Scotland hosts international gaming summit

First Minister John Swinney says Scotland is positioned to turn out to be “a global hub for digital innovation” as a prestigious laptop video games convention being held in Scotland for the primary time will get underway.

The DICE Europe summit – supported by the Scottish Government – will see 150 international gaming business leaders come to Edinburgh for key talks and to listen to from Nintendo’s Managing Executive Officer Satoru Shibata, who was invited to talk by the First Minister.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes will handle a gap reception at Edinburgh Castle the place international delegates will likely be entertained by Nicola Benedetti.

Roundtables will deal with Scotland’s rise to turn out to be a world powerhouse within the business and the function Artificial Intelligence will play in recreation improvement. Scotland is now house to 130 gaming firms with a £340 million annual business turnover with employees numbers have doubling from 1,045 to 2,125 since 2015.

First Minister John Swinney mentioned:

“Scotland’s gaming business is experiencing extraordinary development that demonstrates our nation’s capability for innovation and entrepreneurship. The transformation from 15 firms to 130 in simply over a decade exhibits how shortly Scottish expertise can compete on the worldwide stage and create actual financial worth for our communities.

“These companies are not just creating games played by millions worldwide – they are creating skilled jobs, attracting international investment, and positioning Scotland as a global hub for digital innovation. This growth directly supports our mission to raise living standards in every part of Scotland and cement our reputation as a centre of creative excellence.”

Chris van der Kuyl, Chairman, 4J Studios, builders of Minecraft Console Edition, who helped convey DICE to Scotland, mentioned:

“It’s monumental so most of the business’s prime figures are gathering in Scotland.  After a few difficult years worldwide, confidence and development prospects have returned to the sector.

“With the forthcoming release of GTA 6, which is set to reshape the video game landscape, and our own new game Reforj alongside all the other incredible output from studios across the country, Scotland is well placed to lead the way and have an outsized impact on the global stage.”

Background

DICE Europe takes place from 15-17 September.

More – Welcome to the Official D.I.C.E. Edinburgh Website

The occasion showcases Scotland’s place as an rising international hub for interactive leisure, constructing on successes from firms like 4J Studios and Rockstar North’s Edinburgh operations.

Gaming firms throughout Scotland are creating titles performed by thousands and thousands worldwide, from Minecraft console editions to main franchise video games. This success demonstrates how Scottish creativity and technical experience can compete on the worldwide stage while producing vital employment alternatives.

The Scottish Government is backing the business to create a National Action Plan for Games in Scotland that can enhance and speed up development and job creation.