Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair's wife, Cherie, and son, Nicky, are now getting raps for being directors of Magnitude Gaming, a firm that manages semi-professional teams looking to make a name in eSports. While it's well and good that they're lending their support to a growing industry, the fire is brewing from the fact that Magnitude Gaming has run a team that plays Counter-Strike.

Sex Pistols' main man Johnny Rotten was at Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock's (Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PC) launch party, but not to promote Activision's star-studded title. Or at least, he didn't do much to tell people the game is worth buying. After calling Guitar Hero a joke, he went on to insult journalists and Tony Blair.

Find Johnny Rotten raining on Guitar Hero III's parade at the full article!

As Gordon Brown laces up to take over the spot that Tony Blair is leaving, shock waves are felt even on the British games industry after key people in the Department of Trade and Industry were cut out of the loop, compromising the sector's ability to communicate with the government.

The man being referred to is John Kroeger, known as the "DTI's game man." Kroeger is recognized as the human link between the game publishers, the consumers, and the government for his expertise and dedication to the business.

Industry big boys Paul Jackson, Ray Maguire, and Andy Payne admit that the financial support for the development of the gaming business has dwindled in the Blair administration, and may continue to do so under a Premier who has other concerns in his priority heap ahead of gaming. Still, the top cats haven't lost faith.

"This does not mean we won't be heard in Government. Our industry, alongside ELSPA and TIGA, has forged stronger relationships than ever with a number of Government bodies," says SCE UK Vice President Ray Maguire. "This allows us to continue the work all parties have done thus far, to further strengthen and promote the UK games sector, at home and abroad."

The UK gaming market is one of the most vibrant in its region, with sales being a major point of focus by international publishers. Still, it's also a fact that it has one of the highest average prices of game hardware ands software in the world, perhaps an indirect effect of the absence of strong support.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has praised the British creative community for having contributed to the nation's culture and for consistently being the strength that drives Britain to strive for a better way of life.

The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) welcomed the words of the Prime Minister and  commended all the industries in its jurisdiction, including the fast-rising game industry.

"The games industry is a proud member of these industries. The talent and creativity that our industry houses and nurtures is what makes the games industry a part of Britain's cultural heritage, and more specifically, an important asset in Britain's creative and cultural future," said Paul Jackson, Director General of the ELSPA.

Jackson emphasized that the gaming scene in his country continues to grow and as it does, more positive ideas are associated with it, all the while dispelling negative beliefs regarding the field. He also added that British games are among the best and most successful franchises in the world and are posting strong finances to give a significant contribution to the economy.

To date, the British game industry employs over 25,000 people, professional or otherwise. The appeal of games is spreading and transcending age barriers and Jackson happily concludes "we welcome the Prime Minister’s view that games are very much part of creative Britain both culturally and economically and look forward to his continued support."