Towards a UK Video Games Strategy

The UK Video Games Council, an industry-led advisory body established to facilitate communication between the games sector and government, is currently transitioning from its initial foundational phase toward a long-term growth strategy. Following its first year of operation, the Council is shifting its focus from addressing early organizational criticism and establishing governance frameworks to implementing a comprehensive five-to-ten-year plan aimed at fostering economic growth and securing the industry’s position within the national industrial strategy.

During its inaugural year, the Council achieved modest successes, including the implementation of video game-specific Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes, collaboration with the British Business Bank to improve investment access, and advocacy for the expansion of the UK Games Fund. However, the body faced challenges in managing industry expectations and encountered setbacks in its efforts to secure an independent tax credit for smaller developers. The Council is now working to refine its internal governance, including the introduction of term limits and potential regional representation, to better address the diverse needs of the UK sector.

The forthcoming Games Growth Strategy is built upon six strategic pillars, including cultural advocacy, improved government representation, enhanced funding support, national skills development, heritage preservation, and international promotion. Ambitious policy proposals under consideration include securing institutional funding from pension sources, integrating games into the BBC Charter review, and potentially establishing a dedicated arms-length industrial body to coordinate sector development. While the current economic climate presents challenges to such large-scale initiatives, the Council aims to unify the industry’s voice to effectively influence government policy and ensure long-term sustainability for UK-based game companies.