video-games

Gaming and social media on agenda for ‘Next Gen’

Tech-savvy learners may soon have the opportunity to get hands-on with computer science and development at an earlier age. Creative industries minister Ed Vaizey has called for reform in school curriculum relating to IT and computer sciences lessons, following recommendations in a report conducted earlier this year. The minister believes changes to the school curriculum incorporating a wider range of technologies, including video games and social media, could help keep the UK “at the forefront” of that business sector. Vaizey’s comments were set out in the ‘Next Gen’ report – an independent study commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sports in July 2010 and published earlier this year. The report contains 20 detailed recommendations for the government, industry and schools to consider. “The economic and cultural value of the UK’s video games and VFX sectors is clear and the long-term potential of their global markets present a great opportunity for UK-based businesses,” Vaizey said . “It is an industry that has real potential to create the high quality jobs of the future that will be so important as we recover from the recession

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Gaming and social media on agenda for ‘Next Gen’

video-games

HMV to offer online film rentals

Entertainment retail chain HMV has announced the launch of its online rental service to prop up dwindling sales from its retail stores. The retailer is teaming up with FilmFlex to offer film rentals of new releases at hmvon-demand – the new site devoted to the rentals initiative. Despite expanding its in-store offerings – HMV now offers everything from music and film to books, electronics and merchandise – stiff competition from online retailers has caused sales to plummet. Last year, the retailer’s pre-tax profits tumbled from