UKIE and Tiga set for talks

The two UK games industry trade bodies are to start exploring common ground, MCV understands.

If successful, an alliance between the publishers’ group UKIE (ne ELSPA) and developer-only outfit Tiga could pave the way for a more unified organisation.

Both are hoping to host meetings later this month to explore how they can work closer. However this significant undertaking would need the buy-in of 20-odd UKIE and Tiga board members.

But these moves are still just tentative and at a delicate, very early stage.

Voices in both camps are keen to stress that in an evolving marketplace, the aim is to align interests and unite for the common good of the industry, not exploit a trade turf war.

One insider told MCV: This isn’t a peace process because we are not at war.”

Historically, the two have had contrasting aims and agendas given their very different membership.

Yet as both have recently widened their remit they have formed a closer link, especially around topics such as lobbying for tax relief.

The official line from both is that they are already proud of ‘regular contact’ with each other.

The two would certainly be formidable if operating under one name.

And such a move would be welcomed by figures both inside and outside of the industry.

Ministers and commentators have regularly suggested the two merge.

Just this week the Livingstone-Hope Report on industry skills said the two must provide a ‘united voice’ to Government.

Only then will it be able to effect change,” the Review said.