Ubisoft, Rebellion, Realtime Worlds and Blitz execs meet in Westminster
A collection of games industry execs have held a meeting in Westminster with new Culture Minister Siôn Simon to discuss commitments made in the recent Digital Britain report.
The likes of Ubisoft Reflections MD Gareth Edmondson, Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley, Realtime Worlds chairman Ian Hetherington and Blitz Games CEO Philip Oliver sat down with Simon to see how certain promises made by the Government are being executed.
Lord Carter’s Digital Britain report broke the ice with the games industry by committing to review whether “culturally British” games made in the UK should be given tax breaks.
The four industry members, together representing Tiga, also discussed other issues from the perception of games to supposed skills shortages.
Tiga claimed the meeting was “very encouraging” and that Simon “does appear to recognise the importance of the UK videogame industry both economically and culturally.”
Advertisement
The UK is still awaiting an announcement of implementation to the commitments outlined in Digital Britain.
There are three tiers of Ministers in the government. Secretary of State, Minister of State, and then Parliamentary Under Secretary of State. And, you guessed it, Sion Simon is the lowest of the three.
Which in itself isn't a bad thing - it just makes you hope it's not an indication of how the government views the importance of the industry.
Any further details, Rob, on what was said and whether any further commitments were made or indications given?
