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WEATHERING THE STORM: TIGA RESEARCH REVEALS UK GAMES DEV SECTOR CONTINUES TO GROW, DESPITE GLOBAL SECTOR DOWNTURN

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TIGA’S Making Games in the UK 2024 report reveals that UK development sector grew 4.8 per cent despite global sector downturn, led by large console studios in London, North East and North West

LONDON, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The UK games development sector has grown in the past year, despite companies downsizing and studio closures, according to new research published today by TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video games industry.

Despite the global games industry downturn, the UK games development sector grew 4.8 per cent in the12 months to May 2024, according to new research published today by TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video games industry.

Against a backdrop of companies downsizing and studio closures, the UK’s games development sector proved to be comparatively resilient, growing to 25,419* full time equivalent development roles by May 2024, which, at 4.8 per cent, was the lowest annualised rate of growth in the UK games industry since 2012.

The UK’s fastest growing games clusters in the 12 months to May 2024 were London (468 new staff), North East (280 staff)and North West (247 staff), but 5 regions contracted.

The findings come from TIGA’s definitive report on the state of the UK video games industry Making Games in the UK 2024 (TIGA, 2024), which is based on an extensive survey of UK games businesses, with analysis by Games Investor Consulting.

TIGA’s research shows that in the period from April 2023 to May 2024:

Over 28,500 people make games professionally in the UK: The number of freelancers working for UK games development sector companies (including studios, publishers and service companies) grew substantially from 1,102 (April 2023) to 3,625 (May 2024) as very large companies downsized full-time roles and switched to freelancers. The total games development workforce grew to 28,516 including 3,625 freelancers and 24,891** full time development roles. Employment in the games development sector has grown by an average of 9.5 per cent every year over the period December 2014 to May 2024.Job growth outweighed company downsizing and closure: 400 extant companies shed 2,353 full time development jobs between April 2023 and May 2024; but 678 companies grew over the same period, adding 3,932 full time development jobs. 1,070 extant companies neither grew nor shed staff.Overall games company numbers declined: The UK had 2,148 trading games development companies in May 2024 (down from 2,175 in April 2023). This includes 1,697 games studios, 60 publisher studios, 109 publishers, 4 broadcasters and 278 service companies. Total studio numbers fell from 1,801 in April 2023 to 1,757 in May 2024.Games company mortality rises to record levels: 248 companies closed down or exited the games industry during the survey period, the highest ever recorded. On an annualised basis, this represents 10.4 per cent of all companies during the research period.The number of start-up studios fell: 166 new games development companies were founded between April 2023 and May 2024. This compares to 251 new games development companies that were set up between December 2021 and April 2023.Large and console studios are main growth drivers: Studios with 41 to 149 development staff grew at an average rate of 19 per cent over the research period. Console studios grew by an average of 18.1 per cent over the same time frame.Overseas owned studios now employ 62 per cent of the UK games development workforce: Studios ultimately owned by overseas companies employ 12,743 full-time staff, compared to 7,854 employed by domestically owned studios. While some overseas studios continued to grow strongly, some of the largest employers’ creative headcount fell substantially as entire teams were made redundant.

Dr Richard Wilson OBE, CEO of TIGA, said:

“The UK games development sector has continued to grow in very difficult economic circumstances. Our sector is weathering the storm. This is a remarkable achievement.  Our games development sector has a number of strengths including world-renowned studios, a deep talent pool and TIGA accredited games courses equipping highly skilled graduates for the industry. The UK has the largest development workforce in Europe.

“We need to enable more start-ups to scale-up, continue to enhance our skills base and improve access to investment to enable our sector to fulfil its potential. If the UK Government retains and enhances the Video Games Expenditure Credit, this will help to sustain a favourable environment for games development, create more high skilled jobs and boost investment. A successful video games industry will in turn contribute to the Government’s objective of securing the highest sustained growth in the G7.”

