Broadband speeds are set to have a significant impact on the UK gaming industry over the coming months and years, it has been suggested.

According to Nick Parker, Chief Executive Officer at Parker Consulting, the industry has flourished over the past few years, but is coming under threat from foreign competition.

Speaking at the Westminster eForum keynote seminar, he noted that social network gaming – which already has more than half a billion players – is set to continue its growth, meaning faster connections will be required both by developers and consumers.

Mr Parker commented that the UK offers "pretty average" digital subscriber line and cable downloads, especially in comparison to France, which he says is the market leader.

Across the Channel, 100Mb and 14-20Mb downloads are available on the respective connections, he noted.

For that reason, the UK "has a long way to go in terms of rivalling their service speeds", Mr Parker stated.

Earlier this month, web traffic management firm Akamai reported that the UK has the 26th fastest broadband speeds in the world.