The UK video games sector is a £6 billion economic engine supporting 76,000 jobs, with consumer spending rising 4% to £7.82 billion in the 2023-24 period.
See it on page 11Video game technology spill-overs contributed £760 million to UK GDP and created nearly 10,000 jobs as of 2021.
See it on page 11International trade activities at events like Gamescom and GDC generated over £70 million in business wins and attracted more than £150 million in foreign direct investment for 180 UK companies.
See it on page 8Ukie’s IP protection efforts successfully removed 1.5 million infringing links, preventing an estimated £100 million in illicit digital sales.
See it on page 14The Digital Schoolhouse education programme reached 299,470 learners, supporting the industry's focus on talent development.
See it on page 12Ukie has launched a new five-year 'Supercharged' strategy and a dedicated five-year EDI strategy to guide future sector growth and global competitiveness.
See it on page 3Ukie’s 2024 annual review presents a comprehensive account of the UK video‑games sector’s performance, strategic direction and advocacy work over the past twelve months. The central thesis is that the industry, now a £6 billion economic engine supporting 76 000 jobs, must be “supercharged” through coordinated efforts to energise businesses, empower talent and elevate games as cultural and educational assets. The review outlines the new five‑year “Supercharged” strategy, which frames Ukie’s campaigning and support programmes for the next decade.
Key findings highlight robust economic contributions: consumer spending on games rose 4 % to £7.82 billion, while a joint analysis with FTI Consulting estimated video‑game technology spill‑overs added up to £760 million to UK GDP and created nearly 10 000 jobs in 2021. International trade activities at Gamescom and GDC generated over £70 million in business wins and attracted more than £150 million of foreign direct investment for 180 UK companies. Policy influence is demonstrated by over 100 engagements with MPs, successful submissions to Ofcom on online safety, and a manifesto that secured inclusion of the sector in major party election platforms. Education initiatives reached 299 470 learners through the Digital Schoolhouse programme, and IP protection actions removed 1.5 million infringing links and prevented £100 million of illicit digital sales.
The review’s scope covers the UK video‑games ecosystem from indie studios to multinational publishers, spanning 2023‑24 and encompassing economic, cultural and regulatory dimensions. Methodologically, the analysis combines internal data on events, memberships and media coverage with external research collaborations, consultation responses and round‑table workshops to produce evidence‑based recommendations. The narrative underscores a commitment to diversity, with a newly approved five‑year EDI strategy and over 20 inclusion‑focused events, positioning the sector for sustained growth and global competitiveness.
