Jim Wallace, Scotland's Enterprise Minister, returned from a visit in late October to promote Scotland’s excellence in computer games technology. Mr Wallace met with Robbie Bach, the vice-president of Microsoft, to examine possible investment opportunities in Scotland.

Mr Wallace said Scotland had a growing reputation in the computer games sector thanks to Dundee companies such as Denki and Real Time Worlds, as well as the University of Abertay, which was the first place in the world to offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in computer games technology.

“For a small country, Scotland is punching above its weight in computer games development, and has an inter- national reputation for excellence in the digital media arena,” said Mr Wallace. "Scotland is home to a number of internationally known firms such as Rockstar Games, Denki, Real Time Worlds and DMA Design, with several of the world’s top selling games developed here.

“The digital media and creative industries are one of Scotland’s most vital sectors, and employ nearly 7% of our workforce – a higher proportion than any other part of the UK, outside London and the South East. It is worth around £5 billion to the Scottish economy, or 4.5% of out GDP.”

Mr Wallace added that the sector was expected to continue growing quickly and he hoped this would encourage companies of Microsoft’s stature to invest in Scotland.

“In Scotland we are ahead of the game in exploiting the new digital media technologies, which studies show have the potential to grow at 10% to 20% each year. I want to use my meeting with the games chief of Microsoft to promote Scotland and the opportunities that exist here.”

“With a mix of skills, innovation and technology, Scotland is well-placed to allow the digital media sector to thrive.”