This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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DFM to meet Microsoft in Seattle
25/10/2004
Enterprise Minister Jim Wallace is today meeting software giants Microsoft in Seattle to promote Scotland's excellence in the world of computer game technology.
He will tell Robbie Bach, vice president of Microsoft, of Scotland's world class research and expertise and will look to explore investment opportunities for Microsoft in Scotland.
Speaking from Seattle, Mr Wallace said:
"For a small country Scotland is clearly punching above its weight in computer games development, and has an international reputation for excellence in the digital media arena.
"Scotland is home to a number of internationally known companies such as Rockstar Games, Denki, Real Time Worlds and DMA Design, with several of the world's top selling computer games developed here.
"The digital media and creative industries are one of Scotland's most vital sectors, and employ nearly 7 per cent of our workforce, a higher proportion than any other part of the UK outside London and the South East. It is worth around £5 billion a year to the Scottish economy - or 4.5 per cent of our GDP.
"In Scotland we are ahead of the game in exploiting the new digital media technologies, which studies show have the potential to grow at 10 to 20 per cent each year.
"I want to use my meeting with the games chief of Microsoft to promote Scotland and the opportunities that exist here. It goes without saying that Microsoft are a major player in the games industry and I am looking forward to talking to Mr Bach about their plans for the future.
"There is certainly plenty for me to tell him about what is going on in Scotland.
"Tayside has established itself as the centre for digital media in Scotland, and currently supports over 200 companies involved in computer games, software development and graphic design.
"Dundee is currently developing a new digital media park to support the growth of its vibrant games and digital media community.
"One of our three new Intermediate Technology Institutes will serve the digital media and communications industries. Indeed, the first contract was awarded for research in games based learning earlier this month by the ITI Tech Media.
"Our excellent universities also have academic strength in games development.
"The University of Abertay in Dundee is Scotland's leading centre for research and teaching in computer games technology, and was the first university in the world to offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in computer games technology.
It also houses IC CAVE - Europe's first research centre dedicated to computer games and digital media. The University of Paisley and Glasgow School of Art are also doing good work in this area.
"With its mix of skills, innovation and technology, Scotland is well-placed to allow the vital digital media sector to thrive, and to become world leaders in this field."