NESTA ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING 'GAMES CONSORTIUM' (16/11/2010)
NESTA is excited to announce an innovative new project designed to help UK game developers to publish their games via digital distribution. Screen Yorkshire's industry network Game Republic and Codeworks GameHorizon are both working with NESTA in Yorkshire and the North East to promote the opportunity to their members.
Working in conjunction with experts in the UK games industry, NESTA has been working on a business model and investment plan to create a digital publisher/distributor. This new company will be unique, it will be created as a consortium of game developers, working together to create and distribute the very best games across the digital platforms.
The project has initial seed capital and a business and legal structure that have already been validated by a number of the best UK independent development studios. We are currently searching for a CEO to lead the consortium. Osborne Clarke is providing legal support for the consortium.
Ed Vaizey MP, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries said: 'Creative and innovative ways of working are exactly what the games industry needs to grow. By bringing companies together through this new initiative NESTA is helping developers get the most out of their Intellectual Property. We need a sustainable UK industry and this initiative will really help.'
Richard Wilson CEO of TIGA said: 'Traditionally, many small developers have struggled to retain ownership of their IP. One of TIGA's key activities is to help UK developers publish their own games, retain ownership of their IP and exploit it. NESTA's proposed video game consortium seeks to provide another route for developers to retain their IP. I am sure that TIGA members will look forward to learning more about the NESTA proposed consortium and TIGA wishes it every success.'
If you are interested in becoming a founding member in this consortium or simply want to hear more about this unique and exciting opportunity, NESTA is running open meetings in Edinburgh, Leeds and London during December. We would invite everyone to attend; it will be a great social and networking event as well as finding out more about the games consortium.
Jamie Sefton, Game Republic Sector Manager, Screen Yorkshire says:
''We're delighted to be working with NESTA on this groundbreaking initiative. It's a fantastic opportunity for UK developers to get involved in something truly innovative. The fact that one of only three UK events is being held in Leeds is recognition of the fact that Yorkshire and Humber, home to three of the world’s top 100 most bankable games studios - is home to one of the most successful and strongest games industry hubs in the UK''
To secure your place at one of the following events, you must RSVP gamesconsortium@nesta.org.uk to register as places are strictly limited.
For further information on the project and details on why you should be involved, contact chris.wright@gamesconsultancy.com.
For more about Game Republic, go to: http://www.screenyorkshire.co.uk/gamerepublic/ or contact jamie@screenyorkshire.co.uk
Leeds Thursday 20th January – 6-7.30pm, with networking and drinks, Radisson BLU, Leeds: http://www.radissonblu.co.uk/hotel-leeds/location
Edinburgh - Thursday 2nd December – 2-4pm, Apex Waterloo, 23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BH
London - Tuesday 7th December- 10-12 noon, Osborne Clarke offices, 1 London Wall,London, EC2Y 5EB
