MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
As the UK government continues its attempts to secure a Brexit deal by the end of March 2019, 150 developers from both Ireland and Northern Ireland are organising an event to promote cross-border collaboration.
"Run for the Border", organised by Games NI from the North and Imirt from the South, will take place in The Spirit Store in the border town of Dundalk on January 19th, 2019, with the aim of "literally" breaking down borders and encouraging "international collaboration between games developers in Ireland and Northern Ireland". As Dundalk is located exactly halfway between Dublin and Belfast, it is "ideally placed for the event".
"Whatever happens with Brexit on March 29th our two communities are set on collaborating more, whether that’s across a border, a backstop or whatever," said events coordinator for Games NI and CEO of Belfast based development studio Italic Pig, Kevin Beimers. "The amount of independent developer talent across both countries is incredible, and events like this will cement relationships that can create world class video games."
"There is incredible talent on both sides of the border," added Elaine Reynolds, Imirt board member and CEO of Simteractive in Dublin. "Having these two game dev communities so close to each other, yet rarely actively interacting, is something that definitely needs to change."
"The Creative Europe Desks Ireland and UK (Northern Ireland) are delighted to support Run for the Border," added Orla Clancy (Ireland) and Sophie Hayles (UK/NI) in a joint statement. "Games companies North and South have successfully accessed the Creative Europe Video Games scheme, and we’re really pleased to be working together to enable a meet up that sees the sectors coming together. Particularly with the uncertainty around Brexit, it’s a pleasure to work with the spirit of creativity, cooperation and collaboration shown by Games NI and Imirt."
