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Flying the flag: Record number of UK devs hit Game Connection in Paris

UKIE helping to showcase British talent

Flying the flag: Record number of UK devs hit Game Connection in Paris

A record number of UK games businesses turned out for this years Game Connection conference in Paris.

Over 80 UK companies were represented in the french capital, with the likes of Fat Pebble, Team 17, Born Ready Games, and Firebrand all exhibiting on the Game Connection UK Industry Stand, run by UKIE.

Vital chances

"As a microstudio, being given the chance to be at Game Connection and make potential deals is vital," explained Iain Gilfeather, technical director at Fat Pebble.

"Being part of the UK industry collective and flying the flag for the UK at these international events really helps to draw the world's attention to the UK industry and the creative talent and opportunities we offer.

"Without the grant from UKTI which UKIE administers on our behalf, it would be much more difficult for us to afford to be part of this showcase."

Showcasing talent

UKIE CEO Jo Twist said the body was proud to fly the flag of the UK games industry, explaining that by aiding devs attend events, the world is forced to sit up and takes notice of British talent.

"Trade shows like Game Connection are designed to help UK companies do important business deals," said Twist.

"We are here to fly the flag for our fantastic industry, to help companies afford to come to events like this, which are vital to their business development.

"Best of all we get to showcase the huge breadth of fantastic UK games talent to the rest of the world."

Creative identity

UKTI Paris commented that it is crucial for the UK's creative businesses to maintain a global presence in order to maintain their position as vanguards of the world's creative economy.

"The UK has established a position in the vanguard of the world's creative economy," said the organisation.

"The creative industries, more than most, rely on the UK's reputation for creativity and innovation. They, in turn, have become central to our national identity and brand."


What do you call someone who has an unhealthy obsession with video games and Sean Bean? That'd be a 'Chris Kerr'. Chris is one of those deluded souls who actually believes that one day Sean Bean will survive a movie. Poor guy.