Meanwhile, the TIGA report has highlighted that the UK’s fastest growing games clusters were London (468 new staff), North East (280 staff)and North West (247 staff).

London extended its lead as the largest cluster to 5,931 full time and full time equivalent staff in 584 companies. Five clusters (East of England, South East, East Midlands, Scotland and Northern Ireland) lost headcount between April 2023 and May 2024, the East Midlands for the second consecutive year. All areas saw reduced start-up activity, but London (81), South East (48) and the South West (22) added the most start-ups.

UK regions

2024 share of UK development
workforce

London

23 %

South East

18.7 %

North West

12.3 %

West Midlands

9.9 %

Scotland

9.3 %

North East

6.3 %

East of England

5.9 %

Yorkshire & Humber

5.8 %

East Midlands

4.5 %

South West

2.7 %

Northern Ireland

0.6 %

Wales

0.6 %

Dr Richard Wilson OBE, TIGA CEO, said:

“While London remains the biggest and fastest growing games cluster in the UK, almost 80% of all games development is carried out outside of the Capital. In addition, there has been impressive growth in the North East and North West between April 2023 and May 2024.

“At the same time, although London saw the greatest number of new start-ups, we also witnessed strong entrepreneurial activity in the South East.”

Jason Kingsley CBE, TIGA Chairman and CEO and Creative Director at Rebellion, offered:

“TIGA’s report is reflective of what is currently a challenging environment for some parts of the games industry. However, it also highlights that UK games development is faring better than certain areas of the global games industry. We need the Government to continue to improve the environment for games development in the UK so that our industry in turn can contribute to economic growth across the country.”

* Full time equivalent roles: FT roles above plus a pro-rated % of all the freelancers we recorded in the survey.

** Full time roles: 100% full time roles recorded by companies in our survey.

 

Notes to editors
The findings in this press release come from TIGA’s definitive report on the state of the UK video games industry Making Games in the UK 2024 (TIGA, 2024) which is based on an extensive survey of UK games businesses, with analysis by Games Investor Consulting.

Research methodology
Games Investor Consulting in conjunction with TIGA and its partners conducted surveys concluding in July 2008, September 2010, November 2011, December 2012, December 2013, December 2014, March 2016, November 2017, November 2018, April 2020, December 2021, April 2023 and May 2024 of all known games companies involved in the creation of games (including developers, publishers, publisher studios, service companies and broadcasters with games divisions) in the UK. Assessments of every database entry are made on a company-by-company basis with strict vetting and verification rules to ensure each entry is discrete (to prevent duplication via subsidiary or parent companies) and confirmed to be active in games development. The survey counts staff working in development and development support roles in games studios, games publishers and development service companies. A broad array of additional data is also captured including studio location, primary platform focus and company ownership structure as well as company start-ups and exits/closures.

Games development
Games development is defined as including all production staff, QA, support, localisation and technical staff but excludes admin, finance, sales, marketing and commercial staff not directly involved with games production. Full-time equivalent staff comprise multiple part-time staff aggregated based on typical usage throughout a year to represent a single full-time employee.

About TIGA
TIGA is the trade association for the UK video games industry.  Since 2010, TIGA has won 28 business awards and commendations. Our vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to develop video games. Our core purpose is to strengthen the games development and digital publishing sector. We achieve this by:

influencing Government policy via political representation to create a favourable business environment;driving excellence in education and skills through our accreditation programme, the TIGA Games Education Awards and our education conference; andpromoting best practices through our membership services, including the TIGA STAR Employer Award and the TIGA Games Industry Awards.

Get in touch:

Tel: 0845 468 2330
Email: info@tiga.org 
Web: www.tiga.org
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tigamovement
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TIGAMovement
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/tiga 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/weathering-the-storm-tiga-research-reveals-uk-games-dev-sector-continues-to-grow-despite-global-sector-downturn-302304484.html

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NASA Johnson Invites Proposals to Lease Vibration Test Facility

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HOUSTON, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — NASA’s Johnson Space Center is seeking proposals for the use of its historic, but underused, Vibration and Acoustic Test Facility. Prospective tenants must submit facility walk-through requests by Monday, Nov. 18.

