Platform Expo puts Hull on gaming industry map

HULL is continuing to establish itself on the gaming industry map.

Now in its fourth year, Platform Expo has earned a place on the national gaming calendar, attracting leading industry names.

As it continues to evolve, organiser Lindsay West said a key aim of the event is to inspire young people in the region to start a business in an industry worth £150bn a year.

Mr West, of Garthwest Ltd, said: "There are lots of people being educated in Hull but we are not getting them to stay here.

"Platform Expo is getting people together to set up their own business.

"It is a cheap business to set up in – in terms of infrastructure – but we need to get the skill sets together."

Mr West said the digital industry is growing by 4 per cent every year.

He said: "This is an industry that is just as serious as the renewable energy industry in this region."

With workshops and presentations focusing on everything from app development to script writing, Platform Expo is more than just a hub for gamers.

Mr West said there is often an "age disconnect" with people perhaps thinking the gaming industry is only suitable for the younger generation.

But according to the organiser, this is a really tangible industry that can create real jobs.

Mr West said this industry gives people in the region the chance to join their skills together to create a business.

He used examples of talents that can come together, such as maths for the programming side of the industry and creative writing for the story aspect.

The next Platform Expo event takes place in April in Qatar – Platform Doha.

Mr West is hoping the event to attract people in the region to get on board.

He said: "Qatar is a massive home to content creation. In terms of growth market, it is huge.

"We want our young and older talented and creative minds over there.

"The creative industry is very focused on is being taught in education and we are trying to push it."

The trip to Qatar will provide the opportunity for the creative ideas brewed in the region to be taken over there and for people to have the opportunity to pitch ideas.

Mr West said: "It is very commercial and you will get the chance to pitch in front of a new audience.

"Get a business plan drawn up, and this is a good opportunity to do that," Mr West said.

"They will want to see good business plans and if people have that in mind, it is a great platform."

The Hull Platform Expo is set to take place in June. This will be drawing in some of the biggest names in the industry to the city.

There is set to be investors at the event and Mr West said he wants it to be the most significant gaming and content creation event in the UK.

He said: "We are working towards this and it is doable. We just need support."

Visit www.platformexpos. com for more information.