Boost for Scottish games industry

The first phase of £2m will help new games companies attract further investment

Dundee's computer industry is expected to benefit from a £5m investment project to be run by the city's Abertay University.

The UK-wide project was launched by Culture Minister Ed Vaizey at the Develop Conference in Brighton, an annual gathering of thousands of UK game developers.

The first phase of £2m will be used to invest in new computer games prototypes, creating start-ups and help new companies attract further investment.

Describing Abertay as "a world-class university", Mr Vaizey said: "This fund is a direct response to what many developers tell us is needed.

"The fund will also ensure talented students are able to gain valuable work experience with the industry."

Grants of up to £25,000 will be available to support the development of fully-working prototypes. Commercialisation and project management support will also be provided from Abertay's business and computer games experts.

Paul Durrant, director of business development at Abertay University, said: "Supporting the creation and success of new, small businesses is crucial to the future growth of this industry, and to the broader health of the UK economy. "

The university said the aim of the project was to create 30 new companies, support 80 existing smaller businesses, and create up to 400 new jobs.

An additional 300 students, graduates and professionals will have their skills developed through working on successfully-funded projects.