TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, said today that the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona showed that innovation was intensifying in the mobile phones sector.

More than 74,000 people are attending the trade show which showcases the very latest phones from most of the big players in the industry.

The unveiling of the new Firefox mobile operating system has attracted much attention, opening up potential new markets for game developers. TIGA believe that the low-cost nature of the operating system will further increase the take up of smartphones.

Another innovation that has been attracting attention is LG's demonstration of video streaming in 4K, allowing for ultra HD over Wi-Fi to phones. This would allow for game streaming services to turn phones into gaming machines that more than match up to home consoles.

AR spectacles, similar to Google Glass, are also turning heads. It demonstrates the talent within the mobile space and the continuing innovation in the sector.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 has also been a massive launch. It brings the S Pen stylus on to a smaller tablet which could open up Nintendo DS style gaming on a smaller pad.

Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, said:

“The Mobile Games Congress in Barcelona showed the extent of innovation that is taking place in the mobile phones sector. Innovation is being driven by intense competition and this is good for consumers and developers. Manufacturers are devising new ways for people to interact with their phones such as wearable technology in a similar vein to Google Glass. They also look to producing faster handsets and better streaming capabilities as well as different display qualities and enhanced sound capabilities.

“As smartphones and tablets evolve into powerful game platforms, top tier mobile games increasingly resemble console games. UK studios with their great experience in console development are well suited to take advantage of these increasingly powerful and innovative devices.”

Jason Kingsley OBE, TIGA Chairman and CEO and Creative Director at Rebellion, said:

“A massive show like the MWC in Barcelona shows just how important new technology and new games experiences are to the tech sector. Hardware, no matter how innovative, needs great software to give it a purpose.”

TIGA research from 2012 showed that there were 134 British games businesses making games for mobile in the UK today, providing work for nearly 960 highly skilled development staff and contributing £98.5 million to UK GDP. In 2011 these studios released or updated 460 titles.

About TIGA:

TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. Since 2010, TIGA has won 14 business awards and has been nominated a finalist for 16 other awards.  

TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business.  We focus on three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members.  This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

For further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email: richard.wilson@tiga.org .