While video games are big amongst teens and young adults, the same cannot be said for the slightly older crowd, some of whom in the past have vilified video games by attributing playing it to real-life violence. However over in the UK, the government has recognized some of the recognition that video games have brought and are now prepared to invest £4 million into the industry.
Basically this £4 million investment will be paid out to various indie studios and video game startups with a maximum of £25,000 each. The idea is to help these companies develop working prototypes of their games, and if their game is compelling enough, an additional £50,000 will be allotted (limited) to these companies to turn the prototype into a reality.
The government cites popular titles like Monument Valley, Grand Theft Auto (which was largely created by developers in Rockstar North in Scotland), the original Tomb Raider series, Runescape, and Candy Crush as being the product of the UK, and they are hoping that the investment and funds provided to new and upcoming indie studios will help generate more titles like those.
According to Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy Ed Vaizey, “Britain’s video games punch well above their weight internationally and we need to build on this and invest in the strength of our creativity. This fund will give small businesses, startups and individuals the support they need to better attract private investment and go on to create the blockbusters of tomorrow.”
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