The UK Video Games Council is urgently calling for increased government support for the gaming industry, emphasizing that, despite the nation's rich pool of talent, it lags behind in assistance compared to other global markets.
During a recent talk at Pocket Gamer Connects 2026, Maria Sayans from Ustwo highlighted a key focus of the organization: enhancing support for mid-sized companies. She stressed the need for practical incentives, such as accessible loans and meaningful tax relief, to empower these businesses. "One of our main concerns is the lack of backing for medium-sized companies that often go unnoticed, yet they have been crucial players in our sector for many years," Sayans remarked.
She added, "Not everyone in this industry aims to expand into gigantic corporations."
On a similar note, Miniclip's CEO, Saad Choudri, pointed out that while the UK boasts an abundance of talent, it fails to provide the governmental support seen in regions like Turkey. "The stark reality of the UK games industry is that we possess all the necessary talent but lack the kind of support available in other areas around the globe," he explained.
Choudri elaborated on Turkey's impressive growth in the gaming sector, crediting significant government initiatives that support studios with user acquisition funding and offer cash rebates up to one million dollars. "The UK government hasn't come close to implementing anything of that magnitude. Countries like Canada and Vietnam didn't achieve their success by chance; they invested strategically over time," he noted.
He continued, "Other nations, including Portugal, Italy, and the Netherlands, are significantly ahead of us. We have immense creativity here—this small island is renowned for its music, film, television, and technology. Yet, too often, we find ourselves going it alone.
"If I were to launch a studio with a hundred employees today, the UK would not be my first choice. I'm confident that many others in the industry would share this sentiment."
The UK Video Games Council was established in June 2025 as part of an effort to foster a better relationship between the government and industry representatives. However, the council has faced scrutiny, particularly from the IWGB Game Workers union, which criticized the council for lacking adequate representation.
Simultaneously, the UK Games Industry Shadow Council has emerged, aiming to tackle both exemplary and problematic practices within the sector.
As the conversation around government support for the gaming industry intensifies, one must ask: what should be done to ensure that the UK gaming sector not only keeps pace with but also thrives alongside its international counterparts? What are your thoughts on how the government can better support this flourishing industry?
