Trumped Up?: The Games Business Ponders the Return of a Divisive President

This analysis examines the strategic implications of Donald Trump’s 2025 presidential inauguration for the global video game industry. Based on observations and discussions from the Pocket Gamer Connects London conference, the primary thesis suggests that the return of the Trump administration marks a fundamental shift in the Western political framework, forcing the games business to choose between adapting to a populist, deregulated landscape or maintaining established industry values regarding inclusivity and safety.

Key findings highlight three critical areas of impact: online safety, competition policy, and industry morale. In the realm of online safety, the administration’s pivot toward absolute free speech—supported by figures like Elon Musk—threatens the international consensus on "duty of care" established in the UK and EU. This creates a regulatory schism that may leave game platforms as easier targets for non-US regulators who are hesitant to challenge American Big Tech giants. Regarding competition, the resignation of FTC Chair Lina Khan signals a likely end to aggressive antitrust enforcement. While this may facilitate major industry consolidations and exits for large publishers like Ubisoft or Electronic Arts, it may simultaneously allow platform holders to tighten their grip on app store ecosystems, potentially stifling long-term growth for smaller developers.

The geographic scope focuses on the relationship between US policy and its ripple effects across the UK and Europe. Methodologically, the insights are drawn from industry panels, keynote addresses, and qualitative interviews with trust and safety professionals and trade association leaders. Ultimately, the industry faces a choice between adopting a "MAGA-style" aggressive commercial swagger to combat recent economic stagnation or doubling down on a values-based "supercharged" strategy that prioritizes sustainability and diversity as a competitive alternative to the new American political order.