The Scottish games industry has released a manifesto calling for government support to strengthen policy, increase investment, and secure long-term growth across the sector. Published by UKIE’s Scottish branch, Interactive Entertainment Scotland (IES), the document comes ahead of the 2026 Parliament election and is supported by studios of all sizes across the country.
The manifesto sets out three main priorities aimed at ensuring Scotland remains competitive in the global games market. It calls for a task-and-finish review of existing policy support to better align the industry with broader creative, enterprise, education, and innovation strategies. The document also highlights the importance of improved data collection to guide investment decisions.
Funding and Investment Remain Central Concerns
Securing access to funding is a key focus of the manifesto. The Scottish games sector is urging the government to maintain long-term support for established programmes while exploring new pilot schemes. Potential collaboration with the Scottish National Investment Bank is also suggested as a way to boost investment in the industry. The goal is to create a more stable financial environment for studios, enabling sustainable growth and innovation.
Building a Sustainable Talent Pipeline
The manifesto also emphasizes the importance of talent development in Scotland’s games industry. Recommendations include expanding access to Computing Science and Digital Creativity courses in schools, as well as introducing funded apprenticeships and reskilling initiatives. By building a strong pipeline of skilled professionals, the sector aims to address workforce needs and strengthen Scotland’s position in the international games market.
Industry Leaders Highlight Opportunities and Challenges
Chris van der Kuyl, chair of IES, stated that Scotland has the foundation to become a major global hub for video games. He noted that universities, ambitious studios, and creative clusters provide a strong ecosystem, but the industry must adapt to rapid global changes. “This manifesto is about practical, targeted action, improving access to capital, strengthening institutional understanding of the sector, and embedding digital creativity throughout our education system,” van der Kuyl said.
UKIE CEO Nick Poole added that the manifesto represents an opportunity for long-term growth in the sector. “Scotland has long been a pioneer in the global video games industry. With the support of a new Scottish Government, we have an opportunity to help games businesses across Scotland build a long-term platform for growth, jobs, and international investment,” he said.
The manifesto builds on existing initiatives such as CodeBase and calls on all political parties to commit to policies that encourage innovation, skills development, and sector growth. It reflects a coordinated effort by studios nationwide to ensure that Scotland remains competitive on a global scale.
Source: PocketGamer
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Scottish games industry manifesto?
The manifesto is a policy document released by Interactive Entertainment Scotland, supported by UKIE and studios nationwide, calling for government support in funding, policy, and talent development.
Why is the manifesto being released now?
The document was published ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election to influence government policy and ensure that the games industry receives targeted support for long-term growth.
What are the main priorities of the manifesto?
The manifesto focuses on three key areas: aligning government policy with industry needs, increasing access to funding, and developing talent through education, apprenticeships, and reskilling programs.
How does the manifesto propose funding support?
It suggests maintaining long-term backing for existing programs, introducing new pilot initiatives, and exploring potential collaboration with the Scottish National Investment Bank to provide more investment opportunities.
What role does talent development play in the manifesto?
Talent development is central, with proposals for wider access to Computing Science and Digital Creativity courses in schools, funded apprenticeships, and reskilling programs to support a skilled workforce for the industry.
Who supports the manifesto?
The manifesto is backed by studios across Scotland and supported by UKIE. Industry leaders, including IES chair Chris van der Kuyl and UKIE CEO Nick Poole, have highlighted its importance for sector growth.
