UK Video Games Council Launches to Supercharge the Nation’s Gaming Scene
Heads up, UK gamers and creators — the government just dropped a major power-up for the gaming industry! Say hello to the brand-new UK Video Games Council, a fresh advisory squad assembled to turbocharge the nation’s game development scene, boost innovation, and level up the UK’s global gaming cred.
Meet the New Hype Squad for UK Gaming
Chaired by none other than Jason Kingsley CBE, CEO of Rebellion Games (the studio behind classics like Sniper Elite), alongside Nick Button-Brown, chair of Outright Games, this 14-member council reads like a who’s who of UK game development legends and industry leaders. The roster includes big names from studios like Larian (known for Baldur’s Gate 3), Chucklefish (Starbound), and Ustwo Games (Monument Valley), plus key figures from industry bodies like Ukie and tech giants like Microsoft.
Some prominent council members:
- Jason Kingsley CBE – Rebellion Games CEO
- Nick Button-Brown – Outright Games Chair
- Tara Saunders – Larian Guildford Studio Head
- Donna Orlowski – Chucklefish COO
- Charu Desodt – Interior/Night Studio Director
- Nick Poole – Ukie CEO
- Tim Varney – Microsoft Senior Corporate Counsel
- Maria Sayans – Ustwo Games CEO
This crew isn’t just a talking shop. They’ll meet twice a year with Sir Chris Bryant MP, the UK minister for creative industries, arts, and tourism, to strategize on how to keep the industry thriving and globally competitive.
Why This Matters: A Big Boost for UK Game Devs
The UK’s gaming scene is already flexing serious muscle on the world stage, but this council is designed to take it to the next level. With a £30 million Games Growth Package backing the initiative, the council’s mission is crystal clear: support creativity, ramp up innovation, and attract more investment.
Sir Chris Bryant said it best:
“The UK’s video games sector is truly world-leading and a vital part of our creative industries. As set out in our Creative Industries Sector Plan, we want to make the UK the best place globally to invest in creativity and innovation.”
This means more opportunities for indie devs hustling on their passion projects, as well as big studios pushing the boundaries of gaming tech and storytelling. The council will help shape policies and funding schemes that can fuel everything from startup incubators to cutting-edge AR and VR development.
Gaming as Culture and Commerce: More Than Just Play
This move highlights the UK government’s growing recognition of gaming not just as entertainment, but as a cultural and economic powerhouse. The council is poised to influence how gaming fits into the UK’s broader creative economy — impacting jobs, exports, education, and even tourism.
For the UK’s gaming community, this is a clear signal: gaming is a serious industry, and the government is putting in the work to back it up.
What’s Next? Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Fresh Initiatives
Expect the council to be a catalyst for new programs, grants, and industry partnerships. From funding schemes aimed at boosting diversity and inclusion to tech innovation hubs and possible surprise cross-industry collabs, this is just the beginning.
If you’re a developer grinding on your next big idea or a fan hyped about homegrown UK titles, this council’s work is going to ripple through the scene — making the UK an even hotter hotspot for game creativity.
As the UK gaming fam gears up for this new era, one thing’s clear: the future looks lit! 🎮🔥
References
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