Scotland is hosting one of the world’s most influential video games summits for the first time, as the DICE Europe conference gets underway in Edinburgh this week.
The event has brought together 150 senior industry leaders from across the globe and is being supported by the Scottish Government.
Nintendo’s Managing Executive Officer Satoru Shibata is among the headline speakers, having been personally invited by First Minister John Swinney.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes will welcome delegates at an opening reception at Edinburgh Castle, where violinist Nicola Benedetti will perform.
Discussions will focus on Scotland’s growing role in global gaming, as well as the future impact of artificial intelligence on game development.
Scotland is now home to 130 gaming companies, with annual turnover reaching £340 million.
Employment in the sector has more than doubled since 2015, rising from just over 1,000 people to more than 2,100.
First Minister John Swinney said the industry’s growth was transforming how the world sees Scottish talent.
“These companies are not just creating games played by millions worldwide,” he said.
“They are creating skilled jobs, attracting international investment and positioning Scotland as a global hub for digital innovation.”
He said the country’s transformation from just 15 studios a decade ago to over 130 today showed how quickly the sector was expanding.
“This growth directly supports our mission to raise living standards in every part of Scotland and cement our reputation as a centre of creative excellence,” said Mr Swinney.
Chris van der Kuyl, Chair of 4J Studios and a key figure in bringing DICE to Scotland, said it marked a major moment for the industry.
“It’s monumental so many of the industry’s top figures are gathering in Scotland,” he said.
He added that Scotland’s reputation would only strengthen in the months ahead.
“With the forthcoming release of GTA 6 and our own new game Reforj, alongside incredible output from studios across the country, Scotland is well placed to lead the way and have an outsized impact on the global stage,” he said.
Scotland is home to some of the world’s most recognisable gaming titles and continues to attract international attention as a centre of creative and technical excellence.
