The newly formed UK Video Games Council has revealed its members, pulling in talent from across major studios in the country.
The UK Video Games Council was established as part of the UK Government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, which was released last month. The council’s purpose is to meet with the Minister two times a year, giving advice on maximizing the influence of the video games industry on different areas within the country (like educational, economic, and cultural).
The council will also be behind international collaborations, skills development, and innovation within its sector.
The UK Video Games Council is being chaired by Jason Kingsley CBE, CEO of Rebellion Games, and Nick Button-Brown, Chair of Outright Games. The council as a whole is being supported by Ukie and Tiga.
The members of the UK Video Games Council are as follows:
- Jason Kingsley CBE, CEO and Creative Director at Rebellion (Co-Chair)
- Nick Button-Brown, Chair at Outright Games (Co-Chair)
- Emily Bailey, Jeco
- Saad Choudri, Miniclip
- Charu Desodt, Interior/Night
- Kirsty Rigden, Futurlab
- Dave Gould, T2
- Chris van der Kuyl CBE, FRSE at 4J Studios
- Donna Orlowski, Chucklefish
- Nick Poole OBE, CEO at Ukie
- Tara Saunders, Larian
- Maria Sayans, ustwo Games
- Tim Varney, Microsoft
- Dr. Richard Wilson OBE, CEO, Tiga
Creative Industries Minister Sir Chris Bryant shared excitement as the UK Video Games Council moves forward:
“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. That’s why I asked the industry to design and establish a new UK Video Games Council, which will play a vital role in representing the views of the sector. I look forward to working with its members to support the continued growth of our first-class games industry.”
Additionally, Button-Brown also had a statement:
“The government has shown real support for the video games industry in its Industrial Strategy. There is an amazing opportunity in this commitment to work directly with the industry to boost the competitiveness and growth of the UK video games industry by the Minister for Creative Industries, Sir Chris Bryant MP. I look forward to working closely with industry leaders on the Council to ensure the UK remains and builds as a global hub for games development, creativity, and technological advancement.”
Nick Poole, the CEO at Ukie, also shared thoughts:
“The announcement of the UK Video Games Council marks a key milestone in our strategy to supercharge the UK’s world-leading video games and interactive entertainment industry. In an increasingly competitive global market for video games, the UK continues to stand out as a place of quality to develop new IP, invest in innovative technologies and pioneer new genres and experiences. The Council creates a platform for Government and industry leaders to work together to harness our strengths, drive growth and boost our international profile.”
Kingsley CBE also spoke on his excitement about the council:
“This is an important step forward for the UK games industry. For too long, the full potential and impact of our sector have not always been fully recognised, despite our world-class talent, renowned studios, and economic contribution.”
Tiga CEO Dr. Richard Wilson OBE also spoke on the council:
“Our goal is to make the UK the best place in the world to develop video games. The introduction of the Video Games Council supports this objective. The Council will provide opportunities to showcase our industry’s achievements, highlight our industry’s potential and articulate policies to drive our industry forward. I look forward to working with Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister for Creative Industries, Art and Tourism and industry colleagues to support developers and publishers, service and education providers and advance the UK video games industry.”
Council members are appointed for a three-year term, and they’re chosen by an “industry-led” process with Ukia and Tiga. Those interested in or who wish to contact the council can do so on the official website here.
