SCHOOLS must encourage pupils to consider careers in the video games sector – that was one of the messages from a conference that brought the gaming world to Liverpool.

The city yesterday hosted Develop Liverpool, a conference dedicated to the video games sector and featuring speakers from companies including Sony, Google and Intel.

The Hilton also hosted “Indie Dev Day”, a conference dedicated to independent developers. Liverpool was chosen to host the event as it has a thriving community of developers, many of whom started their own businesses after leaving industry giants Sony and Bizarre Creations.

Develop closed with a debate on the health of the games industry. Andy Payne, chairman of video games trade body UKIE, said pupils looking for careers in video games needed to focus on both science and art to give them all the skills they need. And he said schools needed to tell their pupils that the games industry was a good career choice.

He said: “We need to signpost the industry. We need to let people know that our industry is one that is creating wealth for people and for the country.”

Mr Payne also expressed frustration at the Government’s decision last year to scrap plans for dedicated tax relief for the sector.

The keynote speech at Indie Dev Day was delivered by Philip Oliver, chief executive of Blitz Game Studios, in Leamington Spa, who told delegates how he expanded the business into one of the largest studios in Europe.

Meanwhile, Ben Ward, co-founder of Liverpool studio Hogrocket, spoke about his experiences starting a new business.

The conference was followed by the “Liverpool Indie Showcase” at Cafe Sports Express, featuring firms including Liverpool’s Setgo and Chester’s Totem Games.