The trade body has discussed the logic of its 'Play Together' scheme

Last month, UK videogame trade organisation Tiga unveiled its plans to make Britain’s developer community stronger than ever, teaming up with the National Endowment for Science, Technology, and the Arts (NESTA) to launch an initiative called Play Together.

The plan includes the dramatic proposal of Industry Sharing, which would enable studios to collaborate more closely and even use each other’s staff. “We want to see developers in Britain share employees with one another,” explained Tiga CEO, Dr Richard Wilson. ”There are many developers that need experienced, skilled staff to work on projects but can't find them, and there are equally developers that have surplus staff because they've come to the end of a project and are waiting for the next one to start.”

Tiga also hopes the government will increase tax-breaks for developers, but dismissed suggestions staff-sharing could lead to talent-poaching. “Head hunting goes on anyway,” said Wilson “but I see this as being similar to David Beckham being loaned out. Sometimes it works out for both the club and the player. But in actual fact, this could negate the need to poach because it's all about collaboration.”

For the full piece on Play Together check out the forthcoming issue of games™.