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A new website called Channel Island Game Developers has been launched by the mind behind Lapin Logic, an educational games development company.
Paul Arnold, the MD of Lapin Logic, doesn’t think enough is being done in the Channel Islands to encourage game development and has launched his website with the hopes of generating some local momentum.
It comes after Mr Arnold launched a Facebook page to centralise the game development community that has slowly been building in the Channel Islands.
“We’re hoping that groups will form within this community and people will end up setting up their own companies, much like I did with Lapin Logic Ltd,” said Mr Arnold.
“There is a news section on the website which is where we intend to post articles about the games the members are working on. Currently we have 132 members both old and young on our Facebook page of which some of our members have been involved in the games industry since the 1970’s.”
The group’s first physical meeting was held earlier this year in Jersey.
“This is clearly an industry with merit but at this time it is unfortunate that none of the Channel Islands have a games industry to speak of.”
He said there are numerous reasons why the islands lack a games industry, including; a lack of government backing, a game development course only recently being set up in the islands, a lack of encouragement from the digital sphere, and little to no funding from local investors in this area.
Despite this, Mr Arnold said: “I have been extremely impressed by the enthusiasm and talent that our group members have exhibited already. I think with the right encouragement there is every chance that the Channel Islands could soon have a thriving independent game development scene, much like the one in Brighton.
“The good thing about ‘creatives ’in general is that there is very little rivalry between them. They just want to create, help one another and discuss ideas. Obviously they also want to earn a living from what they create but that is not the only goal they have. I am very excited to see how this evolves for the enhancement of the Channel Islands."
The website has been sponsored by Dr Nigel Roberts from ‘channelisles.net’ and you can visit the site HERE.
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