About us
The UK Video Games Council works in partnership with the government to support the growth, innovation and international reach of the UK video games and interactive entertainment industry.
The Council is part of the government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, part of the wider Industrial Strategy, and aims to make the UK the best place globally to invest in creativity and innovation.
The Council’s aims
The UK Games Council will serve as an advisory body to support the government in three ways
Bringing together leaders
The Council will bring together leading UK games industry figures from across the games ecosystem.
Shaping policy
Make policy recommendations and provide industry
guidance that reflects the diverse perspectives and needs.
Supporting growth
The Council will build an agenda for growth for the UK Video Games Industry with government through the Sector Plan.
“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.”
Creative Industries Minister, Sir Chris Bryant
Supporting a £7.6bn industry
The UK games industry is the largest in Europe in terms of headcount, with over 28,000 development staff employed in 1,757 studios.
And consumers spent £7.6bn on video games last year, with the market size doubling since 2013 (£3.5bn).
Frequently Asked Questions
The Council was established in response to the Government’s Industrial Strategy and the Creative Industries Sector Plan, announced earlier this year. Its mission is to help ensure the UK remains one of the best places in the world to make, play, and invest in video games by supporting government engagement, informing policy, and fostering industry growth through discussion and advice.
A representative body speaks and acts on behalf of its members, often through a formal mandate or membership structure. An advisory body, by contrast, does not represent the industry in a formal sense but provides guidance and recommendations to government. The Council is an advisory body: it does not hold statutory authority or act on behalf of the industry, but brings together leaders to share expertise and make recommendations to government. DCMS Ministers and the Creative Industries Council may consider recommendations from the Council at their discretion.
Council members are not formal, public appointees, and do not receive public funds for being on the council, and as such are not subject to Government guidelines, however all members of the Council agree to be bound by the Council’s Code of Conduct on joining the Council. The Code of Conduct can be found here.
We recognise the position of trust that the Council holds within the UK video game industry and wider creative industries. We believe in doing the right thing, even when it is not the easiest path, and we understand that the long-term success of the Council depends on our collective and individual ability to act with integrity, respect, and accountability in all circumstances.On joining the Council.
It is not a legally registered entity or statutory body and does not have formal powers or a mandate. As such, it does not control a budget and operates purely as an advisory group. While the Council may seek a budget in future to cover operational costs or reimburse member expenses, all current work is voluntary.
Meet the Council
Council membership has been agreed through an industry-led process, with selections made to reflect the breadth, expertise and leadership across the UK video games and interactive sector.
Jason Kingsley CBE, Co-Chair
CEO and Creative Director, Rebellion
Andrew Crawshaw
Thunkd Games
Kirsty Rigden
futurlab
Dave Gould
T2
Nick Poole OBE
Ukie
Nick Button-Brown, Co-Chair
Chair, Outright Games
Saad Choudri
miniclip
Chris van der Kuyl CBE, FRSE
4J Studios
Tara Saunders
Larian
Dr Richard Wilson OBE
tiga
Emily Bailey
Jeco
Charu Desodt
interior:night
Donna Orlowski
Chucklefish
Maria Sayans
ustwo games
Tim Varney
microsoft
Creative Industries Sector Plan
Read more about the Government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan and how it is supporting the growth of the video games industry
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Contact us
Play your part in shaping the Council’s priorities by sharing insights and submitting evidence, ensuring its work reflects real-world experience and the full diversity of the UK games ecosystem
Terms of References
Read the Council’s Terms of Reference, defining our purpose, remit, and how we operate effectively.
Code of Conduct
View the Council’s Code of Conduct, setting expectations for professional behaviour, integrity, and industry standards.
We’re committed to maintaining the highest standards across the UK video games industry. If you have a concern or wish to make a complaint about the Council’s work, please contact report@videogamescouncil.org.uk. All complaints will be reviewed and handled in confidence.