Final proposals are due by 12 p.m. EST Monday, Dec. 16, and must promote activities that will build, expand, modernize, or operate aerospace-related capabilities at NASA Johnson and help preserve the historic and iconic building through preservation and adaptive reuse.

NASA plans to sign a National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) lease agreement for the facility, also known as Building 49, for a five-year base period and one five-year extension to be negotiated between NASA and the tenant. To request a walk-through, send an email to hq-realestate@mail.nasa.gov

“This historic facility has been used for decades to ensure the success and safety of all human spaceflight missions by putting engineering designs and hardware to the ultimate stress tests,” said NASA Johnson Director Vanessa Wyche. “For more than 60 years, NASA Johnson has been the hub of human space exploration and this agreement will be a vital part of the center’s efforts to develop a robust and durable space economy that refines our understanding of the solar system and space exploration.”

All proposals must adhere to the guidelines detailed in the Agency Announcement for Proposals describing concept plans for development of the property, including any modifications proposed to the building; a statement of financial capability to successfully achieve and sustain operations, demonstrated experience with aerospace-related services or other space-related activities, and a detailed approach to propelling the space economy.

The nine-story building complex has a gross square footage of 62,737 square feet and consists of a north wing measuring 62 feet long, 268 feet wide and 106 feet tall, and a central wing about 64 feet long and 115 feet wide. Building 49 currently houses five laboratories, including the General Vibration Laboratory, Modal Operations Laboratory, Sonic Fatigue Laboratory, Spacecraft Acoustic Laboratory, and Spacecraft Vibration Laboratory. The south administrative portion of the building is not included in the property offered for lease. 

As the home of Mission Control Center for the agency’s human space missions, astronaut training, robotics, human health and space medicine, NASA Johnson leads the way for the human exploration. Leveraging its unique role and location, the center is developing multiple lease agreements, including the recently announced Exploration Park, to sustain its key role in helping the human spaceflight community foster a robust space.

In the coming years, NASA and its academic, commercial, and international partners will see the completion of the International Space Station Program, the commercial development of low Earth orbit, and the first human Artemis campaign missions establishing sustainable human presence on the Moon in preparation for human missions to Mars.

Johnson already is leading the commercialization of space with the commercial cargo and crew programs and private astronaut missions to the space station. The center also is supporting the development of commercial space stations in low Earth orbit, and lunar-capable commercial spacesuits and lunar landers that will be provided as services to both NASA and the private sector to accelerate human access to space. Through the development of Exploration Park, the center will broaden the scope of the human spaceflight community that is tackling the many difficult challenges ahead.

Learn more about NASA Johnson’s efforts to collaborate with industry partners:

https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/frontdoor/ 

NASA Johnson Space Center news releases and other information are available automatically by sending an Internet electronic mail message to listserv@listserver.jsc.nasa.gov.  In the body of the message (not the subject line) users should type “subscribe hsfnews” (no quotes). This will add the email address that sent the subscribe message to the news release distribution list. The system will reply with a confirmation via E-mail of each subscription.  Once you have subscribed you will receive future news releases via e-mail.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-johnson-invites-proposals-to-lease-vibration-test-facility-302306403.html

SOURCE NASA

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Cabana Partners with Virginia Department of Veterans Services to Provide Comprehensive, Free Mental Health Support for Veterans, Guard/Reserve Members, and Their Families

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RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Cabana, a modern mental health provider offering confidential, tech-enabled support, has partnered with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) to provide free, comprehensive mental health resources to Virginia’s veterans, Guard and Reserve members, as well as their spouses and caregivers. This collaboration expands access to Cabana’s digital mental health services, including live peer support groups moderated by Virginia-certified Veteran Peer Specialists.

