By Lance MacArthur
The Scottish gaming industry has quietly yet powerfully become a major player on the global stage, with Dundee at its core. The city, home to just 148,000 people, boasts the highest concentration of game developers per capita in the UK. This prominence is traced back to the 1980s, when local residents gained access to Spectrum computers made at Dundee’s Timex factory. While meant for educational purposes, these machines quickly became tools for gaming, sparking a generation of developers that would shape the industry.
Dundee’s Roots
One of the early success stories was DMA Design, co-founded by Dave Jones and Mike Dailly. The studio gave birth to the now-iconic Lemmings and later Grand Theft Auto, which remains one of the world’s most successful gaming franchises. Today, the industry’s legacy continues with Rockstar North in Edinburgh, responsible for the globally anticipated GTA VI, among other titles.
Dundee’s role as a gaming hub has been solidified by Abertay University, which in 1997 launched the world’s first degree course in game design and development. Abertay continues to draw new talent into Dundee, ensuring a steady stream of graduates ready to contribute to the ever-growing industry. It’s not just Abertay, though; several Scottish institutions now offer degrees in game design, further bolstering the sector.
Industry Challenges
Despite its accomplishments, the Scottish gaming industry has faced its fair share of challenges, particularly during the pandemic when rapid hiring led to over-expansion. However, industry veterans like Ryan Locke, head of excellence in games education at Abertay, believe that the demand for gaming talent remains strong, with developers now focusing on mobile platforms and “evergreen” games that engage players long-term. This is especially the case for other parts of the industry, as the online gambling sector also has a huge demand for exciting new casino games that will satisfy current players and attract new members to the service.
Scotland’s Gaming Landscape Today
Scotland’s gaming landscape has also evolved with the rise of indie developers and app-based games. Platforms like Steam and the App Store have allowed small developers to compete on a global scale. For example, Team Terrible’s The Baby in Yellow, developed during a 48-hour game jam, has seen over 200 million downloads since its 2020 release, demonstrating the potential for indie games to achieve massive success.
Yet, as more games flood these platforms, the competition for players’ attention has become fierce. The real challenge, as Team Terrible’s co-founder Greg Lee points out, isn’t building the game; it’s getting people to play it and making money from it.
Despite these hurdles, Scotland’s gaming industry continues to thrive. With companies like 4J Studios branching into publishing and new developers making waves, the country is on the brink of becoming one of the world’s top gaming hubs. If Scotland can maintain its current trajectory, it may soon be known not only for its developers but also for its publishers, contributing significantly to the global gaming economy.
