Blitz's Blake now deputy chair of Computer Games Skills Council

Kim Blake, senior events and education co-ordinator at Blitz Games Studios, has been appointed as deputy chair of the Computer Games Skills Council.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue working with Skillset and other dedicated developers," said Blake.

"It’s especially important right now, in the wake of the Livingstone-Hope Next Gen report and changes to the Higher Education structure, to keep attention focused on improving skills across the games industry and in HE. Students and developers alike need to enhance and hone their skills to keep up with the constantly-rising creative standards in games." The council is head up by Eidos' Ian Livingstone, and meets quarterly to discuss new ways to support the UK industry through better skill development.

"“Throughout the years the advice and guidance Blitz Games Studios’ have given to young talent has immeasurably improved many courses and through it, the industry at large," added Skillset’s head of development, Saint John Walker.

"They know that by investing in talent in this way both they and the whole games ecosystem wins, and Kim has been instrumental in that. She’s been a great ambassador and member of our council. Having her as Deputy Chair to Ian Livingstone makes for an impressive wealth of experience for Skillset."

Blake started in the industry in 1996 as a project manager with Gremlin Interactive. She joined Blitz in January 2006, where she organises the Blitz Academy Open Days, which provides internal training programmes and career advice to those looking to join the UK games industry.