logo
Scotland bucks trend with 'substantial' games industry growth

Scotland bucks trend with 'substantial' games industry growth

The National3 days ago
Figures show employment in the sector in Scotland has doubled over the last 10 years.
The statistics also show that there were 130 computer game enterprises in Scotland in 2024, compared to just 15 in 2010 – a 766.67% increase.
READ MORE: Martin Compston says Unionist abuse made him stop independence posts
In 2022 the industry had a turnover of £339.7 million, compared to profits of £38.1m made in 2010 – a 791.6% increase.
The data also showed that there had been a 103.3% increase in the number of staff working in the industry (including additional PAYE units), up from 1,045 in 2015 to 2,125 in 2023.
With the sector globally experiencing significant jobs losses and changes to job patterns, Scotland's computer game industry is bucking the trend.
Commenting, SNP MSP for Dundee City West, Joe FitzPatrick, said: 'At a time when the computer games industry is struggling globally, thanks to SNP investment, Scotland is bucking the trend.
'Scotland was the first part of the UK to develop a video games strategy to support the industry and invests in exhibiting Scottish-built games across the world.
'Our world-leading computer game developers, including those based in Dundee, are thriving thanks to a unique blend of government support, creativity, innovation, and talent.'
READ MORE: TransPennine Express to run up to 3 additional services during Edinburgh Fringe
Rockstar North, a computer game studio based in Edinburgh and set up as DMA Design by Dundonian David Jones, is arguably the most notable firm in the Scottish industry.
The company are behind the Grand Theft Auto series, including Grand Theft Auto V – the second-best selling video game and reportedly most profitable entertainment product of all time.
FitzPatrick continued: 'From globally recognised studios to bold new start-ups, this is an industry that not only creates economic value but connects people across the world and brings opportunity to Scotland.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Popular bar chain is closing 10 venues with first one shutting this Friday
Popular bar chain is closing 10 venues with first one shutting this Friday

Daily Mirror

time18 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

Popular bar chain is closing 10 venues with first one shutting this Friday

The brewery and craft beer company has revealed its Camden branch will close on Friday, with the others set to pull down the shutters from this Saturday onwards BrewDog has confirmed plans to shut ten bars - with one venue closing as soon as this Friday. ‌ The Scottish brewery and craft beer company has revealed its Camden branch will close on Friday, while the others - including its flagship Aberdeen venue - will pull down the shutters from this Saturday onwards. ‌ BrewDog says it has launched a consultation process with all affected staff, which will last a minimum of 14 days. A spokesperson added that the firm expects to redeploy many of the workers affected by the closures to other bars. ‌ CEO James Taylor sent a message to all staff, explaining that the venues were no longer making money. He said: "Following much consideration, we have sadly concluded that there is no realistic prospect of making these venues commercially viable. "Keeping them open would put pressure on the wider business, making it harder to invest where we know we can grow. This decision is not simply a response to the challenging UK hospitality market, but a proactive decision to redefine the bar division's focus. "This is not a decision we've taken lightly. But as we evolve BrewDog into a more focused and sustainable business, we've had to be honest about where we are - and where we're heading." ‌ A spokesperson for BrewDog said: 'We can confirm that following a review of our bars business we have made the difficult decision to close 10 bars – which reflects a more focused strategy and a rationalisation of our bar footprint. Despite our best efforts, and the hard work of our teams, it has simply not been possible to make these bars commercially viable. 'This decision is not simply a response to the challenging UK hospitality market, but a proactive decision to redefine the bar division's focus for long-term and profitable growth – accounting for ongoing industry challenges, including rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures. ‌ 'We are working hard to minimise the impact on our people, and we expect to redeploy many affected team members across the BrewDog network. For those leaving the business, we're providing as much support as possible during this transition. We remain passionate and firmly committed to our bars, and optimistic about the future, as we still see significant long-term opportunity.' But the closures were slammed by Unite Hospitality, who posted to X: 'Brewdog have announced that they are closing 10 flagship bars from Aberdeen to Camden, as soon as THIS FRIDAY! 'In what universe is 3 DAYS a morally (or legally) acceptable notice period for a proper redundancy consultation for the workers impacted?!' Full list of BrewDog bars that are closing Aberdeen Flagship (Gallowgate) Brighton Camden Dundee Leeds North Street Oxford Sheffield Shepherds Bush Shoreditch York

Brewdog to close ten pubs 'from Aberdeen to Camden' as staff 'given days' notice
Brewdog to close ten pubs 'from Aberdeen to Camden' as staff 'given days' notice

