Game talent shortage in the UK

Universities blamed for lacklustre courses

19 June 2008 10:03 GMT / By Katie Scott

At the end of May, a report revealed that game developers are fleeing the UK because they are being offered better tax deals elsewhere.

A new report claims that, in the next couple of years, we actually may face a crisis in the gaming industry as we do not have the courses to train up potential gaming stars to replace them.

And with "phenomenal" growth predicted for games worldwide, the games industry is calling for action.

A lobby group in the UK has launched a campaign called "Games Up?", which says games developers in Britain are facing a serious skills shortage, and blames a lack of decent university courses.

The group says there are now 81 video games degree courses at British universities, but only four are accredited by Skillset, the government body which monitors higher education.

David Braben, chairman of Frontier Developments and a spokesman for "Games Up?", told the Beeb: "95% of video gaming degrees are simply not fit for purpose. Without some sort of common standard, like Skillset accreditation, these degrees are a waste of time for all concerned".

Those who are thinking of doing a computer games course are sometimes put off applying by the fact that they will need a Maths A-level.

Jamie Macdonald, of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, said there is a need for Centres of Excellence which would prepare graduates to compete for jobs in the industry.

"We want to work with government to help equip our graduates with the skills they need to thrive in one of the most dynamic and profitable industries in the world."