Ukie
Ukie business and news from across the web.
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 platformsThe 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 diversityLiz 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 multiplayerThe 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 banThe 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 OKREIndustry 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 industryA 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.
UK games industry "fundamentally misunderstood", new report calls for unified research frameworkUKIE and OKRE have proposed a unified research framework to better understand and demonstrate the economic and social value of the UK games industry. The report highlights significant research gaps, particularly in understanding the third-party use and exploitation of games, and calls for collaboration between industry, government, and academia to address these issues. The framework aims to provide a more sophisticated understanding of games as a cultural phenomenon with impacts across healthcare, education, and culture.
"Those of us who joined in the early 2000s, we had it very good": Monument Valley boss says it's getting harder to give workers full-time stabilityUstwo Games CEO Maria Sayans believes the company has been too idealistic about providing full-time employment, leading to a shift towards using more contractors. Sayans, who also chairs Ukie, noted that the industry has changed significantly since the early 2000s, making long-term job stability for all employees more challenging. Ustwo Games is now prioritizing PC development after Monument Valley 3 was removed from Netflix.
UK government begins rollout of £30m Games Growth PackageThe UK government has launched a £30 million Games Growth Package to support the domestic video game industry. The funding includes £28.5 million for the UK Games Fund, aimed at early-stage developers and studio growth, and £1.5 million for the London Games Festival over three years. The package is divided into tracks for new studios, prototyping, and expansion, with an additional £20 million designated for the Tay Cities region.
UKIE: UK games market reaches £8.7bn in 2025The UK games market reached £8.7 billion in 2025, driven by digital software and hardware sales, including the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. While the mobile segment and game-related merchandise saw growth, the UK games industry experienced a significant decline in employment, with hundreds of companies cutting jobs.- LONDON GAMES FESTIVAL 2026 OPENS FOR BUSINESS WITH RECORD-HIGH UK MARKET VALUATION REVEALEDThe London Games Festival 2026 has commenced, highlighting a record-high UK video games market valuation of £8.7bn in 2025, according to Ukie. The festival features numerous consumer and business events, including the Games Finance Market, and aims to bolster London's position as a global gaming capital with support from the Mayor of London and government initiatives.
- LONDON GAMES FESTIVAL UNVEILS ITS 2026 ENSEMBLE COHORTThe London Games Festival has announced its 2026 Ensemble cohort, highlighting Black, Asian, and underrepresented ethnic creatives in the UK games industry. The program, curated by Sharna Jackson, features eight individuals in roles ranging from game directors to audio designers, with an installation at Trafalgar Square and features at New Game Plus.
- PONCLE KEYNOTE LEADS EXPANDED B2B PROGRAMME AT LONDON GAMES FESTIVALThe London Games Festival has expanded its B2B program, featuring a keynote from Poncle, the studio behind Vampire Survivors. The event includes a two-day Games Finance Market with £247 million in potential investment, a Self-Publishing Toolkit live session, and the first Games For Change London Summit focused on social impact through games. A 'Games meets film' convergence event, Screen Play, will also explore collaborations between creative industries.
Copyright trolling kept evidence of Japanese cult classic Cookie's Bustle offline, until nowThe Video Game History Foundation has successfully defended the obscure Japanese point-and-click game Cookie's Bustle against copyright trolling by Graceware. Graceware had repeatedly used DMCA takedowns to remove content related to the 1999 game, but the VGHF pushed back, leading to Ukie ceasing its takedown services for Graceware. This victory helps preserve the game's history and online presence.