SCOTLAND'S computer games industry contributes almost £100 million to the UK economy, according to a new report.
The analysis found that it contributes £99m to the UK's GDP.
Many of the developers are clustered in Dundee, while Rockstar North, which created the acclaimed Grand Theft Auto series is in Edinburgh.
The Independent Game Developers Association (TIGA) said the number of jobs in the industry has returned to 2008 levels, with a rise of seven per cent in 2013 representing a five year high. There are now at least 94 games development studios, a rise of 16 per cent year on year, figures show. There has also been a 26 per cent jump in the number of people directly employed by the games industry from 766 to 964.
The report found that Scotland now represents 11.4 per cent of the UK's total games companies, up from 8.8 per cent in 2012, and 9.7 per cent of the UK's total developer headcount, up from nine per cent in 2012. The total Scottish games industry headcount is 2,726, representing 10 per cent of the entire UK videogame industry headcount.
Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA chief executive said tax relief for games makers would help the sector to achieve its potential.
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