80% of new UK studios focusing on digital

80% of new development studios are focusing on digital distribution, according to a census.

UK trade association TIGA has revealed that the majority of new companies founded in the past two years have developed games for online or downloadable platforms.

The rapid growth of iPhone and Facebook as gaming platforms was cited as reasons for the shift in distribution, as well as better financial stability and lower risk in releasing outside of retail.

"This illustrates the highly competitive and entrepreneurial spirit of the UK games sector, as well as its agility and ability to adapt to new market conditions," said TIGA CEO Dr. Richard Wilson.

It was added that although 131 studios have closed their doors since 2008, over 145 start-ups have appeared in the same period, showing an overall growth in UK developers.

Earlier this month it was revealed that the number of people working in the games industry had fallen by 9% in two years.