Today, members of the new UK Video Games Council have been announced, bringing together leading UK games industry figures from across the games ecosystem to help shape the future of the UK’s £7.82bn video games and interactive entertainment sector. The UK games industry is the largest in Europe in terms of headcount, with over 28,000 development staff employed in 1,757 studios.
Chaired by Jason Kingsley CBE, CEO of Rebellion Games, and Nick Button-Brown, Chair of Outright Games, the Council has been established to work in partnership with government to support the growth, innovation and international reach of the UK video games and interactive entertainment industry.
Established at the request of Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, the UK Games Council will serve as a strategic forum, bringing together industry leaders from across the games sector to inform and support government policy.
Creative Industries Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:
“The UK’s video games sector is truly world-leading and a vital part of our creative industries. As set out in our Creative Industries Sector Plan, we want to make the UK the best place globally to invest in creativity and innovation.
That’s why I asked the industry to design and establish a new UK Video Games Council, which will play a vital role in representing the views of the sector. I look forward to working with its members to support the continued growth of our first-class games industry.”
The Council will be supported by Ukie and TIGA, ensuring regular engagement with the wider industry who will play a vital role in shaping the Council’s work with their contributions.
Members of the UK Video Games Council are:
- Jason Kingsley CBE, CEO and Creative Director, Rebellion (Co-Chair)
- Nick Button-Brown, Chair, Outright Games (Co-Chair)
- Emily Bailey, Green-BIT
- Saad Choudri, Miniclip
- Charu Desodt, Interior:Night
- Kirsty Rigden, Futurlab
- Dave Gould, T2
- Chris Van Der Kuyl, 4J Studios
- Donna Orlowski, Chucklefish
- Nick Poole OBE, CEO, Ukie
- Tara Saunders, Larian
- Maria Sayans, ustwo Games
- Tim Varney, Microsoft
- Dr Richard Wilson OBE, CEO, TIGA
Council members will meet the Minister twice a year to provide strategic advice on how to unlock the full economic, cultural and educational potential of the UK games industry. The Council will also explore new opportunities for international collaboration, sector innovation and skills development. Ukie and TIGA will engage with their respective communities to inform the work and priorities of the Council.
The UK Video Games Council was first announced in the Government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, which was published last month as part of the wider Industrial Strategy and aims to make the UK the best place globally to invest in creativity and innovation.
Jason Kingsley CBE, Co-Chair of the Council, said:
“This is an important step forward for the UK games industry. For too long, the full potential and impact of our sector have not always been fully recognised, despite our world-class talent, renowned studios, and economic contribution.”
“The decision by Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister for Creative Industries, Art and Tourism, to instigate the establishment of a Video Games Council demonstrates an appreciation of the value and potential of our industry. I look forward to working with the Minister and members of the Council to drive the UK games industry forward.”
Nick Button-Brown, Co-Chair of the Council, added:
“The government has shown real support for the video games industry in its Industrial Strategy. There is an amazing opportunity in this commitment to work directly with the industry to boost the competitiveness and growth of the UK video games industry by the Minister for Creative Industries, Sir Chris Bryant MP. I look forward to working closely with industry leaders on the Council to ensure the UK remains and builds as a global hub for games development, creativity, and technological advancement.”
Nick Poole OBE, CEO, Ukie, said:
“The announcement of the UK Video Games Council marks a key milestone in our strategy to supercharge the UK’s world-leading video games and interactive entertainment industry. In an increasingly competitive global market for video games, the UK continues to stand out as a place of quality to develop new IP, invest in innovative technologies and pioneer new genres and experiences. The Council creates a platform for Government and industry leaders to work together to harness our strengths, drive growth and boost our international profile.”
Dr Richard Wilson OBE, CEO, TIGA added:
“Our goal is to make the UK the best place in the world to develop video games. The introduction of the Video Games Council supports this objective. The Council will provide opportunities to showcase our industry’s achievements, highlight our industry’s potential and articulate policies to drive our industry forward. I look forward to working with Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister for Creative Industries, Art and Tourism and industry colleagues to support developers and publishers, service and education providers and advance the UK video games industry.”
Notes to Editors:
Members of the UK Games Council are appointed for an initial term of up to three years.
The Video Games Council will meet the Minister twice a year to provide comprehensive and strategic advice on measures to build an agenda for growth for the UK Video Games Industry.
Council membership has been agreed through an industry-led process with Ukie and TIGA. Selections to the council have been made to reflect the breadth, expertise and leadership across the UK video games and interactive sector.
Input from across the sector will play a vital role in shaping the Council’s work. We encourage contributions from across the games ecosystem to share their insights and submit evidence, to ensure the Council’s work is grounded in real-world experience and reflects the breadth of the sector. Please contact the Council by visiting www.videogamescouncil.org.uk.
