Outside events and tricky ‘community’ websites are all very well, but the UK industry has been crying out for a simple, easy-to-use online networking destination for years: and MCV is pleased to announce that it’s finally here.

The Video Gaming Industry Executives portal on LinkedIn has already attracted 400 high profile members from across the country – a number that continues to grow.

Created and moderated by recruitment specialist Aardvark Swift, the group counts a swathe of powerful UK and global industry executives amongst its members, including CEOs, chairmen, managing directors, general managers and marketing directors from some of the biggest names in the gaming industry.

With many industry execs already signed up to LinkedIn – dubbed ‘Facebook for professionals’ by users – it’s no surprise to see the one-click registration prove so popular.

Aardvark Swift’s Michael Hobson told MCV: “I started the group after searching through current gaming ‘networks’, but there was nothing that really served the publishing sector like this.

“Our group is great for growing a network of publishing and commercial contacts. In terms of benefits, people can search and use the group to contact members worldwide – which should be a great business tool when contacting prospective suppliers or business partners.

“The group is useful for arranging meetings, carrying out research, getting business and recruitment advice, forming new relationships and re-establishing contact with previous colleagues.

“It’s for UK execs in particular – and in the absence of a dedicated UK trade event like ECTS, a group like this should help people keep in touch.”

To request to join the group, you must first register with Linked In. Then follow this link to the Video Gaming Executives page.

Top execs have already signed up to The Video Gaming Industry Executives group from the following companies:

20th Century Fox, Activision, Atari, BBC, Brash Codemasters, Disney, Eidos, Electronic Arts, Gem, Hasbro, Joytech, Koch, LucasArts, Lunch PR, Mad Catz, Microsoft, Midway, MTV, Namco Bandai, NCsoft, Nintendo, Orange, Rare, Rising Star, Sega, SkyGames, THQ, Sony, Square Enix, TT Games, Ubisoft, Vivendi.