OPINION: Games companies aren’t playing around when they ask for additional Government support

Sep 11 2008 by Tony McDonough, Liverpool Daily Post

JUST over a week ago, Northwest Vision and Media subsidised six companies from the region to attend the Leipzig Games Convention, the biggest European games trade and consumer show. But where was the UK national support?

The North West – and, in particular, Liverpool – should be proud of its games companies and what they’ve achieved. Some of the most popular games in the world have been born and bred here, a fact not realised by many – Formula 1, Wipeout, Project Gotham Racing. We have a bold aim at NW Vision and Media, that’s to grow a world-class media economy within our region. With this in mind, for our six companies attending, our mission was to support and facilitate them in their quest for international trade. They were Connect2Media, Eclipse Interactive, International Hobo, 3D Creation, Playbox and Emote Games.

While the idea of a games convention sounds exciting and glamorous, for our companies there was a really serious element to it. All of them had meetings with developers, publishers and other interested parties.

We already know at least three have strengthened existing relationships, or forged new ones that will bring work to the region, and two are going to collaborate on an exciting new project.

So, what more can be done? Well, one glaring omission at the show was a dedicated stand for North West or UK independent games and related companies. France showed just what an impact this presence can have with a huge stand housing several companies all paid for by its government.

Where was the UK? We hear a lot about companies and talent going abroad or being courted by countries like Canada, France and Singapore.

If we’re really serious about supporting our games industries as one of the key drivers in the new knowledge economy, we need the Government to support small and start up companies and promote the industry at relevant international events.

For our games industries to survive and thrive in the long term, investment and support needs to be considered among a package of support to give us a level playing field globally.

ENDA CAREY is head of games and digital, Northwest Vision and Media.