UK Video Games Council Names First Members, Including Industry Leaders
▼ Summary
– The UK government has formed the UK Video Games Council to support the growth and international reach of the video games industry, reporting to Minister Sir Chris Bryant.
– The council’s co-chairs are Jason Kingsley CBE (Rebellion Games) and Nick Button-Brown (Outright Games), with 12 other industry leaders as members.
– Minister Bryant emphasized the UK’s world-leading games sector and aims to make the country the best place for creativity and innovation.
– The council, supported by UKIE and TIGA, will meet twice yearly to advise on maximizing the economic, cultural, and educational potential of the UK games industry.
– The initiative includes a £30m expansion of the UK Games Fund to support British game development.
The UK government has announced the first members of its newly formed Video Games Council, bringing together top industry leaders to strengthen the country’s position as a global hub for gaming innovation. This strategic body will collaborate with policymakers to drive growth, foster creativity, and expand the international influence of the UK’s interactive entertainment sector. Reporting directly to Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, the council marks a significant step in supporting the thriving games industry.
Leading the council as co-chairs are Jason Kingsley CBE, CEO of Rebellion Games, and Nick Button-Brown, Chair of Outright Games. They will be joined by a distinguished lineup of executives and innovators, including Emily Bailey (JECO), Saad Choudri (Miniclip), Charu Desodt (Interior:Night), and Kirsty Rigden (Futurlab). Other notable appointees include Chris van der Kuyl CBE of 4J Studios, Donna Orlowski from Chucklefish, and Maria Sayans of ustwo Games. Representatives from major players like Microsoft (Tim Varney) and industry bodies such as Ukie (Nick Poole OBE) and TIGA (Dr Richard Wilson OBE) round out the roster.
Sir Chris Bryant emphasized the council’s importance, stating, “The UK’s video games sector is a world leader and a cornerstone of our creative economy.” He highlighted the government’s commitment to making the country the premier destination for creative investment, as outlined in the Creative Industries Sector Plan. The council’s formation aligns with broader efforts, including a £30 million expansion of the UK Games Fund, aimed at nurturing homegrown talent and studios.
The council will convene biannually over an initial three-year term, offering strategic guidance on maximizing the industry’s economic, cultural, and educational impact. Backed by Ukie and TIGA, the group will focus on unlocking opportunities for developers, educators, and businesses alike.
This initiative underscores the government’s recognition of gaming as a powerhouse of innovation, with the potential to shape entertainment, technology, and education for years to come. By uniting industry veterans and rising stars, the UK Video Games Council aims to cement the nation’s reputation as a global leader in interactive entertainment.
(Source: Games Industry)
