InGAME International: The China Games Market for UK Game Studios

This event will provide games industry professionals with an opportunity to learn about current research into the China games market.

InGAME International is an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded project led by Abertay University in partnership with Shanghai Academy of Social Science, Shanghai Theatre Company, Communication University of Zhejiang, and InGAME.

We are inviting representatives of the UK games industry to participate in this first InGAME International Information Event.

Our project aims to identify the barriers UK developers face when considering collaboration, co-production, or market access in China. We have been conducting initial research with industry and are now looking to share early findings at this event.

Additionally, we will provide information on the longer term vision of the project, including plans to develop guidance, support mechanisms, and funded exchanges to China for the UK sector.

Participation

Attendance is free and will be hosted on Zoom. All attendees will have the opportunity to listen to three live talks and to ask questions of the project team.

Attendees who wish to participate in a focussed discussion will have the option to join a 45-minute industry roundtable at the end of the event. This roundtable will be an opportunity to share your own experiences, interests, or concerns about accessing the Chinese market from the point of view of a UK studio, which will be invaluable to the development of the project.

About the Arts and Humanities Research Council

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funds world-class, independent researchers in a wide range of subjects: history, archaeology, digital content, philosophy, languages, design, heritage, area studies, the creative and performing arts, and much more. The quality and range of research supported by this investment of public funds not only provides social and cultural benefits and contributes to the economic success of the UK but also to the culture and welfare of societies around the globe.

About InGAME

Led by Abertay University, in partnership with the University of Dundee and the University of St Andrews, InGAME delivers innovative research and R&D support to games companies in Dundee and beyond. InGAME is part of the Creative Industries Cluster Programme, funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council and part of the Industrial Strategy. We also receive significant funding from the Scottish Funding Council.

SCHEDULE

09.00-09.20 ARRIVALS

Charly Harbord will welcome attendees logging in to Zoom

09.20-09.40 Welcome and Introducing InGAME International

Robin Sloan will present an introduction to the InGAME International project and its aim to support UK industry in advancing creative and business interests in China. This will include an overview of support opportunities that will be directed to UK studios.

09.40-10.00 Regulation and localisation in China

Hayley Brown will draw on current research to present a summary of key issues around regulation and localisation that will be of interest to UK companies.

10.00-10.20 Prototyping for the UK and China Market

Martin Lynagh will discuss three pilot case studies of game prototypes developed with the UK-China markets in mind, and the regulatory, cultural, and market challenges raised.

10.20-10.40 Creative Co-Production between UK and China

Lynn Love will discuss an ongoing co-production project exploring social play design for both UK and China markets and involving creative input from both UK and China games companies.

10.40-10.55 Questions for the InGAME International Team

Chaired by Charly Harbord

10.55-11.00 Wrap Up and Invitation to Submit Feedback/Questions

Robin Sloan

11.00-11.15 BREAK

11.15-12.00 Industry Roundtable:

What support do UK companies need to do business in China?

Co-chaired by Hailey Austin and Hayley Brown, games industry participants will be invited to discuss their own experiences, concerns, and expected support requirements with respect to potential engagement with the Chinese market/China-based publishers.