"The games industry has come a long way in a short time. Its social, cultural and economic impact on society is finally being recognised in government and mainstream media. From my experiences with Games Workshop, Fighting Fantasy, Eidos, working with government and investing in independent game studios, I hope I will be able to inspire a new generation of talent to join this fantastic industry. Not only is it a great career choice, it can also be financially rewarding and is always a huge amount of fun!"

Ian Livingstone OBE
Life President, Eidos Interactive

Games Britannia - Opening Ceremony

The co-author of the Livingstone-Hope Next Gen report in 2011, which prompted the government to address ICT in schools, will officially open the Games Britannia videogames festival.

We'd love for you to join us at our exclusive opening ceremony on Monday, 2nd July 2012, 9:15am at Magna Science Adventure Centre.

Ian will give an a very visual, entertaining and inspirational account of his career as an entrepreneur in the 1970s setting up Games Workshop, creating the multi-million selling Fighting Fantasy game books, and talking about the video game industry's past, present and future, with particular reference to a digital icon - Lara Croft.

Ian's "Life is a Game" will touch upon the value of intellectual properties, his role in the changes in government policy on ICT, career opportunities and why the new digital landscape requires new skills and access to finance for the next generation of creative talent to succeed, building on the great legacy of the UK's trailblazing developers.

Games Britannia: Schools Videogame Festival and Games Britannia: Replayed - education, careers, arts, culture, games! 

Led by Brinsworth Comprehensive School Academy Trust, Games Britannia is a partnership that includes Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Sheffield Hallam University, Replay Events and UK Interactive Entertainment, and is backed by SONY Computer Entertainment Europe, YoYo Games, Channel 4 and Autodesk.