Strengths

Strengths and benefits of games and animation in Scotland

Skills and expertise

  • A critical mass of talented games developers of over 80 companies 
  • A growing hive of creative and talented games developers, especially around Dundee’s creative cluster 
  • Scotland has a selection of talent and expertise from several universitie departments dedicated to computer games – that’s students, graduates and staff 
  • The University of Abertay, Dundee was the first university in the world to introduce a degree in computer games – it also has one of the highest research ratings in the UK
  • Seven out of Scotland’s 14 universities are actively developing new and converging technologies across a range of platforms 
  • Edinburgh University’s School of Informatics houses 500 researchers, and was ranked first in the UK for informatics according to the Guardian University tables 2008
  • Scotland is home to several ambitious, successful and award winning companies – an entrepreneurial spirit and a ‘can-do’ attitude prevails around these companies, which shows good potential for co-investments with Scottish companies

High-quality support infrastructure

  • Public sector funding is available to creative industry companies in Scotland, such as the Proof of Concept Fund which assists Scotland’s universities, research institutes and NHS boards with the precommercialisation of research 
  • Sector-specific funding available includes the Digital Media IP Fund  
  • High value support available to companies wishing to locate in Scotland, including funding, support and assistance – see ‘how we can help’ for more information

Collaboration

  • Thanks to Scotland’s close-knit community of games companies – and a variety of experts in and around the University of Dundee – excellent opportunities for collaboration exist

Cost-competitive

  • Scotland is a highly competitive location with a lower cost base, especially compared to 'hot spots' such as London, New York and LA. This gives value for money and savings for potential investors

Get in touch if you're interested in investing in Scotland's games sector