Statistics from Ukie and Fti Consulting in a report released on 28th November show the UK video game technology used by non-gaming industries was worth £1.3 billion during 2021. The research identified technologies that are being used in the games industry that have uses beyond games and have enormous social and economic potential. The research stated that spillover technologies included game engines, VR, and 3D rendering software are being used by a wide variety of sectors. The adoption of games design and technologies outside videogames was presented in October at the XR, Virtual Production and beyond event in York – an event produced by Game Republic, XR Stories and Barclays and attracted over 150 attendees from games, film, TV and other sectors. Interestingly the research report said that by 2025, health will be among the top three industries to apply VR to its resources.
Many companies in Yorkshire and The North are already working across many sectors. At the event Richard England of Reflex Arc highlighted his work in films and also commercial developments and his company recently won the Lovie Award for their work with HSBC in accessible and responsible tech. Dreaming Methods won the Game Republic Most Innovative Technology Award sponsored by Escape Technology for its work using immersive tech to raise awareness of climate change as well as mental health issues in The Abandoned Library, the experience has been used in public spaces winning several awards. The subject of climate change was also used by the winners of the Game Republic Sustainability Award sponsored by Other Things – Megaverse who created a live action game to raise awareness of the same issue. Draw & Code have been doing work using game technology with Google, Sony, Mercedes, Red Bull, BBC and Warner Bros. Cooperative Innovations has created licensed immersive technologies like Curatours for museums and galleries.
Jamie Sefton Managing Director of Game Republic says “I am not surprised at all by these findings. Over the last 5 years, we have seen an acceleration of adaption of game technologies. In Yorkshire and the North, we have seen companies like Cooperative Innovations and the work of XR Stories, Draw & Code and Reflex Arc increasingly using game technology to work in diverse sectors. This is a great story that highlights how important playing games, and equally playing with the design and technology that creates them, can be for our economy.”
Identifying the trend towards this wider application of game technology, the XR, Virtual Production and Beyond event highlighted the groundbreaking examples happening in the region. The event included an expo with incredible work being showcased by Realtime, Pico, Pittswood and Viridian FX. Full videos of the panels and discussions have been posted here. Jamie Sefton believes the talent in the region alongside the world class facilities at Production Park as well as within studios means there is growing potential to increase economic impacts for the region. He added “This research is welcome and highlights once again why the game industry should be fully supported by government and the public sector because the benefits and positive impacts it brings can be wide reaching.”
Game Republic runs 12 events a year for its membership and has a network of over 1100 developers which includes GaMaYo. The network is the largest of its kind in the North of England. Game Republic is supported by Official Partners Red Kite Games, Barclays and Escape Technology. To find out about joining contact us here.
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