Originally developed through research and development initiatives with the U.S. Air Force, Cabana’s services are designed to meet the unique needs of military and veteran communities. With this partnership, eligible Virginia users gain full access to Cabana’s digital suite, which includes the full range of virtual, professionally facilitated groups offered by Cabana, as well as dedicated Virginia Veteran peer-led support groups. Participants can connect discreetly on topics such as transitioning to civilian life, managing family relationships, and coping with stress, all within a secure and confidential environment accessible from any device.

David Black, Founder and CEO of Cabana, underscored the mission behind the partnership: “We’re honored to work with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services to offer a holistic mental health solution for Virginia’s military-connected community. With Virginia-certified Veteran Peer Specialists and our full array of live support groups, we’re providing a powerful, confidential resource that veterans and military families can rely on, whenever and wherever they need it.”

Key Features of the Partnership:

Comprehensive Access to Support: Virginia veterans, Guard/Reserve members, and their families will have unrestricted access to all live virtual groups available through Cabana, in addition to specialized peer-led groups run by Virginia-certified Veteran Peer Specialists.Support for Families and Caregivers: The initiative includes spouses and caregivers, addressing the unique mental health needs of military-connected families through sessions tailored to issues like family dynamics, stress management, and the transition to civilian life.Confidential and Flexible Access: Cabana’s services are available on mobile and desktop devices, providing Virginia’s veterans and their families with an easily accessible, cost-free solution for mental health support.

This collaboration highlights Cabana’s commitment to supporting the mental well-being of those who serve and their families. By joining forces with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, Cabana seeks to strengthen the resilience and wellness of Virginia’s military community.

For more information on the partnership between Cabana and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, please contact:

Nick Armstrong, Ph.D.
Head of Public Sector, Cabana
nick@cabanahealth.org

About Cabana™
Cabana is a leading, modern mental health provider offering confidential, tech-enabled support solutions tailored to the needs of diverse communities. Through live, professionally moderated group sessions, evidence-based content, and adaptable wellness tools, Cabana helps individuals proactively manage their mental health. Our mission is clear: to make mental health care more accessible through technology and human connection.

About the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS)

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is a state government agency with more than 50 locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia. DVS traces its history to 1928 and the establishment of the Virginia War Service Bureau to assist Virginia’s World War I veterans. Today, DVS assists veterans and their families in filing claims for federal veterans benefits; provides veterans and family members with linkages to services including behavioral health, housing, employment, education, and other programs. The agency operates long-term care facilities offering in-patient skilled nursing care, dementia/memory care, and short-term rehabilitation for veterans; and provides an honored final resting place for veterans and their families at three state veterans cemeteries. It operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s tribute to Virginia’s men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.

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SOURCE Cabana

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East Side Games Group Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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Revenue of $21.4M in Q3 2024 and $62.8M Year to DateA-EBITDA of $2.56M in Q3 2024 and $9.2M Year to DatePOWER RANGERS: MIGHTY FORCE launched globally

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 14, 2024 /CNW/ – East Side Games Group (TSX: EAGR) (OTC: EAGRF) (“ESGG” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024. All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars on an IFRS basis unless otherwise indicated. Building on the momentum from Q2, the company achieved its first growth quarter of the year, reporting a top-line revenue of $21.4 million, a 4% increase quarter-over-quarter and a 3% increase year-over-year.

The company’s adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $2.56 million, representing a 12% margin and marking the eighth consecutive profitable quarter above $2.5 million. East Side Games Group continues to demonstrate strong performance metrics across its core portfolio, with an average daily user count (DAU) of 236,000, a stickiness rate of 24%, and an average revenue per daily active user (ARPDAU) of $0.99.

“Our focus on profitability within our existing portfolio has paid off, and we are excited to further enhance our user acquisition strategies,” said Jason Bailey, CEO of East Side Games Group. “With $8.3 million in cash—our highest balance since Q2 2022—we are well-positioned to invest in our future game launches and bolster our share buyback program.”

