Gaming industry experts will gather in Edinburgh today ahead of new releases that will help confirm Scotland as a global leader in the sector.
The three-day DICE Europe summit – supported by the Scottish Government – is being held in Scotland for the first time and will draw 150 specialists from around the world.
They will hear from Nintendo’s managing executive officer Satoru Shibata, who has been invited to speak by the First Minister John Swinney.
The number of games firms and employees operating in Scotland varies according to the source and which companies are included, but the sector is generally seen to be in growth mode.
According to Standard Industrial Classification codes there are 130 gaming companies in Scotland. This data supercedes Scottish Games Network research which claimed there were 484 firms. This figure has previously been used by the government but is likely to have included companies that might not classify themselves as games but be part of the wider games ecosystem.
The 130 now regarded as core games firms have a collective turnover of £340 million and employ 2,125 people, double the 1,045 total in 2015.
The conference comes ahead of the latest edition of best-seller Grand Theft Auto from Rockstar North and as games leader Chris van der Kuyl and his partner Paddy Burns launch Reforj following the opening of a new studio in Edinburgh.
Mr van der Kuyl, chairman of 4J Studios, which developed Minecraft Console Edition, helped bring DICE to Scotland.
“It’s monumental – so many of the industry’s top figures are gathering in Scotland,” he said. “After a couple of challenging years worldwide, confidence and growth 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.”
Mr Swinney said: “Scotland’s gaming industry is experiencing extraordinary growth that demonstrates our nation’s capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship.
“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.”
The Scottish Government is backing the industry to create a National Action Plan for Games in Scotland that will boost and accelerate growth and job creation.
A delegation of games companies led by business minister Richard Lochhead visited Tokyo in April.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes will address an opening reception for DICE at Edinburgh Castle where global delegates will be entertained by violinist Nicola Benedetti.
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