Education
As you can see from the Industry section, there are many different roles within the gaming industry. The British Government is also realising the importance of this sector within our Creative Industries, and studies of gaming and the industry that surrounds it are gaining respect from the academic world.

In October 2004 a new report was released that praised the positive impact that games have on children, encouraging their use in education. It confirmed the message that the industry has been promoting for more than a decade - along with many educationalists.

Researchers at the Institute of Education at London University have been developing the report over the last few years. These findings, which have been partly financed by the Department of Trade and Industry, confirm that games are good for a child’s development. The research team notes that games entertain whilst promoting social development, and draws attention to game literacy as another means of representation, in the same way as writing or drawing. It also seeks to promote an understanding amongst parents and teachers that games are as culturally relevant as music, film and literature. It also concluded that games development should be taught in schools, enabling children to become game makers as well as game players.

This also supports a Home Office five-year research study published in 2001, which concluded that those who play computer and video games regularly are more likely to be academically successful, are more likely to go to university and subsequently have better employment prospects. (Source: Home Office).

In January 2005, Skillset published a compendium of UK universities and higher education institutions with accredited courses featuring computer game skill elements.
Facts
"There are over 22,000 people employed in the UK computer and video games industry"
"One in four British women play games regularly"
View the Facts page