Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The video games sector is a priority in the industrial strategy with recent investment. Norfolk has a thriving community supporting over 500 members and above-average survival rates of SMEs.
Norfolk is home to a vibrant games development community that supports over 500 members through mentoring, skills enhancement, and business growth, resulting in an SME survival rate significantly higher than the UK average. What steps are being taken by the Department to ensure Norfolk can access and shape the video games growth package? Will the Minister meet me to discuss this further?
Delivering for all nations and regions is a priority. The UK games fund, located in Dundee, supports studios and teams nationwide. Funding provided to the London games festival includes regional studio showcases. I am willing to speak with my hon. Friend about Norfolk's opportunities further.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The Department has rolled out a £30 million investment over three years to support the growth of the UK's video game sector. This includes expanding the UK games fund and investing in the London games festival.
Norfolk is home to a thriving games development community, with Norfolk games developers supporting over 500 members through mentoring, skills enhancement, and business growth, leading to an SME survival rate significantly higher than the national average. What steps are being taken by the Department to ensure that areas such as Norfolk can access and shape the video games growth package? Will the Minister meet me to discuss this matter further?
Delivering for all nations and regions remains a priority. The UK games fund, based in Dundee, is a UK-wide programme available to studios and teams across the country. Funding provided to the London games festival includes showcasing support for regional studios, enabling exposure to a greater audience. I am more than happy to speak to my hon. Friend to discuss the opportunities for Norfolk in detail.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Scotland's video game industry is worth £188 million and it has been identified that growing companies lack business acumen. Business hubs specifically for video games could help nurture talent.
As the Minister knows, the video games industry is huge in Scotland. In fact, it is now bigger than the film and television industries put together. The Scottish industry is worth £188 million but there is a lack of business acumen among growing companies. We need something like business hubs specifically for video games, with centres of excellence to nurture talent. Will the Minister speak to the Scottish Government about achieving this?
Scotland is a world leader in video games, and it is crucial that we harness this talent. The games growth fund will nurture new talent, help projects reach the prototype stage, and grow the sector to commercialisation. Rockstar in Edinburgh will be launching “Grand Theft Auto VI” later this year, which will be the biggest launch of any audiovisual package in the world.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about business hubs was not addressed directly.
Hedges
General Principles
Response accuracy