Minister celebrates 'Silicon Spa' in Leamington

The Minister of Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey (centre) with Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White (left) and Kwalee founder David Darling during the visit to Kwalee in Leamington on Friday. (s)

LEAMINGTON'S status as 'Silicon Spa' in the computer games industry was celebrated by government minister Ed Vaizey during his visit to the area on Friday (January 25)

The MP, minister for creative industries, visited three different computer game makes during the morning – Kwalee, Blitz and Playground – before stopping off at Warwickshire College's Trident Centre, which runs a computer games course.

Later, accompanied by Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White, he gave a speech outlining the government's policy of attempting to get video games tax relief set up in the UK to support the sector.

A roundtable discussion on the future of the video games sector, titled 'Silicion Spa: Creating a global brand for video games in Leamington Spa' was also held, attended by video games publishers, representatives from the local authority as well as staff and students from Warwickshire College, including its principal Mariane Cavalli.

Speaking about the visit, Mr Vaizey said: “The UK has a proud history of video game production, and it’s brilliant to see this being carried forward by the vibrant hub of companies in Leamington."

Chris White added: “I am delighted the minister has chosen to visit Leamington, highlighting the leading role our town is playing in this growth industry."

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