The Dundee Effect: Elevating Industries Beyond Gaming | Playable Futures

This series of Playable Futures articles examines the influence of video game design, technology, and theory on the wider world. The city of Dundee is a notable example of a game industry hub, with a unique blend of creative culture and technological innovation. The city's economy was initially built on manufacturing and electronic engineering, but the decline of these industries in the 1980s paved the way for the emergence of the games industry. The city's strong commercial art tradition, particularly in comics and greetings cards, also played a significant role in shaping the local games industry. The establishment of DMA Design in 1987 by David Jones marked the beginning of Dundee's games industry, which has since grown to include a diverse range of studios and talent. The city is now home to a thriving community of game developers, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration. The local universities, including Abertay University, University of Dundee, and St. Andrews, have been instrumental in supporting the growth of the games industry, with initiatives such as the InGAME program. The city's games industry is also having a positive impact on other local industries, such as broadcast, animation, and TV production, with many companies setting up operations in Dundee to take advantage of the city's talent and facilities. As the games industry continues to evolve, Dundee is well-positioned to remain a leading hub, with a strong focus on real-time technologies and innovation. The city's future-facing ecosystem is expected to have a tangible impact on the local economy, with many emerging sectors, such as online publishing and healthcare innovation, set to benefit from the city's expertise in game development. According to Gregor White, Professor of Applied Creativity and Director of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab, the game industry is supporting and fostering other local industries, resulting in a snowball effect that will attract more companies and industries to the city. Chris van der Kuyl, co-founder and chairman of 4J Studios, agrees, stating that games are helping to secure Dundee's future as a hub for education, creativity, technology, and innovation. The city's unique blend of creative culture, technological innovation, and collaborative spirit is expected to continue to drive growth and development in the games industry and beyond.