Simulation software developer plans studio expansion thanks to funding grant

Dovetail Games is expanding its Stirling operation and has big plans for the future, writes Angus Howarth

Simulation games developer and publishing company Dovetail Games is increasing its Scottish workforce by 40 per cent with 20 new jobs, taking the number of staff to 50.

The firm, which creates digital simulation games that recreate real world situations, will use £200,000 Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) from Scottish Enterprise to support the expansion of its studio in Stirling. The computer games sector currently employs 1,100 people in Scotland generating a turnover of £93 million.

Culture secretary Fiona Hyslop toured the Stirling facilities, met staff and learned more about the company’s plans to grow the Scottish side of its operation. She said:

“This expansion is an exciting development for our creative industries, and will no doubt help attract even more talent to Scotland

“Dovetail is an ambitious and innovative company succeeding in our flourishing video games sector. Scottish Enterprise funding will help grow its Scottish operation.”

Paul Jackson, CEO of Dovetail Games said: “The interactive entertainment industry is one of the most exciting places to be right now. We are known for our passion in creating and publishing world-class content that is globally exported.

“Securing this RSA funding means we can grow our Stirling team and evolve our business in line with our ambitions. Scotland is a fantastic business location for us, especially as we know the talent we want to recruit is on our doorstep.”

Anke Heggie, Head of Company Growth at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Scotland has an abundance of creative and digital companies with global growth ambitions. Dovetail Games is a great example of a business where our tailored and strategic support allows the company to accelerate its growth to the next level. Support like this is critical for the long term future of Scotland’s creative industries.”

Dovetail currently employs 120 staff at its offices in Stirling and Chatham in Kent. The firm was named Technology Business of the year in the KEIBA Awards 2015, and was among the businesses listed in the Sunday Times Tech Track 100 along with being recognised as ‘One to watch’ in the 2016 Best Companies.

0 Fiona Hyslop visited the firm