Phil Elliott
09:30 (BST)
17/09/2007
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UK industry needs more help
EU program is a first step, but competition for funds will be fierce
The games industry in the UK is in danger of losing its international competitive edge if the government doesn't act to help software developers, according to Tiga CEO and chairman Fred Hasson, who spoke to GamesIndustry.biz in an exclusive interview.
Following the EU announcement that games developers would be able to apply for funding from a EUR 1.5 million pot, Hasson and the other members of the European Game Developers Federation welcomed the move, although a high level of interest already indicates that competition will be fierce.
"One of my colleagues in Germany just told me he's had over 20 enquiries from his members - well, it doesn't take a lot to work out that if everybody is hoping for the maximum amount [of EUR 100,000 each], there are already going to be people disappointed in Germany, let alone if you add the other 26 countries of the EUâ¦"
Hasson cited a number of issues, including work-for-hire contracts and the strong Pound, as well as the support available from governments in countries such as Singapore and Canada, as reasons why UK firms are beginning to struggle.
But he's confident that talks with ministers scheduled next month will allow Tiga to persuade the UK government to its three-pronged solution, which deals with skills, IP creation and technology.
The full interview is available here.
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