UKIE launches Interactive Entertainment Scotland

UKIE has launched Interactive Entertainment Scotland (IES), a new, dedicated Scottish body designed to “champion the country’s rapidly growing games sector.”

Announced on September 17, 2025, the IES will serve as the “primary voice” for Scottish game companies, working directly with the Scottish government and local stakeholders to advocate for policies that support the continued growth of the country’s game industry.

As part of UKIE, IES members will benefit from Scotland-specific expertise and access to the body’s full range of services and advocacy efforts.

“Scotland has always been a vital part of the UK’s games success story,” said Nick Poole, CEO of UKIE.

“The launch of Interactive Entertainment Scotland recognises the sector’s maturity and importance north of the border. IES will provide the focused, local representation that Scottish studios deserve while maintaining the collective strength that comes from being part of the UK’s broader games ecosystem.”

IES will focus on supporting business growth, attracting investment to Scotland, and developing talent pipelines through partnerships with universities and colleges.

“The formation of a dedicated trade body to champion and collaborate across Scotland’s globally renowned games sector is both timely and important,” said Scotland’s minister for business and employment, Richard Lochhead.

“As the birthplace of globally significant titles from Lemmings to Grand Theft Auto and home to companies involved in globally significant titles such as Minecraft, the games industry in Scotland has undergone meteoric growth.

“It now comprises of 130 computer game enterprises, compared to just 15 in 2010, while the number of people working in the industry has doubled from 1,045 in 2015 to 2,125 in 2023.

“I look forward to working closely with Interactive Entertainment Scotland to build even further on these remarkable achievements.”