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Department for Culture Media and Sport

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computer and video games

Since 2005, we have jointly sponsored the computer and video games sector with the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR).

 

DCMS takes a lead role specifically on classification issues for media. In keeping with the partnership approach BERR is closely involved in this as it relates to games.

BERR manages the Government's business relations with the games industry and takes the lead role on the broad range of competitiveness issues affecting it. DCMS looks to where it can add value to this, particularly from the creative, cultural and social perspective. 

The UK computer games market remains the third largest in the world after the US and Japan with the highest number of games development companies and publishers in Europe. The UK’s console market is the largest in Europe - far bigger than the second (France) and the third (Germany) put together.

Currently there are approximately 150 development studios operating in the UK employing 6,000 people. In 2006, the UK computer games industry recorded sales of £1.6 billion, a 1% increase on 2005. 

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The Byron Review
Announced by the Prime Minister, Dr. Tanya Byron's review in to computer games and internet safety reports jointly in to DCMS and the Department for children, schools & families (DSCF).

Image: Dr. Tanya Byron - Link to Byron Review


The review examines how to help parents and their children get the best from new technologies while protecting children from inappropriate or potentially harmful material. 

Take part in the review online.