Tag Archives: michael rawlinson

UKIE has said that for one British game bought at retail, four more are being pirated.

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UKIE figures have claimed that UK developers have contributed greatly to the sale of motion controller-based games in the last year.

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The UK Government has decided to create a cross-departmental committee to examine issues affecting the videogame industry.

ELSPA’s first meeting with Minister for Creative Industries Siôn Simon last week was the catalyst for the formation.

“The news was indeed upbeat,” said ELSPA director general Michael Rawlinson. “The Minister assured us that the Government is confident of being able to introduce pro-PEGI legislation before the next election.

“We also covered the other hot topic of the moment: tax breaks for the industry. Siôn Simon confirmed that the Treasury is now open in principle to the idea of tax breaks for the country’s video games industry.

“But endlessly calling for tax breaks is not enough. What is obvious is that hard evidence has so far been very lacking so the Minister has now asked ELSPA to help further the debate by furnishing that evidence. This, of course, we are happy to do.”

Committee members are comprised of representatives from the Departments of Culture, Media and Sport; Business Innovation and Skills; Health; the Home Office; and the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

More through MCV.

Thanks, StickBoy.

ELSPA’s promoted MD Michael Rawlinson to director general, the trade body announced this morning.

Paul Jackson, who currently holds the position, will move into an “advisory role”.

Press release after the link.

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During a raid on illegal counterfeiters operating on auction site EBay, police seized 40 consoles making this the first time fake consoles have been found in the UK.

Investigators from Bromley Trading Standards Department and the local enforcement the consoles packaged with power units as well as game copying devices.

On top of all that they found 150 moody games for the DS and Game Boy Advance.

Michael Rawlinson, managing director of ELSPA, said: “The replication of video games software and hardware is illegal and has a negative impact on both local and national businesses.

“ELSPA would like to thank the thorough and professional investigation by Bromley Trading Standards department and local Police whose work with our investigators has stopped the illegal activities of yet another internet pirate.”

Lesson: If you can’t take a joke, don’t sell dodgy products on the internet.

By Mike Bowden

ELSPA managing director Michael Rawlinson has proclaimed that family titles are responsible for the huge upturn in UK games revenue, and that games themselves are “bringing families together.”

“It is encouraging to see that the popularity of video games continues to grow year-on-year,” he said.

“More than ever, video gaming is increasingly bringing families together with the introduction of so many outstanding family-based console titles. These have really opened up the market to those who may never have even considered playing a video game before.”

Thanks, MCV.

By Mike Bowden