The Game Developers Conference (GDC) is the world’s largest annual gathering of professional video game developers and the pinnacle for showcasing industry excellence. In 2019, the event attracted more than 29,000 gaming industry professionals and is a must-attend event for industry professionals looking to gain attention, support, promotion and credibility.
In Wales, the growing field of game engine technology supports the development of new content. With strong industry networks and a collaborative spirit, games companies in Wales draw on a range of talent trained at our world-class universities, from designers and 3D artists to programmers and sound engineers.
Game developers across Wales produce interactive masterpieces with strong centers in South East and North East Wales. From here brands like Wales Interactive and Tiny Rebel Games make their way to screens around the world. Goldborough Studios are located in West Wales Production of high-quality character-driven games. The studio is currently working on Yami, its first internally developed PC/console game.
With the UK games industry estimated to be worth £7 billion in 2020, a 29.9% increase over 2019, the Welsh Government is fully committed to helping Welsh companies grow and trade internationally , as well as to support foreign investment opportunities.
Since 2017, Wales has had its own stand at the conference, providing a fantastic opportunity to showcase Wales’ gaming companies to a global audience. Deals with Welsh companies worth a total of £2.6million were recorded at GDC in 2019.
Business Secretary Vaughan Gething attended the GDC this week along with an 18-strong delegation from Wales’ leading gaming companies as part of a Welsh Government-led trade mission to the US West Coast.
Before leaving for San Francisco, the Minister visited one of the companies taking part in the trade mission, Wales Interactive, at their headquarters in Tec Marina, Penarth.
Business Secretary Vaughan Gething said:
“In Wales, we take games and gaming technology seriously. We support a thriving community of innovative companies that make the most of local talent to ensure international success.
“This is a key sector within our creative industries that offers well-paid and sustainable jobs. That’s why we give game developers the support they need to turn inspiration into reality and increase their potential in a rapidly changing sector. This includes equipping the sector with the talented and skilled people it needs to grow and thrive.
“With representatives from around the world, this event was a great opportunity for Welsh companies to showcase themselves and show potential investors what Wales has to offer alongside Creative Wales.”
Wales Interactive is the world’s second largest publisher of interactive films. Richard Pring, Founder and Director of Wales Interactive said:
“Since the inaugural trip seven years ago, the Welsh Government’s GDC Trade Mission has become a key date on our calendar. In that time it has created hundreds of business and networking opportunities for us and given us the opportunity to showcase the best of Welsh talent and games on the world stage year after year!”
