Majority of Scottish kids want career in gaming

Kids in Scotland would rather get into the gaming industry than become a professional athlete, doctor or nurse.

That's according to a study by Barclays which found nearly 60% of eight to 18-year-olds would favour it as a job.

Over 70% would rather be part of the video game industry than a lawyer.

Scotland is well known for having a rich gaming history, with Rockstar North behind the $6bn franchise Grand Theft Auto.

The Edinburgh company originated in Dundee.

Gavin Smith, relationship director for tech and media at Barclays Business Banking, said: "It's encouraging to see more young people have the ambition to work in the video games sector, with the skills required to help the UK maintain its position as a gaming hub.

"Britain's gaming ecosystem is thriving, already employing nearly 50,000 people across the development, creation and publishing of some of the world's most exciting games.

"The Government has introduced tax credits for producers to encourage them to create and publish their games in the UK, and our loan acts as an advance on these credits, helping with vital cash flow in the early stages of a games development."

The survey also found 45% of youngsters find gaming more fun than the real world.

Julia Cwierz is a law graduate and was the UK's first recipient of the e-sports scholarship from the University of Roehampton in London.

She said: "This is going to create more jobs, with lawyers required to help professionals with contracts and media rights.

"I hope to find a position at a law firm specialising in e-sports and to become an expert in this relatively nascent field.

"There are plenty of other opportunities for passionate gamers to explore careers in the wider sector and so far, I have found it to be a friendly, collaborative industry eager to help the next generation turn their hobby into a career.''

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