March 2024
Price: £95 PLUS VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This conference examined next steps for the development and growth of the video game industry in the UK.
It was an opportunity for key stakeholders and policymakers to assess strategy following the publication of the DCMS Video Game Research Framework in May 2023, which sets out principles for research into the impact of video games and gathering reliable data, to be utilised to support and grow the industry.
It also took place following the announcement of a UK Games Fund grant from DCMS in September 2023, which aims to support emerging developers in turning their ideas into market-leading games.
Delegates considered priorities for driving investment amidst concerns over a lack of a stable funding source for the industry. They assessed the impact of the Video Game Relief Tax, as well as assessing market dynamics and implications of M&A for the UK video games industry.
We expected discussion on developments in consumer preferences, use of advances in technology such as AI, and key trends in genres.
Further sessions focused on wider issues around game content, monitoring age-appropriateness, online toxicity and developing a positive culture.
Commitments from gaming companies to self-regulate the use of lootboxes were also discussed, including controls to limit access to under-18s, as well as the way forward for establishing greater clarity around their content, and improving public awareness and information campaigns.
The agenda also looked at skills development, including priorities for the education and careers guidance systems, recruitment and training, and encouraging diversity in the workforce.
Discussion also considered the place of the sector within the wider creative industries, looking at maximising the benefits of creative clusters, how to best scale up and grow businesses, and strategies for developing the profile of the UK’s video game industry on national and international scales.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Emily Keaney, Deputy Commissioner of Regulatory Policy, Information Commissioner’s Office; Anna Mansi, Director of Video Games and Certification, Certification Unit, BFI; Richard Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, TIGA; Dominic Murphy, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Ukie; and Paul Durrant, Chief Executive Officer, UK Games Fund.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- policy and regulation: priorities and next steps for developing the video games industry in the UK - key market trends and opportunities - sector position within the creative industries
- development and growth: sustaining sector growth - maximising the benefits of creative clusters - scaling up businesses - developing a national and international profile
- investment and funding: support for financial sustainability - addressing funding concerns - developing sector attractiveness - assessing the economic impact of the video games industry
- workforce and skills: reviewing sector-relevant education and training opportunities - recruiting and retaining UK talent - promoting diversity, inclusion and positive workplace cultures
- safeguarding and games for good: monitoring age-appropriate content - creating positive in-game cultures - moving the use of games forward in ways that benefit players and wider society
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the DCMS; DSIT; IPO; Ofcom; CMA; DBT; DfE; Cabinet Office; DfT; DLUHC; HMPPS; HMRC; House of Commons Library; ICO; NCA; and The Scottish Government.
