tom Watson has told a packed room of game development professionals that their industry will rule the entertainment space over the next century.

Presenting an award at the GAME British Academy video game awards, the Labour MP told attendees that “every one of you in this room should rightly be proud of the industry that you represent.”

He said, “you are going to be the dominant creative medium of the century, and you should be confident and proud of that.”

Described by show host Dara O’Brian as “the anti-Kieth Vaz”, Watson urged the industry to not let go of its campaigning spirit.

“Start setting the agenda with the politicians,” he said, “rather than letting the politicians set the agenda for you.”

Watson has been vocal about the importance of the British game industry deserving national support – though his party has so far decided against giving the game industry development tax breaks.

Watson recently tabled an Early Day Motion in the Commons – a measure of little legislative impact (it, by definition, would not lead to a parliamentary debate) though one that would serve as a litmus test for support for the sector in Westminster.

Go here to read the winners list in full.