The VGIM General Election Cheat Sheet: 20/06/2024

The June 2024 general election analysis serves as a strategic guide for the United Kingdom video games industry, evaluating how the competing political platforms of the Conservative and Labour parties align with the sector's economic and operational priorities. The primary thesis posits that while neither major party places the video games industry at the center of its campaign, the Labour Party’s broader policy framework—specifically regarding skills development, immigration, and creative industry support—offers a more favorable environment for the sector’s long-term growth compared to the incumbent Conservative government.

The analysis highlights that the UK video games industry contributes approximately £7 billion annually to the national economy. Key areas of concern for the industry include access to finance, domestic skills pipelines, immigration policy for global talent, and the regulatory approach to technology and online safety. The assessment finds that Conservative policies, such as the proposed increase in salary thresholds for skilled worker visas and the characterization of certain creative degrees as low-value, create significant friction for industry recruitment and talent development. Conversely, Labour’s proposed "Skills England" body and its integration of creative sector planning into its manifesto are identified as constructive measures that better address the industry's structural needs.

The scope of this analysis is focused on the UK political landscape leading up to the July 2024 election, with implications for how domestic regulatory shifts may influence international standards. The methodology relies on a comparative review of party manifestos and current political polling data. Ultimately, the analysis concludes that the industry is better positioned to advocate for its interests under a Labour administration, noting that while the sector is not a primary electoral issue, the alignment of broader economic and social policies makes the Labour platform the more pragmatic choice for industry stakeholders.