A GAMES firm that helps players drive digital trains across America is to take on 20 staff as it increases its Scottish workforce.
Dovetail Games, which has offices in Chatham and Stirling, announced moves to almost double its Scottish team yesterday.
The 40 per cent increase in headcount will be funded by a £200,000 regional selective assistance (RSA) package from development agency Scottish Enterprise.
The company specialises in simulator games that allow players to drive freight across the US or carry passengers on Germany’s railways.
It also produces flight simulators and fishing titles.
Chief executive officer Paul Jackson said: “The interactive entertainment industry is one of the most exciting places to be right now.
“We are known for our passion in creating and publishing world-class content that is globally exported.
“Securing this RSA funding means we can grow our Stirling team and evolve our business in line with our ambitions. Scotland is a fantastic business location for us, especially as we know the talent we want to recruit is on our doorstep.”
The country’s computer games sector currently employs around 1100 people, generating a turnover of £93 million.
Anke Heggie, head of company growth at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Scotland has an abundance of creative and digital companies with global growth ambitions.
“Dovetail Games is a great example of a business where our tailored and strategic support allows the company to accelerate its growth to the next level. Support like this is critical for the long term future of Scotland’s creative industries.”
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, who toured the Stirling facilities yesterday, said: “This expansion is an exciting development for our creative industries, and will no doubt help attract even more talent to Scotland.
“Dovetail is an ambitious and innovative company succeeding in our flourishing video games sector. Scottish Enterprise funding will help grow its Scottish operation.”
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