How an iGaming tech start-ups is changing the game in UK

Back in the 1970s when commercial arcade games, similar to W88, were first released, few could have had any idea of just how big an industry was being created. The iGaming industry has continued to grow at a great pace and if you are an operator or software provider, it is an excellent industry to become part of.

In the 1970s, players were thrilled at being able to play a computer version of ping-pong. It was so basic but was the beginning of something that has grown and grown over the years Technology advancements have been the reason for this and heaven knows what the future has in store.

Games such as the Batman: Arkham series, Grand Theft Auto and Farm Heroes Saga, all came from UK developers. Game tech companies such as Improbable and Ultrahaptics have been highly innovative in producing new technology and more is on the way.

Figures released by the British Film Institute in 2018 showed that the UK games industry was worth close to £3bn to the British economy. The number of people being employed continues to increase and had reached over 47,000. Over 20,000 of these are in full-time employment working in areas such as publishing, development and retail. Working for a company that teaches software development skills is now high on the list of school leavers and students.

The UK has become the fifth largest video game market globally. A record £5.1bn was spent in 2018 with over 37m gamers playing an increasing number of games. The data came from 2016 and considering the figures reported have doubled since 2013, the totals are likely to be even higher now as the industry continues to grow.

The report, which is based on 2016 data from games companies across the country, shows contributions to the economy from the industry has doubled since 2013. It’s not happening just because so many people love playing games. 

2014 saw the video game industry receive tax incentives and this has greatly helped them. Tax relief can be claimed on the costs of developing British games and there have also been tax credits that have been raising more money for the economy.

By 2018, video games were contributing more than half of the income generated by the UK entertainment market. Such is the growth in the iGaming industry, they outsold the combined total for music and video. That was the first time it had happened and is unlikely to be the last.

86% of UK game workers have at least one degree to their name. NextGen Skills Academy are always on the lookout for the next set of game designers. They have new entry-level qualifications and apprenticeships. The Creative Careers Programme was launched in 2019 receiving millions of pounds in industry and government support.

You can see therefore that the iGaming industry is a good one to gain employment in. The United Kingdom has become renowned for its start-up scene. It seems wherever you look, there is innovation taking place. Whether it is coders, producers, developers or designers, there is some incredible game-changing (literally) activities taking place.