Yorkshire set to be 'games hub'

15:35 4th November 2009

Yorkshire is proving to be a popular place for gaming companies within the IT industry to set up their operations, it has been noted.

According to video game company Team 17 Software, the region is set to become a magnet for people looking for careers in the IT industry and especially those aiming to develop new games.

Team 17 is based in Ossett near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, and the organisation's assistant producer Karl Gilbert has claimed the area is ripe for further investment from the gaming industry, making the region a top centre for the development of new games.

"There are quite a few independent games studios in Yorkshire. It seems to be the place to be at the moment," said Mr Gilbert.

He was speaking at this year's annual Eurogamer Expo, which has been taking place in Leeds.

Jobs in the IT industry could become more prevalent in the region thanks to the growth of the gaming sector, which is expected to increase next year after a tough 2009.

The Yorkshire region contributes almost ten per cent of the whole games development workforce for the UK.

Together, these studios have contributed around £28 million to the national economy and carry a collective staff roster of approximately 300 personnel.

Written by Rachel Hughes

ADNFCR-1667-ID-19442511-ADNFCR