Computer gaming ‘to defy UK economic downturn’

Aug 7 2008 by Alistair Houghton, Liverpool Daily Post

THE man charged with promoting Merseyside’s thriving gaming sector says he is confident the sector will keep growing, despite the credit crunch.

Enda Carey, the head of games and digital content at regional support body Northwest Vision and Media, says smaller companies will increasingly need to team up with other firms to develop new products so they can compete with the industry’s big players.

Mr Carey, whose 15 years in the sector include three at Sony in Liverpool, believes video game spending may hold up during the economic slowdown, as people look for entertainment at home rather than going out.

Merseyside hosts some leading companies in the video games sector, including Project Gotham Racing creator Bizarre Creations, as well as many smaller developers.

Mr Carey said he hoped to help those smaller firms join forces to develop new projects and secure deals with large developers. He said he also wanted to help gaming companies work with other media businesses.

He said: “The industry is changing. We’re starting to see a lot more collaboration across sectors. We want to get people used to collaboration and getting out of their comfort zones.”

Mr Carey will be leading Northwest Vision and Media’s support programme for digital and gaming firms to help them secure access to funding and take advantage of their intellectual property.

He said: “Having been based in Liverpool, I know how creative the North West is and the opportunity to help nurture this talent within the game and digital industries is what attracted me to the role.

“Northwest Vision and Media recognises the tremendous prosperity and growth of the digital sector, and together we want to show what a great region this is.”

The video gaming industry is estimated to be worth £500m to the UK economy. Mr Carey says he is confident demand for games will remain high.

Mr Carey said: “It’s my view that gaming is something that actually grows during recessionary times.

“People tend to stay in more rather than go out and do things. Games are one of the best ways to spend a lot of time.”

alistairhoughton