Sainsbury reaffirms Government commitment to UK games industry

Lord David Sainsbury, parliamentary under secretary of State for science and innovation, has confirmed that the Government is fully committed to promoting growth in the UK games industry.

In his keynote speech at the London Games Summit yesterday, Sainsbury said, "The Government sees computer games as an important part of the industrial future of this country, and we want to create the best possible conditions in this country for your industry to innovate and grow."

According to Sainsbury, "A point not missed by the Government is that computer games generated an export value of GBP 488 million in 2003, compared with GBP 256 million from the much higher profile UK film sector." This "impressive economic performance", he continued, resulted in a positive trade balance of nearly GBP 200 million in 2003.

Sainsbury went on to discuss various steps the Government is taking to help promote the games industry, such as launching the new Technology Programme and changing the way science is taught in schools.

"We all need to understand how this creative jigsaw fits together and to understand what pieces are missing," he stated.

"Only by working together will we have the opportunity to realise the full potential of this industry."

Sainsbury's speech will be published in full on GamesIndustry.biz later today.