Leading figures in the UK games industry have talked of their delight after the Prime Minister noted the sector’s cultural and financial contribution to Britain.

Tony Blair delivered an address to representatives of arts and creative industries from the UK at the Tate Modern in London – including representatives from interactive entertainment and gaming.

Blair said: “Culture spans so many disciplines. I am very much aware of the contribution from every quarter. There is not a sector represented which has not contributed to the renaissance of British culture.”

He also noted that the Government had increased its funding to the creative industries by 100 per cent since 1997.

Speaking after Blair’s presentation, director general of ELSPA Paul Jackson said: “It is good to hear the Prime Minister’s speech and the Government’s recognition of the creative industries in Britain and their contribution to the culture and essence of the country.

"The games industry is a proud member of these industries. The talent and creativity that our industry houses and nurtures is what makes the games industry a part of Britain’s cultural heritage, and more specifically, an important asset in Britain’s creative and cultural future

“We continue to produce ground breaking technological breakthroughs and are continually making quantum leaps with creative achievement that delivers fiscal value for UK PLC.”

Creative Director of Eidos Ian Livingstone added: “The games industry is a great British success story, employing roughly 25,000 people and contributing over £2 billion per annum to the economy.

"We make original and innovative games that sell around the world and whilst we have achieved most of this without significant contribution from Government, we welcome the Prime Minister’s view that games are very much part of creative Britain both culturally and economically and look forward to his continued support.

"Games are now viewed more positively and as the industry matures, the appeal of games is broadening with more and more people, young and old, male and female, enjoying games on many different devises as part of their entertainment mix."