One of the key drivers of growth this quarter was the launch of POWER RANGERS: MIGHTY FORCE in August, which quickly garnered nearly 30,000 daily active users and demonstrated impressive return on advertising spend (ROAS) figures.

In Q3, the company also enhanced its revenue generation through innovative strategies. The introduction of bi-monthly season passes for popular titles like Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money and Cheech and Chong: Bud Farm resulted in a remarkable 40% increase in season pass revenue.

In a major collaboration, East Side Games Group partnered with BBC and Paramount to create the Intergalactic Friendship Day crossover event between Star Trek Lower Decks: The Badgey Directive and Doctor Who: Lost in Time, generating substantial organic traffic and setting new ARPDAU records.

Looking forward to Q4, East Side Games Group is excited to introduce team-based cooperative and competitive play features into titles such as Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money and RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar, anticipating a significant boost in player engagement and monetization.

Moreover, the company is preparing to launch Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money on the Epic Games Store, expanding its reach in a new mobile marketplace with favorable revenue-sharing terms. This is a very exciting opportunity, only being afforded to a few game studios.

Finally, East Side Games Group is thrilled to announce our upcoming title, RuPaul’s Drag Race Match Queen, developed in partnership with Funkitron and World of Wonder. Slated for a 2025 release, this hybrid match-3 game combines beloved gameplay elements with captivating fashion and character features, catering to the passionate fanbase of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Mike Edwards will be stepping down from the ESGG Board of Directors to focus on other pursuits, effective immediately. ESGG thanks him for his invaluable guidance over the past 12 years and is currently in discussions with several highly qualified candidates for his replacement.

Three Months Ended Sep 30, 2024 Financial highlights

For the quarter ended September 30th, 2024, revenue was $21.4M.Q3 2024 a-EBITDA of $2.56M and 12% a-EBITDA margin.Cashflow for the Company for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased by $700k, ending at $8.3M.Daily Active Users in Q3 were 236k, with an ARPDAU of $0.99On November 14, 2023, the Company announced a renewal of its Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”) authorizing the Company to purchase 4,076,819 of its shares. Through September 30, 2024, the Company purchased 1,540,719 shares at an average price of $0.76. The company continues to buy back stock as restrictions allow.

Certain information provided in this news release is extracted from the consolidated financial statements (the “Financial Statements”) and Management’s Discussion & Analysis (“MD&A”) of the Company for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and should be read in conjunction with them. It is only in the context of the fulsome information and disclosures contained in the Financial Statements and MD&A that an investor can properly analyze this information. The Financial Statements and MD&A can be found under the Company’s profile on SEDAR and EDGAR.

Earnings Call Video

ESGG will release its third-quarter 2024 financial results and business outlook on its investor relations website https://eastsidegamesgroup.com/investors/financial-information on Thursday, November 14th, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

ABOUT EAST SIDE GAMES GROUP

East Side Games Group is a leading free-to-play mobile game group, creating engaging games that produce enduring player loyalty. Our studio groups entrepreneurial culture is anchored in creativity, execution, and growth through licensing of our proprietary Game Kit software platform that enables professional game developers to greatly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of game creation in addition to organic growth through a diverse portfolio of original and licensed IP mobile games that include: The Office: Somehow We Manage, Star Trek: Lower Decks – The Badgey Directive, Bud Farm Idle Tycoon, Doctor Who: Lost in Time, RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar, AEW: Rise to The Top, Cheech and Chong Bud Farm, and Trailer Park Boys: Grea$y Money.

We are headquartered in Vancouver, Canada and our games are available worldwide on the App Store and Google Play. Additional information about the Company continues to be available under its legal name, East Side Games Group Inc., at www.sedar.com.

Forward-looking Information

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding the proposed transactions described herein. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including factors beyond the Company’s control. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release.

SOURCE East Side Games Group Inc.

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