UKIE's Nick Poole Discusses the New UK Video Games Council and Its Future Prospects

The UK Video Games Council, comprising 14 members, was recently announced, with its foundation laid about seven months ago by Nick Poole, head of the trade association UKIE. The council was formed in response to Sir Chris Bryant MP's desire to hear directly from individuals working in the games industry, rather than just trade associations. The council's makeup aims to represent various sectors, including first-party developers, indies, and co-development studios, with a focus on geographic coverage, diversity, and genuine representation of the industry. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) requested changes to the initial list, which was finalized after some negotiations. Council members will serve three-year terms, with the possibility of extension or change. The council will act as an advisory body to the minister, meeting at least twice a year to discuss key challenges and opportunities facing the industry. The government has allocated £30 million to the Games Growth Package, which will be used to support the industry over the next three years. The UK Creative Industries Sector Plan highlights the need for a dedicated funding stream for video games, as well as representation in key policy documents. The sector plan also emphasizes the importance of skills development, with a focus on creating a growth-oriented and entrepreneurial spirit in industry leaders. However, the recent tightening of immigration criteria may hinder the industry's ability to attract international talent. UKIE is working to address this issue and promote a more positive and ambitious narrative about the UK as a hub for the games industry.