With gaming set to be at the centre of Scotland’s role at the World Expo, Dundee should be at the heart of the country’s showcase.
The World Expo is set to take place in Osaka, Japan, from April, and already, the UK has
unveiled its pavilion and what will be on show to the world. Scotland, as part of this, will focus on video games—a natural fit given our country’s legacy in the industry.
And when it comes to gaming, no Scottish city has had a bigger impact than Dundee.
Dundee has produced Grand Theft Auto, Lemmings, and the console versions of Minecraft. It launched the world’s first computer games design degree, built the ZX Spectrum, and is now home to one of the UK’s largest gaming start-up clusters. The city has cemented itself not only as Scotland’s tech capital but as the UK’s answer to Silicon Valley.
So how do we ensure Dundee gets the prominence it deserves at Expo?
Scotland’s gaming story is also Dundee’s
First, Scotland’s presence must be curated with authenticity. The story of Scottish gaming is the story of Dundee, and that needs to be reflected in both content and presentation.
From interactive exhibits showcasing Dundee-born franchises to industry panels featuring local developers, the city should have a visible and vocal role in Scotland’s gaming showcase.
Second, we should use the Expo to strengthen Dundee’s ties with Japan’s gaming industry. Osaka itself is home to major gaming giants like Capcom and SNK, making this an opportunity to forge collaborations, attract investment, and put Dundee’s game developers on the world stage.
Esports should not be overlooked
And finally, let’s not overlook esports. Dundee has an emerging esports scene, and with Japan being a global hub for competitive gaming, Expo 2025 could be the perfect platform to promote Scotland’s growing role in this field.
Dundee’s universities, gaming studios, and esports organisations should be part of the conversation, ensuring the city’s expertise is fully represented.
This isn’t just about showcasing Dundee’s past achievements—it’s about securing its future as a global gaming powerhouse.
Scotland has an incredible opportunity at the Expo, and if we want to make a real impact, Dundee must be at the centre of it.
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