Denki has been a member of The Independent Game Developers Association (TIGA) since it launched back in 2000. In fact, we’re probably one of the few games companies left in the UK who were right there at the launch party.
Even back then it was apparent to us that the UK games industry needed better representation to Government, and despite repeated attempts there was simply no way we were going to be able to make any impact individually. Governments are immune to such unfocused campaigning.
TIGA did some good work in its initial years, putting together a standard development contract, defining best practice, promoting education within schools and universities, and all sorts of other necessary foundations. But it’s really in the last few years since Richard Wilson took over the leadership and brought his considerable political experience to the organisation that it’s hit its stride.
There was a time, not so long ago, when most UK politicians had absolutely no idea there was a games industry in the UK. No longer though, thanks to TIGA’s efforts. Same goes for those negative news stories about games in the press. TIGA’s right there, with the evidence to show how misinformed they are.
That was formally recognised last night at the annual Trade Association Awards where TIGA had previously won Trade Association of the Year in 2010. This year they topped that spectacularly though, by collecting not two, but FOUR awards:
* Commercial Initiative Award
* Annual Report of the Year Award
* Trade Association of the Year Award; and
* the Leadership Award – specifically to recognise Richard’s own exceptional stewardship of the association
No other Trade Organisation has ever won four awards. You can read the full press release here.
So, on behalf of everyone at Denki I would like to congratulate Richard and his amazing team for doing us all proud once again. TIGA have done an exemplary job of ensuring the games industry is properly represented in Government and also in the Press – something that has already proven very important and which will be for the foreseeable future as our industry and market continue to evolve.
If you’re a company with any involvement in the games industry in the UK then I’d encourage you to get involved and become a member of TIGA. The organisation may have started out only representing independent developers such as Denki, but that’s not the case any longer. The industry’s come a long way since 2000 and TIGA now has one, clear aim – to make sure the UK remains the best location in the world to do games business.
The more members, the more the Government listens to its views, and that can only be good news for all of us.
Corporate memberships for all sizes of business (micro to macro) are currently available, and individual memberships are due to launch later in the year.
If you’ve been hanging off waiting to see if you should join TIGA then this really is the moment. TIGA is changing the gaming industry in the UK for the better.
It’s good to be part of it.
Colin.
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