RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

This project seeks to give the most recent and indepth analyses of the Serious Games market in the UK, and where the West Midlands stand in terms of the UK, and global market, as a whole. The research will focus on:

• Developers of Interactive Digital Media – who is developing serious games, and identify other digital media companies (i.e. sound, editing, games, interactive content, animation etc) who could play a role in the serious games industry
• Technology – what technologies (e.g. platforms) are being using (including estimated costs)
• Industries developers work in – who are their clients?
• The gaps – industries not being covered and technologies not being utilised
• Products available, for who and how they are being used (demonstrated through an online brochure)
• An effectiveness study on select games to show evidence of serious games effectiveness compared with class-based and general e-learning across identified target groups (i.e. age 18 – 13 and 30+, male/female) 

The partners will work closely together on the research and reporting which will aim to give more visibility of the serious games, and digital media sector, in the UK, and globally, with specific reference to the West Midlands. The research and report aim to provide practical research and will draw together a mapping of activity and development in the serious games industry. It will also identify the companies who are not operating in the serious games sector but who have the skills and potential to do so. Opportunities for these companies will be recommended.

The identification of serious games applications is to be used as a tool for awareness and help open doors to those interested in serious games but who have not yet taken the step to test the concept in their organisation - by providing a clear documented online brochure of what is available and showing real results and demos.

The reports and brochure will allow SMEs in the serious games space, and those not operating in the upcoming industry, to find new markets for piloting ideas and commercial development. They will aim to break down previous barriers to entry by providing clear information and proof of effectiveness.