UK gov't to fund future devs, with help from game industry

Several video game companies in the UK, including Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and Ubisoft Reflections, have come together with the British government to fund the next generation of UK game designers. The Next Gen Skills Academy, which will also fund visual effects and animation up-and-comers alongside game designers, has secured nearly £6.5 million ($10.6 million) of investment from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. Now this new group will look to offer new entry level qualifications, higher level apprenticeships, short courses and online learning opportunities for video game designers. The aim is to build up the skills in young people that employers at game studios are looking for. Over the next three years, the government will supply an additional £2.7 million ($4.4 million) to the fund, while various involved employers will provide a further £3.6 million ($5.9 million) in investment. "This announcement builds on the Government's commitment to the video games industry," reads a statement from the group.