Every year, The List magazine produces it’s Hot 100 list of the people who have contributed significantly to Scotland’s cultural and creative year.
In the 2013 list, the number 1 slot was awarded, collectively to Rockstar North, recognising the company’s work on Grand Theft Auto. Simon Meek, the driving force behind Story Mechanics hit number 33, for their work on the digital adaptation of The 39 Steps.
The magazine has just released the 2014 Hot 100 and two Scottish-based game creators feature.
Sophia George, the V&A Museum’s first-ever game designer in residence, BAFTA Breakthrough Brit and Dare to be Digital winner makes the list at number 98 for her work with the museum and the creation of the William Morris inspired iPad title, Strawberry Thief.
Space Budgie hits the list at number 73, for their innovative and quirky titles including 3D shooter Glitchspace and the experimental exploration of Light in the Night.
Congratulations to Sophia and the Space Budgie team for their well-deserved recognition.
However, given the increasing number of companies working in Scotland’s games sector and the growing number of games being released, we can’t help but be disappointed that so few Scottish game creators are recognised as contributing to the country’s cultural output.
Is this a result of the Scottish media’s ongoing lack of engagement with the country’s games sector? Or the industry’s ongoing lack of engagement with the country’s media? Both?
Given the fact the Hot 100 list covers comedians, actors, film, television, literature, poetry, food, dance, fine art, performing arts, music, design and craft beer, it seems unlikely that they’re unaware, unfamiliar with or indifferent to the industry.
So where is the next big cultural contribution from the games sector?
We’ll include the best answers in the Scottish Games Network Annual Round Up 2014…
