Latest news with #UKDepartmentforCulture
Saudi Gazette
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
UK government launches search for head of video games and esports
THE ES TIMES — The UK government has officially begun recruiting for the position of Head of Video Games and Esports, reflecting a serious commitment to supporting the growing gaming sector. A strategic role with a direct impact on the industry. The UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) published this announcement, describing the position as a leadership role focused on supporting the growth and expansion of the video games and esports sectors in the UK. The announcement on the official UK government jobs portal reads: 'We are looking for a distinguished leader to fill the position of Head of Video Games and Esports. The team works in fast-growing, innovative sectors, developing policies on important issues that impact the growth and competitiveness of the UK gaming industry, as well as the impact of gaming on society.' Frankly, I find this an exciting move for anyone interested in the future of gaming in Britain. Increasing government support for the gaming sector This announcement reflects the growing interest of the UK government in the video games and esports industries. The Video Games Tax Relief Scheme remains in place under UK tax laws, with the last update issued on May 21, 2025. Esports Gains Momentum in Britain Although esports is not yet officially classified as a sport, prominent government figures are beginning to show clear interest. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan recently declared Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park a global hub for esports innovation. Britain has hosted a growing number of high-profile esports tournaments in recent years. In addition, the British Forces Broadcasting Service launched an esports league dedicated to the UK Armed Forces this year. A Role Reflecting a Greater Global Trend With video games becoming a central part of global entertainment and modern digital culture, this new role announced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) seems, from an institutional perspective, a logical step towards supporting the UK gaming and esports industries. Therefore, if I were qualified, I would certainly have seriously considered applying for this promising position. Sami Belhamra – Esports and Gaming writer
Irish Daily Star
29-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Star
Donald Trump gets good news about his $53M purchase as UK PM demands talks
Donald Trump could get a helping hand from Keir Starmer in his efforts to hold the Open Championship at one of his Scottish golf courses. The British Prime Minister has reportedly instructed officials to hold talks with the R&A, golf's governing body, about the major tournament returning to Trump Turnberry in 2028. Speaking in 2023, the President said: 'Everybody wants to see the Open Championship here.' Starmer's intervention is seen as an effort to soothe relations as talks over a UK-US trade deal continue. Trump has made no secret of his desire to bring the British major to Turnberry, which last hosted the Open in 2009. Trump bought the estate for $53 million in 2014. The next three Open venues are confirmed, with the 2028 tournament still to be decided. The Guardian reports a source close to talks said that the UK government 'is doing everything it can to get close to Trump'. They added that the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport [DCMS] has been lobbying for Turnberry to host the Open. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister's official spokesman did not deny that officials had spoken to the R&A about the venue for the 2028 tournament, but insisted it was not a decision for the UK government. Keir Starmer has reportedly been lobbying for the 2028 Open Championship to be held at Trump Turnberry (Image: Getty) He said: 'I wouldn't get into specific conversations but it's for sporting bodies to make decisions on tournament venues, not the government. Obviously the government is in regular contact with sporting bodies on tournaments in the usual way but not beyond that. 'It's clearly right and proper and usual for government to engage with organisers of major sporting events as part of the business of government, but in terms of decisions around tournament hosting venues, that is for the relevant sporting bodies to take decisions on.' There are doubts over whether Trump Turnberry is suitable to host the Open (Image: Jeff) Asked whether Mr Trump had raised using Turnberry for the Open in 2028 in conversation with the Prime Minister, the spokesperson said: 'I'm not going to go beyond the readouts that you've got on their conversations, but the point is that decisions on tournament venues are rightly a matter for the relevant sporting bodies.' Attendances have grown since Turnberry last hosted the Open, leading to concerns that the surrounding infrastructure could no longer cope. Last week, R&A chief executive Mark Darbon described Turnberry as 'better now than it ever has been'. But he added: 'There are some challenges around the road and rail network, some of the accommodation provision in the surrounding area, and so we're working on what a model could look like for the future.'
