Computer games experts sign up to Games Eden - 07-Dec-07
Dozens of leading lights from the East of England’s computer games industry have signed-up to Games Eden, a new business network that will provide specialist support for the fast-growing sector.
The new network will help to promote, support and develop the region’s digital games entertainment community. It will provide a dedicated local networking group that will facilitate collaboration and knowledge transfer both within academic and commercial sectors and inform and discuss the latest developments and opportunities within the industry.
More than 70 business leaders working within the sector attended last night’s (5 December) launch event at New Hall, Buckingham House, in Cambridge and signed-up to benefit and participate in the new network.
Leading the line-up of guest speakers was Hollywood star Andy Serkis. Famed for his roles in blockbusters movies, King Kong and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, in which he played Gollum, and now appearing in the Play Station Three (PS3) console game Heavenly Sword, Andy proved a real hit with those attending the Games Eden launch.
The event was hosted by new media pioneer Bill Thompson. Other guest presenters included leading game maker David Braben and Fred Hasson CEO of TiGA.
Jeremy Cooke, chief executive of Gameware Developments and chair of Games Eden said: “It has been a fantastic launch event for Games Eden and it was great to see so many of the digital creative development community making the effort to be here. I was delighted at the presentation of the brand image for Games Eden and the presentation of the guest speakers.
“The establishment of Games Eden comes at a time when the global communication media are converging as interactive entertainment products become more sophisticated and address wider consumer markets.”
Games Eden is being funded over the next two years by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), East of England International (EEI), Screen East and FDMX. It is supported by a steering committee with representatives from Cambridge Wireless, TiGA, EMMA, Gameware Development, Zoonami, Geomerics, Sony, Jagex, Nicetech and Ninja Theory.
Laurie Hayward, chief executive of Screen East, which organised the launch, said: “The global super mo-cap star Andy Serkis has opened the way for computer games to deliver all the emotional depth of feature films. The great thing is that his work with Ninja Theory on Heavenly Sword is just a start, and Games Eden will play its part in supporting the future development of great new games working with the very best of regional talent.”
David Marlow, chief executive of EEDA, said: “The computer games industry is a key element of the East of England’s growing creative industries sector. It is vital we help to support and develop it if we are to continue to grow the regional economy in future years. Many businesses within the region are significant international players and we believe that specialised support for the sector, through a dedicated network, will create further success. It is great that so many key regional business leaders within the industry attended last night’s launch and have signed-up to the network.”
It is predicted that by the end of 2007, the global computer games market will be worth $21.1 billion. Within the UK, the East of England has been particularly strong in this sector – companies based at the East of England game development community hub, in Cambridge, employ about 600 staff alone and are responsible for computer gaming hits like Wallace and Grommit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit; Kung Fu Chaos; 24: The Game; MediEvil; GhostHunter; and GoldenEye 007.
Last night’s event introduced Games Eden, established its aims and objectives, and assessed the current status of the computer games industry and discussing what the future holds. As the industry extends its economic, social and cultural impact, Games Eden will stimulate electronic creativity and business development through an internationally focused website and a programme of networking events for those involved in the industry across the region.
To join the new network or for more information contact Claire Treadwell at Screen East: email claire@screeneast.co.uk or tel: 01603 776926.
Source: EEDA - www.eeda.org.uk
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