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UKIE calls on government to modernise Video Games Expenditure Credit ahead of Autumn Budget
UKIE is urging the UK government to modernize the Video Games Expenditure Credit (VGEC) and establish a new fund to address the growth capital gap for domestic studios. The trade body argues that these reforms are crucial for the UK to remain competitive in attracting investment and talent against countries with more favorable tax incentives.
Japan Actors Union announces guidelines addressing unauthorised use of generative AI to replicate voice performances
The Japan Actors Union has released new guidelines addressing the unauthorized use of generative AI for voice replication. The framework recommends obtaining consent at all stages of AI model training and performance replication, with specific provisions for deceased actors and automatic translations. The union aims to establish these as industry-wide rules and push for government legislation to protect 'voice rights'.
The AI state of play: AI laws and game development
Game studios face increasing legal complexities surrounding the use of generative AI in development. Key concerns include intellectual property infringement risks from LLMs, data privacy issues with AI tools, and evolving copyright laws across different jurisdictions. Regulations like the EU AI Act also mandate labeling for AI-generated content resembling real people or events, requiring studios to implement robust compliance policies and human oversight.
UKIE partners with Sheridans on AI Compliance and Accreditation Service to guide UK studios in using AI lawfully and responsibly
UKIE has partnered with law firm Sheridans to launch an AI Compliance and Accreditation Service for UK game studios. This four-step program aims to guide developers in using AI lawfully and responsibly, culminating in an AI Certification Mark for use in pitches and funding rounds. The service addresses concerns about legal and commercial risks associated with AI tools.
GamesIndustry.biz to host panel at Game Republic's Investment Summit at MCM Comic Con October 2026
GamesIndustry.biz will host an Investment Panel at Game Republic's Investment Summit at MCM Comic Con, featuring discussions on game funding, development, and building sustainable studios. Separately, Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery have completed their $111 billion merger, now operating under the name Skydance, with potential for "difficult decisions" and "changes and impacts" as the new entity integrates.
Jobs roundup: October | Playstack CEO Harvey Elliott voted chair of UKIE
Several key appointments have been made across the UK games industry. Harvey Elliott, CEO of Playstack, has been voted chair of UKIE, succeeding Maria Sayans. Murray Pannell joins Steel City Interactive as head of publishing, while Dean Anderson leads MV&P's APAC partnerships. Catherine Bygrave is the new head of commercial at Code Wizards Group, and Michał Platkow-Gilewski has been promoted to VP of global communications and marketing at CD Projekt Red.
National Videogame Museum launches UK-wide survey on game preservation
The National Videogame Museum has launched a UK-wide survey called 'Behind the Screens' to map existing video game collections and preservation efforts. In partnership with Ukie and funded by the BFI, the survey seeks information from developers, publishers, and collectors to inform discussions on preserving the UK's video game legacy.
UKIE launches Discord-backed Go To Market Academy, a business program to support early-stage indie devs
UKIE, in partnership with Discord and GameFlex, has launched the "Go To Market Academy," a business program designed to assist early-stage UK-based indie game studios. The program offers six online modules covering strategy, marketing, and community engagement via Discord, with industry guest speakers. It aims to help developers build sustainable audiences and communities for their games.
Ukie claims 'restrictive' subscription proposals could harm game businesses in the UK
The UK video game trade body Ukie is seeking clarification from the Labor government regarding new consumer subscription refund proposals. Ukie fears that a restrictive refund calculation could allow players to consume content exceeding the refund value, potentially harming UK game businesses and discouraging investment in subscription services.
GamesAid appoints six new trustees as it raises £82,000 in funding during 2025/26
GamesAid has appointed six new trustees, including Dom Shaw as vice chair, Catherine Anderson as secretary, and Amelia Suchy as treasurer, to its board. The charity successfully raised £82,000 during the 2025/26 period, distributing the funds equally among four children's charities: AFK, Autistica, Rays of Sunshine Children's Charity, and Solving Kids' Cancer UK. These funds will support various initiatives, including providing mobility equipment, granting wishes for ill children, and supporting neurodivergent youth.
