UKIE ‘deeply disappointed’ Tiga ruled out merger

UK games industry trade association UKIE says it is disappointed developers organisation Tiga rejected proposals to merge the two bodies.

But UKIE says it is hopeful the two can maintain a working relationship on the key issues that the industry faces in the very near future”.

MCV revealed at the start of February that UKIE was keen on the merger idea and was meeting with Tiga to see what could be done – but the developer organisation last week confirmed its board had voted against the suggestion it align itself much closer with UKIE.

In recent years, both had heard regular calls to unite for ‘one voice’ in the industry. Historically, the two had differing agendas and memberships – Tiga was formed for developers in late 2000 whereas UKIE, formerly ELSPA, was founded by publishers in the ‘80s.

But Government, industry execs and other commentators had suggested they double-up as the boundary between the two camps blurred, the audience widened and the industry returned to more democratic publishing models.

The board of UKIE are deeply disappointed that TIGA have ruled out potential talks to discuss forming one trade body to represent the entire UK games industry,” said a statement from UKIE today.

We would like to thank the TIGA board for their time and consideration of the matter and their CEO for informal talks and meetings over the past six months.

Furthermore UKIE’s board hopes that both trade associations can and will work together on the key issues that the industry faces in the very near future.

We have had a good track record of working together with TIGA, the latest example being our sharing of UKIE’s evidence for the government’s Growth Review back in December and hope that this collaborative working can continue, all be it as two separate associations for now.”