summary of the Welsh Gaming Programme Launch
Here’s a breakdown of the key data from the provided text:
What is it?
* A new Gaming Academy Programme designed to help Welsh games companies grow.
* Fully funded by Creative wales and delivered by Tramshed Tech.
Who is it for?
* 12 games companies already receiving between £25,000 – £50,000 in advancement funding from Creative Wales.
* Companies located across Wales (from Caernarfon to Cardiff).
What does it offer?
* 8-month intensive support divided into two phases:
* Phase 1 (2 months): Accelerator program with workshops, mentoring, and a showcase event to refine business ideas.
* Phase 2 (6 months): Personalized mentoring, networking, and preparation for international events like Game Developers Conference and Gamescom.
* Business support in areas like business modelling, user research, market sizing, revenue planning, and pitch refinement.
Why is it critically important?
* Addresses a gap in commercial and investor support for Welsh gaming founders.
* Aims to maximize the impact of existing Creative Wales funding.
* leverages the growing UK and global gaming markets (£7.82 billion in the UK, £352 billion globally in 2023).
* supports the existing 77 digital companies already backed by Creative Wales.
Key Quotes:
* Jack Sargeant (Minister for creative): Focuses on providing a “complete package” – funding, mentoring, skills, and connections – to help Welsh games developers succeed.
* Sophie webber (Tramshed Tech): Highlights the need to bridge the gap between creative talent and commercial/investor support to enable global scaling.
* Henry Jones (Hypertonic Games): Emphasizes the importance of funding and support for navigating technical and commercial challenges in the VR gaming space.
* Alex Lightman (Good Gate Media): Highlights the boost provided by the combined funding and industry network.
In essence, this programme is a significant investment in the Welsh gaming industry, aiming to nurture local talent and position Wales as a competitive player in the global gaming market.