Britain is currently at the forefront of technological and industrial advances. One industry it dominates, but which is often overlooked, is the gaming industry with British companies developing some of the planet's most recognised computer games, be they played on your mobile device, on your desktop or via a console. Here are just some of the firms blazing a trail of red white and blue through the gaming sector, which at the end of 2019 was purported to be worth $152 billion worldwide.
Chances are your favourite game was developed right here in the UK
Rockstar North
Although part of an American-led group, Rockstar North based in Edinburgh have been at the forefront of some of the best games in recent history, developing none other than the Grand Theft Auto series as well as Max Payne and Red Dead Redemption. The company was only founded in 2002 but has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Home grown gaming is the best variety of gaming
Playtech
Playtech don't splash their name all over the titles they develop, but they are the driving force behind many of the games you come across in online casinos. Whether it's Age of the Gods or Jackpot Giant you're playing, this London Stock Exchange registered company is the biggest retailer of such games in the UK and one of the largest players on the world stage. The next time you find yourself taking advantage of a casino bonus, you can rest assured that it was most likely this British company that first breathed life into the games you're about to use it on.
Traveller's Tales
Based in charming Cheshire are Traveller's Tales, who are famous for making any computer game connected to the LEGO brand. Their biggest seller is LEGO Batman, but you may also have seen their LEGO Indiana Jones and LEGO Star Wars games. Rumour has it that even their Maidenhead offices are constructed of the well-known plastic bricks.
4J Studios
Riding high on the back of their hit game Minecraft, come 4J Studios. Again, based in Scotland, this company regularly clear up at industry award nights, raising a toast to their flagship game that has taken particularly the online gaming world by storm. As Britain rebuilds itself the country could do much worse than to look to Minecraft for inspiration, in how to start from scratch to create something that comes close to matching up to former glories.