Comings and Goings
Several companies within the game industry are experiencing significant staff changes. Bungie's Marathon Game Director has departed during a turbulent period for the studio, while ZA-UM Studios is reportedly laying off up to 32 employees. UKIE reports that 22% of the UK games industry workforce has been affected by job losses.
UKIE: 22% of UK games industry workforce affected by job losses in last three years
A recent survey by UKIE reveals that 22% of the UK games industry workforce has experienced job losses in the past three years. The report also highlights significant challenges in workforce representation, a rise in reported neurodiversity, and a growing sentiment gap regarding the industry's appeal as a place to work.
Where did all the UK game events go?
The UK faces a significant decline in major consumer video game events, with many established shows like EGX and Insomnia folding or merging, and new attempts failing. This trend is attributed to rising costs, shifting global marketing budgets of major publishers away from such events, and the overwhelming draw of larger international shows like Gamescom. While smaller niche and B2B events remain successful, the lack of large-scale consumer gatherings is a concern for the UK's substantial gaming market.
UK social media ban will restrict 'high-risk' features on game platforms
The UK government will ban social media for individuals under 16 and restrict 'high-risk' features like livestreaming and communication with strangers on video game platforms. This decision follows a public consultation showing strong parental support for stricter online safety measures. The UK video game industry trade body Ukie has welcomed the distinction between social media and gaming platforms and offered to collaborate on the new regulations, which are expected to come into effect in Spring 2027.
HR veteran Liz Prince awarded MBE for services to the games industry and diversity
Liz Prince, a veteran business manager at gaming recruitment specialist Amiqus, has been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours list for her services to the games industry and diversity. Prince has been a long-time advocate for equality and inclusivity, launching initiatives like G Into Gaming and co-founding Empower Up to promote better workplaces.
The UK's dramatic under-16 social media ban will also apply to "gaming services", but at least they're not coming for multiplayer
The UK government has announced a ban on social media platforms for individuals under 16, which will also extend to certain gaming services, set to take effect in spring 2027. While multiplayer gaming will not be affected, the government is considering age-gating access to gaming sites. The ban aims to protect children from harmful online content and manipulative algorithms, drawing parallels to similar regulations in Australia.
Ukie hails video games being classed separately from social media as UK government announces ban
The UK government has announced plans to ban social media for under-16s and implement wider online protections, classifying video games separately from social media. Ukie, the UK video games trade body, welcomed this distinction, emphasizing the industry's existing measures like the PEGI age rating system for ensuring child safety online. These new regulations, set to take effect by spring 2027, will include default blocks on communication features for users under 17 on various online services, including 'gaming sites'.
The world of videogames is 'currently not well understood' with major decisions based on 'a limited, partial view', say industry organisations UKIE and OKRE
Industry organizations UKIE and OKRE report a significant lack of accessible data regarding the videogames sector, leading to decisions being made with an incomplete understanding of its economic, social, and cultural impact. This data gap hinders a comprehensive view of the medium beyond mere financial metrics.
Manchester Games Network launches to put UK region 'back on the games map'
Industry veterans have launched the Manchester Games Network (MGN) to support and advocate for local game developers in Greater Manchester. The organization aims to consolidate the region's position as a game development hub by providing networking opportunities, influencing policy, and promoting inclusive representation. MGN also plans to strengthen ties with educational institutions and attract larger companies to the area.
New report defines the broad economic, cultural and social impact of the video games industry
A new report, 'Building a Unified Framework For UK Video Games Impacts,' by OKRE and Ukie, defines the broad economic, cultural, and social impact of the UK video games industry. The report highlights how games are crossing into sectors like healthcare and education, and shaping culture in fashion, music, film, and TV. It calls for greater research to better understand and maximize the real-world value generated by games, and to correct misplaced narratives around the industry.