TIGA: UK has lost 890 developer jobs in two years

TIGA has issued a report which states 900 games development positions in the UK have dropped 9 percent over the last two years, resulting in 890 positions being eliminated.

Speaking with GI.biz, TIGA head Richard Wilson revealed data was collected from "all British game companies", with results concluding that 9010 developer positions are being held currently, whereas in 2008 the industry employed 9900 developers.

"[Data included] developers, publishers, publishing studios, service companies and even broadcasters with games divisions," said Wilson. "They contacted them by telephone, and they asked for development headcounts. They excluded HR, admin sales, marketing and commercial staff, so it really focused specifically on the development staff in those organisations. It was a telephone survey of the overwhelming majority of all the games development businesses in the UK.

"At a time when the global video game industry is growing, the UK development workforce is declining. A key reason for this decline is that videogame developers in the UK are at a competitive disadvantage. Investment and jobs are drifting away to other countries. "

Wilson is of the opinion Canada has around "14,000 to 14,500" folks employed in development, with number continuing to climb in the sector, despite accurate figures being unavailable.

TIGA also said in its report worldwide game software sales increased 16 percent during the two year study, but industry tax relief in the UK and revamped R&D tax credits would benefit the region greatly, keeping those in the industry from looking elsewhere for work.

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