Category: Scotland

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An Open Letter to the Scottish Government: Unlocking Scotland’s £1 Billion Interactive Future (In The First 100 Days…)

Scotland's Games Action Plan: Scottish Parliament Chamber. National Games Debate.

Following the conclusion of the 2026 elections and the formation of the new Scottish Government cabinet, the Scottish Games Network has formally briefed the First Minister and their ministerial team on the immediate economic, cultural, and social opportunities waiting within our national games ecosystem. To ensure absolute transparency and to foster a truly collaborative approach …

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A Home for Play: National Museum Of Scotland Launches Public Survey For Permanent Games Exhibition

Retro Game Controllers. National Museum of Scotland.

For years I have been asking the quesstion: How do we protect, preserve and celebrate Scotland's games heritage? The announcement of the recent videogame heritage PhD studentship in partnership with Abertay University, the University of Glasgow, and National Museums Scotland (NMS) was a massive step forward. Today, that momentum takes another major leap forward. National …

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Speculative Worlds: Cymera 2026 Is The Ultimate Fantasy Playground

Cymera 2026 collage.

Speculative fiction and game design have always shared a common heritage. If you examine the foundations of modern narrative design, the link to sci-fi, fantasy, and horror is obvious. In an era where players expect increasingly complex, system-driven storytelling, the ability to build cohesive and convincing worlds is one of the most valuable skillsets in …

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Happy 21st Birthday SGN! From A Yahoo Group To A Unanimous Parliament (And The Architecting Of Scotland’s Interaction Economy)

Scottish Games Network 21st Anniversary

Apparently, the Scottish Games Network is officially 21 today. If SGN were a person, that means we are a cool three years past our first legal pint, well over our wild teenage years, and firmly staring down the barrel of responsible adulthood. In games terms, twenty-one years is not just a milestone - it is …

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The Billion-Pound Ghost: Why Project Pathfinder is the Economic Firewall Scotland’s Games Sector Needs

Project Pathfinder: Scotland's Interaction Economy

Project Pathfinder: Last week, the Herald published its list of the 50 most powerful people in Scottish arts and culture. It was an impressive collection of talent - but it was also a perfect snapshot of why the interactive sector remains a 'billion-pound ghost' in our national policy. Despite being one of the most successful …

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Opinion: The Invisible Powerhouse – Why The Herald’s Culture 50 Has An Interactive Blind Spot

50 most powerful people in Scottish arts and culture. Glasgow cone.

This is a fantastic list. Truly. As I read through The Herald’s 50 most powerful people in Scottish arts and culture (Paywall), I see names that represent the very best of our nation – musicians, producers, actors, and advocates who have fought to keep Scotland’s creative heart beating during some of the toughest years in …

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Protecting Our Legacy: Why This New PhD is the First Step Toward a National Collection for Scottish Games

Scottish Games Heritage. Retro Videogames

I am delighted to welcome the announcement of a fully funded PhD research studentship, which is now open for applications. Developing a Framework for a National Collection of Scottish Games Heritage is a collaboration between Abertay University, the University of Glasgow, and National Museums Scotland (NMS). This is a significant milestone in our journey to …

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Putting Games at the Heart of the National Tech Debate

Scottish Parliament. National Conversations Tech and AI Hustings

On Thursday evening, I will be taking a seat at the high table of the national political debate. I have been invited to join the National Conversations Tech and AI Hustings, providing a critical opportunity to ensure the games sector is visible at a policy level. The event, which brings together representatives from Scotland’s major …

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What The New UK Government’s £30M Games Funding Means For Scotland

Scotland's Games Cross-Party Group & Games Action Plan

This week's announcement of a £30 million Games Growth Package by the UK Government marks a significant moment of recognition for the interactive sector. With the doubling of the UK Games Fund (UKGF) to £28.5 million and the introduction of grants up to £250,000, Westminster has finally acknowledged the importance (and potential) of the £8.8 …

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Room to Play 2026: Tinderbox Collective Issues Call for Emerging Creators to Explore Interactive Art

Rom To Play 2026

The entirely awesome Tinderbox Collective has announced the return of its Room to Play programme for 2026, inviting a new cohort of emerging artists, coders, and game developers to collaborate on interactive experiences and digital performances. The initiative, which sits at the intersection of music, technology, and play, is seeking participants aged 18-26 who are …

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