A BAFTA-nominated digital entertainment company looks set to help Wales claim its own corner of the UK gaming industry after re-locating from the traditional gamers’ haven of Dundee, Scotland.
Cohort Studios Ltd is due to release its latest offering for use on mobile devices, including Apple’s iPhone and iPad, from its new base at the Welsh Innovation Centre for Enterprise (ICE) in Caerphilly.
The Scottish Bafta nominated outfit has created four jobs since it arrived in Wales last October after Welsh ICE supported its relocation.
CEO and Creative Director Darran Thomas said moving to Wales could not have come at a better time as the industry adjusts to new ways in which games are both sold and consumed.
Now Cohort’s Playstation minis and iOS game Monster Hear Me Roar! will be followed in 2013 by a new free to play racing game supported by £24,480 from the Welsh Government’s Digital Development Fund (DDF).
Darran, who founded the company in Dundee in 2006, said: “The growth in mobile and tablet gaming has caused huge disruption, with new ways to play and interact, and most significantly different models for generating revenue. It’s an exciting time to be developing games as an independent studio, with lower barriers to entry, new challenges and opportunities.
“This is partly why I took the decision to relocate to my home country of Wales, where there is increased awareness and focus on the digital economy, especially in terms of support provided to businesses. Welsh ICE has helped gain access to like-minded businesses and experts who are helping us adapt to a new era in digital gaming, while development of our new game was supported through the Welsh Government DDF .”
Formerly the third largest developer in Scotland, Cohort Studios’ previous experience is in developing for the PlayStation range and PC platforms, but its focus now is on high quality mobile experiences. In coming to Wales, the company joins a handful of developers already based in areas including Bridgend, Swansea and Aberystwyth.
Welsh ICE co-founder Gareth Jones said the company’s arrival at the social enterprise centre in Caerphilly, which offers all-round support and subsidised accommodation to companies of all backgrounds, shows just how diverse the Welsh business scene is becoming.
Gareth said: “Welsh ICE has helped more than 30 businesses working across the retail, charitable, IT, sporting and other sectors to bring revenue, jobs and a stronger business profile to Caerphilly and Wales as a whole since the centre opened in summer 2012.
“Cohort’s arrival just goes to show that these kind of hidden gems are increasingly becoming the norm across the ever changing landscape of businesses in Wales. There is a truly inspiring community growing which is able to encourage a new generation of start-up businesses to explore their ideas in, amongst like-minded individuals.”
The DDF was extended in April last year after more than 100 businesses showed interest in total funding of £2million released to offer digital enterprises grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 for various purposes.
Business Minister Edwina Hart said: ”Creative industries is a key priority sector of the Welsh economy and the Digital Development Fund is designed to support products and services that can be exploited across multiple digital platforms and in international markets.
“It’s good to hear that Cohort Studios has joined the growing number of highly talented companies in Wales working in the rapidly expanding games development market and benefiting from the Fund.”