University Of Bedfordshire signing

6 January, 2010

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, today announced the University of Bedfordshire as its newest member.

The University of Bedfordshire offers a range of courses for students interested in pursuing a career in the video games industry, including specific courses in Computer Games Development, Computer Science and Computer Animation.

Carsten Maple, Head of the Department for Computer Science and Technology explains the university’s reasons for joining TIGA: “It is vital that the games industry has an effective voice and I believe TIGA can do this. Our students will be entering the industry soon and I hope that joining TIGA will give them an awareness of the issues TIGA is seeking to address. Also, I hope that when they enter employment they can continue to be represented by TIGA. The University sees the games industry as future employers of our students and as such we wish to support and influence the work of TIGA.”

“I am particularly supportive of TIGA's work to ensure the UK Government, the Westminster Parliament and other interested parties understand the importance, the interests and the needs of the UK video games industry.

“TIGA provides an essential forum to discuss business issues affecting video game software developers, to advance policies to enhance the sector and to champion an industry that responsibly creates content for an audience ranging from children to adults.”

Richard Wilson TIGA CEO stated: “More and more universities are recognising the importance of joining TIGA. It is crucial that academia and industry collaborate to ensure our graduates are fully equipped to meet industry needs. We are delighted that the University of Bedfordshire has joined the TIGA community.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

About TIGA:

TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership.

TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We focus on three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

For further information, please contact Eva Field, TIGA PR Manager on: 07814 039 983, or email eva@tiga.org.