NINTENDO’S managing executive officer will speak at a global gaming summit taking place in Scotland for the first time.
The DICE Europe conference, supported by the Scottish Government, will bring 150 leading industry figures to Edinburgh for three days of talks and events.
Satoru Shibata from the Japanese gaming giant was personally invited to address delegates by First Minister John Swinney.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes will open the summit at a reception in Edinburgh Castle, where guests will be entertained by violinist Nicola Benedetti.
Roundtables will explore Scotland’s rapid rise in the sector and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on future game development.
Scotland is now home to 130 gaming companies with an annual turnover of £340 million and the industry’s workforce has more than doubled since 2015, rising from 1045 to 2125 employees.
Swinney said Scotland’s success showed how quickly the nation’s talent could compete on the global stage.
“Scotland's gaming industry is experiencing extraordinary growth that demonstrates our nation's capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said.
“The transformation from 15 companies to 130 in just over a decade shows how quickly Scottish talent can compete on the global stage and create real economic value for our communities.
“These companies are not just creating games played by millions worldwide – they are creating skilled jobs, attracting international investment, and positioning Scotland as a global hub for digital innovation.
“This growth directly supports our mission to raise living standards in every part of Scotland and cement our reputation as a centre of creative excellence.”
Chris van der Kuyl, chairman of 4J Studios and co-organiser of the event, described the gathering as “monumental.”
“It’s monumental so many of the industry’s top figures are gathering in Scotland,” he said.
“After a couple of challenging years worldwide, confidence and growth prospects have returned to the sector.
“With the forthcoming release of Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 6, which is set to reshape the video game landscape, and our own new game Reforj alongside all the other incredible output from studios across the country, Scotland is well placed to lead the way and have an outsized impact on the global stage.”
The DICE Europe summit runs in Edinburgh between September 15-17.
It is being promoted as a showcase of Scotland’s growing position as a global hub for interactive entertainment.
The Scottish Government has also announced a National Action Plan for Games in Scotland to boost growth and job creation.
