Channel 4 to launch new All 4 Games publishing arm in Scotland

17 April 2015

Channel 4 is establishing a new games publishing arm based in Glasgow which will launch this summer and will help support and showcase the work of the thriving mobile games industry. All 4 Games will be led by Channel 4’s current Games Commissioning Editor, Colin Macdonald, and will build a new network of both Channel 4 funded mobile games and games from third party developers.

The launch of this new initiative reflects Channel 4’s remit to support new creative talent and the corporation’s track record of commercial and creative innovation.

As part of the new games proposition, welcomed by the industry’s key trade associations TIGA and Ukie, Channel 4 will extend its existing support for the games sector beyond just funding its own mobile games commissions. All 4 Games will globally publish a wide range of games from third party developers each year, and will work with those small companies to give their games development, marketing and promotional support as part of an aggregated All 4 Games brand.

Initially four new roles will be created within the All 4 Games publishing arm and will be based in Channel 4’s Glasgow office, working to Colin Macdonald. Colin will report to Richard Davidson-Houston, Head of All 4 & Digital Content on editorial strategy and to Sarah Rose, Director of Commercial & Business Development on commercial strategy.

David Abraham, Chief Executive of Channel 4 said: “Channel 4 has a successful record for commissioning critically acclaimed games and I’m pleased that with the launch of All 4 Games we are able to extend our support for this hugely important part of the creative sector and help showcase the work of smaller games developers.”

Colin Macdonald said: “Channel 4 is renowned for working with growing creative companies and I’m delighted that we’re able to throw even more of its weight behind the games industry. With over 1.5m apps for users to choose from now, discoverability has become the biggest problem facing mobile game developers so it’s exciting to be able to do even more to support them and promote their amazing work to a wider audience.”

Jason Kingsley OBE, TIGA Chairman and CEO and Creative Director at Rebellion, said: “We welcome Channel 4’s new proposition to support the UK’s games industry and in particular helping independent games developers improve how they market themselves and grow successful enterprises.”

Dr Jo Twist, CEO of Ukie said: "This is a much needed and fantastic commitment from a major broadcaster who has recognised the power of games to reach huge audiences. Channel 4 has done so much to grow the independent TV sector, and this new initiative will do the same for the independent games sector so they can scale and be discovered in a crowded marketplace. It is fantastic to see the team based in Scotland too, a leading force in our wider UK industry."

Mobile games will be available to download via app stores and all games will be featured on All 4 under the new All 4 Games brand.

Further details on the All 4 Games publishing arm and third party games partnerships will be announced in due course.