Channel 4 will launch a new game publishing arm in Glasgow this summer to support the work of new creative talent in mobile games industry.
The new division will be headed by Colin Macdonald, current Games Commissioning Editor at Channel 4. Macdonald, who was appointed in 2011, is also one of the founder members of Dundee games company Realtime Worlds.
Over the past few years, Scotland is moving quickly towards becoming a major game development center in the UK. Dozens of games developers already have their studios in Scotland, one of them being the famous Rockstar Games, the creator of Grand Theft Auto.
Channel 4 is planning to initially create four new positions for All 4 Games in Glasgow. The broadcaster will work to create a network of games developed by both, Channel 4 publishing arm as well as third-party developers. All employees in the Glasgow publishing division will report to Macdonald, who himself will report to Richard Davidson-Houston and Sarah Rose. Richard is the Head of All 4 & Digital Content on Editorial Strategy while Sarah Rose is the Director of Commercial & Business Development on Commercial Strategy.
Once All 4 Games starts running smoothly, mobile games will made available at app stores for download. All these games will be promoted under All 4 Games brand. Some of the popular games published so far under All 4 banner include Reverse the Odds, Made in Chelsea, The Snowman and The Snowdog, and Million Pound Drop.
"Channel 4 is renowned for working with growing creative companies and I'm delighted that we're able to throw even more of its weight behind the games industry." said Macdonald.
"The big challenge for mobile developers is getting their games out there and finding an audience. However, the big publishers will only take on a couple of titles at a time, plus they'll take 50% and all the intellectual property rights." Macdonald explained.
Jason Kingsley, Chairman of games trade association TIGA, has welcomed Channel 4's new proposition to support British gaming industry and independent games developers. Trade Organisation UKIE has also welcomed the move.
"This is a much needed and fantastic commitment from a major broadcaster who has recognised the power of games to reach huge audiences." said Jo Twist, CEO of UKIE.
Macdonald has also revealed that
the company will get a token share of 15% from publishers. In return, publishers will be offered distribution and promotion expertise that they might be lacking.
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