Daily Record

time20 minutes ago

  • Daily Record

Brewdog to close ten pubs 'from Aberdeen to Camden' as staff 'given days' notice

Unite have announced that Brewdog will close ten bars across the UK. Brewdog is set to close down ten pubs across the UK "from Aberdeen to Camden" as staff are given three days' notice, according to union officials. ‌ Unite trade union have slammed the Scottish bar chain as it announced the news on its social media. ‌ The union claimed that staff at ten Brewdog locations across the UK have been told that their store will be closing on Friday - meaning workers would have only had three days' notice. ‌ Although the whereabouts of the ten bars shutting down and the number of potential jobs lost remain unclear, Unite have noted that they include boozers "from Aberdeen to Camden". Unite Hospitality posted the news on X. It read: "Brew Dog have announced that they are closing 10 flagship bars from Aberdeen to Camden, as soon as THIS FRIDAY! ‌ "In what universe is THREE DAYS a morally (or legally) acceptable notice period for a proper redundancy consultation for the workers impacted?!" BrewDog has been contacted for comment. BrewDog, popular for its craft beer, was co-founded by tycoons James Watt and Martin Dickie in Fraserburgh in 2007. ‌ The ' punk ' brewers set out to disrupt the world beer market with a non-stop series of irreverent stunts and shock-tactic promotions that hugely boosted their profile, bringing a cult following among beer fans worldwide. The Scottish pub chain opened its doors to its first BrewDog pub in 2010 in Aberdeen. ‌ However, in 2021 BrewDog was forced to apologise to a number of ex-employees after they accused the company, and its co-founder James Watt, of fostering a 'culture of fear' in which workers were bullied and 'treated like objects". An open letter saw 61 former employees allege that the brand frequently cut corners on health and safety and created a 'toxic' culture that left staff suffering from mental illness. ‌ Last year, saw a staff backlash after BrewDog announced that it was dropping out of the accredited real living wage scheme. The firm described it as a 'necessary' step to help it return to profitability after making a £24m operating loss in the previous year. James Watt stepped down as CEO not long after following 17 years at the helm of the company. Watt's reins were handed over to chief operating officer James Arrow - who also stepped down earlier this year in March due to "personal reasons". The coming closures comes after Brewdog shut down six bars - three in Europe, one in China and two in England - at the start of this year after it lost a record £63 million. ‌ James Arrow told staff and shareholders at the time: 'And whilst our bar estate has been very resilient, we've not been immune, and some locations have felt the impact more acutely than others. 'Unfortunately, we recently made the tough decision to close four of our international bars. "Our focus has been on liaising with affected teams and finding them alternative locations where possible.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

Edinburgh's Sistine Chapel seeks 'expressions of interest'
Edinburgh's Sistine Chapel seeks 'expressions of interest'

The Herald Scotland

time20 minutes ago

  • The Herald Scotland

Edinburgh's Sistine Chapel seeks 'expressions of interest'

The Mansfield Traquair Trust said it is 'now welcoming expressions of interest from organisations that would value and complement the unique cultural and architectural character of this iconic heritage site, home to the celebrated murals of Phoebe Anna Traquair'. It comes as the Mansfield Traquair Centre's primary tenant, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, has given notice to vacate the site. The trust said that 'during this transition, event operations will continue as normal'. The trust has an existing partnership with Heritage Portfolio, the venue's longstanding catering and events provider, which remains in place to support planned and future events. The trust said: 'With a track record of delivering exceptional hospitality across landmark Scottish venues including the Signet Library, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery among others, Heritage Portfolio brings continuity, experience and reassurance during this period of change.' Dr Duncan Thomson, chair of the Mansfield Traquair Trust, said: 'For those planning special occasions, we know how vital reliability and consistency are. Our longstanding relationship with Heritage Portfolio reflects a shared commitment to making Mansfield Traquair a distinctive and memorable setting for weddings, corporate events and celebrations.' Sandy Robson, executive director of Heritage Portfolio, said: 'We want to reassure all current and prospective clients that Mansfield Traquair is very much open for business and operating as normal. 'Working within the venue for over 20 years, our team knows what it takes to deliver unforgettable events with the exceptional service and attention to detail that Heritage Portfolio is known for, while respecting the building's remarkable history and architecture. We look forward to working with the trust through this transitional period and celebrating many more special moments with our guests.' The building was designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson and completed in 1895. Originally a Catholic Apostolic Church, the outstanding feature is the scheme of mural decorations painted by the renowned artist. Government borrows more than expected in June, says Treasury Government borrowing in the UK rose to a higher-than-expected £20.7 billion last month as debt interest payments soared, according to official figures.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store