Sectors like games development, aided by new and emerging technologies and serious investment in skills, are in a prime position to help create sustained growth across the UK

The best selling entertainment products in the world are not Hollywood movies, but in fact computer games. Many of which are developed here in the United Kingdom - and often in Scotland.

Already worth around £7 billion to the UK’s economy, the gaming sector could play a vital role in delivering the government’s target to deliver the highest sustained growth in the G7.

The possibilities for future development in the industry are endless. New technologies like virtual reality present huge opportunities for the sector and its potential to help transform the UK into a technology superpower. And although AI presents challenges to the creative industries, we must recognise the enormous opportunity it presents the sector too. This ranges from keeping the often huge cost of production down to automating repetitive tasks, saving developers vital time and increasing efficiency. The AI action plan commissioned by the government this summer will work with industry partners to identify the technology’s benefits and how it can be used to maximise growth.

The UK’s world leading universities and our bustling creative industries are the reason we already have the largest games industry in Europe. It is a truly nationwide success story. Almost 80% of UK games developers work outside of London with large clusters in the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and in Scotland. The new government’s commitment to work constructively with the devolved administrations, alongside the devolution of further powers to metro mayors will build on this regional success and foster further growth in every part of the UK.

Scotland in particular already punches well above its weight in the sector. Take Dundee for example; with a population of less than 150,000, the city is said to have the highest number of games developers per head than anywhere else in the UK. Alongside this, nearby Abertay University was ranked as the top international school for video game design in a survey by Princeton Review earlier this year.

The commitment by the Chancellor in the recent budget of an additional £950 million for investment in skills is important for a sector reliant on highly educated staff. But, investment in education and skills development is just one part of the puzzle. We need to ensure we welcome inward investment and create start-up friendly conditions. Without this, other similarly sized countries in Europe, such as Finland with its rapid growth in the sector over the last 30 years, could attract away investment in what is a truly global market. The Labour government’s commitment to scrapping short-term R&D funding cycles will support innovation and lead to growth in the industry and right across the economy. Additionally, our unique mix of small start-ups to global industry players, such as Grand Theft Auto creator Rockstar North, headquartered in Edinburgh is advantageous.

This new Labour government is serious about supporting innovation. We are committed to strengthening the UK's reputation as a global leader in technology and boosting growth in every region of our country. Sectors like games development, aided by new and emerging technologies and serious investment in skills are in a prime position to play a vital role in making that sustained growth a reality.

‍