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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.
UK games industry "fundamentally misunderstood", new report calls for unified research framework
UKIE 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 stability
Ustwo 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 Package
The 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 2025
The 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 REVEALED
The 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 COHORT
The 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 FESTIVAL
The 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.