Brompton Academy

Computer Games

Sector Outlook Gaming has held a prominent place in mainstream culture for a number of years. The sector is wor th £45 billion globally, and contributes £1 billion to the UK economy. The sector is a dynamic and ever changing industry with a proliferation of games par ticularly in the mobile market and online. Traditional platform games have seen a decline in sales in recent years whilst online gaming and mobile gaming continues to rise. The demographics have also shifted also in this changing market to older and more females playing, enticed by smar tphone apps. The number of star t-ups in recent years, (45 in the last 2 years) along with the exponential growth of mobile and tablet gaming is an indication of the UK games sector dynamism. The sector is very small with 30,000 people employed nationally in the gaming sector in publishing, retail and 450 creative studios who employ around 10,000 staff. Gaming companies are predominantly based in London and the south (54%) with other key centres situated in Liverpool/Manchester and Dundee, although there are studios throughout the country. The industry continues to invest in research and development so an aptitude for learning new skills is highly desirable in candidates. The gaming industry is highly competitive and a passion for gaming is required as well as gaining the appropriate qualifications. More than 80% of employees have a relevant degree, so gaining a place at one of the 60 universities offering gaming courses is a must. A por tfolio of your own work is seen to be a general necessity, as it gives you a chance to demonstrate your skills. In the gaming industry, £26,000 is the average star ting salary, going up to £70,000 for management roles. The Games Industry website has an extensive job section, and many gaming studios have their own careers section. Companies to look into include; Climax, Jagex, Kuju Enter tainment, Rebellion and Ubisoft Reflections as well as other smaller companies.