Video games graduates have more than doubled in five years
“We need to continue to increase the supply of highly skilled games graduates," says TIGA CEO
The number of students graduating with a video game degree has doubled in the past five years, according to figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).
Since 2012/13, the number has leapt 116 per cent, up from 595 graduates to 1,290. However, these figures to not include students studying video game art and animation courses.
The growth in graduates is accompanied by growth in the sector as a whole. According to trade body TIGA, the video games industry is growing at 7 per cent per annum, with the majority of new roles requiring people with university education and industry-ready skills.
TIGA's CEO, Dr Richard Wilson welcomed the news, saying there was a high demand for skilled graduates given the industry's continuing growth.
"Universities have different success rates when it comes to graduates securing roles in our industry," he said.
"The TIGA University Accreditation System was introduced to recognise the very best undergraduates and postgraduate university courses, enabling students and industry to find those courses that are developing industry-ready graduates and strengthening the link between industry and academia.
"18 universities have secured TIGA University Accreditation status. Up to 67 per cent of graduates on some TIGA Accredited courses are securing jobs in the games industry.
"We need to continue to increase the supply of highly skilled games graduates, encourage more women to consider a career in the sector and work with our universities to ensure that the UK is the best place in the world to develop video games."