UKIE Highlights the Need for a Dedicated Gaming Industry Body to Address Skills Shortage

During his presentation at Develop Brighton, UKIE's chief strategy officer and acting co-CEO Dan Wood examined the impact of government policies and regulations on the UK gaming sector. He discussed the current regulatory landscape and explored the practical support available to studios from the government, including the UK Games Fund and the upcoming revised version of the Video Games Tax Relief. Wood emphasized the potential need for an industry-specific body to address the skills gap, which is currently the gaming industry's most significant challenge. He suggested that such a body could create apprenticeships, provide training, and organize boot camps, thereby benefiting the entire sector. Wood also proposed the introduction of a digital creativity qualification at the GCSE level to help bridge the skills gap. This qualification would provide a pathway for individuals interested in developing skills in areas like art, music, storytelling, and design. The discussion touched on the current challenges facing the industry, including the pipeline of new talent, a topic that has been addressed previously. The idea of creating a dedicated gaming industry body has sparked interest, and UKIE aims to explore this concept further with the government and industry stakeholders.