Two white papers that provide a snapshot of the British games industry and the growing cultural significance of video games have been launched this week at the European Computer Trade Show (ECTS), which has formed the core of London Games Week.
"Despite some turbulent times, we are remarkably privileged here in the UK to remain at the forefront of the games industry," said Roger Bennett, the Director General of ELSPA (Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association), the organisation behind the white papers.
"For over 20 years - since the days of Sir Clive Sinclair's ZX80 and later the ZX81 - the UK has innovated and excelled in the development of computer and video games." Bennett went on to claim the UK games industry has become one of the most influential sectors of the gaming world, with more development studios than most of the rest of Europe.
He also praised games such as Grand Theft Auto and the Tomb Raider series, both conceived on home ground, for helping bolster the UK market.
Lara Croft, who has stolen quite a few headlines recently, was also honoured as she, or rather her creator Toby Gard, entered the newly created ELSPA Hall of Fame, launched to duly recognise those who have helped put the UK games industry on the map. "Tomb Raider is the UK games industry's most successful export, doing more to promote games to a wider audience than perhaps any title previously," explained Bennett about the decision to honour the "first lady" of video gaming.
"Of course, the games success is down to many people, but we felt it right to reward the man with the original vision for igniting the spark that fuelled the fire," said Bennett. "The Hall of Fame is all about recording the achievements of extraordinary individuals - we want generations to come to know the talent of the industry trailblazers."
The second white paper cites how electronic entertainment is slowly becoming the medium of the moment, joining the long line of entertainment forms from campfire story-telling to TV and film that have enthralled and delighted us in their gripping worlds.
"I am confident that when future generations look back at the early years of the 21st Century, they will recognise this period as one of the most important in gaming," said Bennett. "Were not there yet, but much of what I have discussed points to the fact the industry truly is emerging as a dominant force in entertainment - not only in terms of value, but in terms of worth.
"We are often guilty of underselling ourselves; of feeling inferior to other industries more accepted by the mainstream. I firmly believe our time will shortly come."
- Don't forget to check out next week's Guardian Online section for all the ECTS highlights.
CHARTS
Official UK Leisure Software Charts (c) ELSPA compiled by Chart-Track
1) Eyetoy: Play (PS2) Sony - £39.99
2) Pokemon Ruby (GBA) Nintendo - £29.99
3) Pokemon Sapphire (GBA) Nintendo - £29.99
4) Tomb Raider: the Angel of Darkness (PS2, PC) Eidos Interactive - £34.99
5) The Sims (PC, PS2, Xbox, GM) Electronic Arts - £32.99
6) Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PC, PS2) Take 2 - £29.99
7) The Sims: Superstar (PC) Electronic Arts - £17.99
8) Norton Antivirus 2003 (PC) Symantec - £34.99
9) Norton Internet Security 2003 (PC) Symantec - £47.99
10) Harry Potter: The Chamber of Secrets (GBA, PS2, PL, PC) - £17.99
