The UK government has unveiled the members of its new UK Video Games Council, a new organization established to “work in partnership with government to support the growth, innovation, and international reach of the UK video games and interactive entertainment industry.” It will report to Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism.
The following members will join joint chairs Jason Kingsley CBE, CEO of Rebellion Games, and Nick Button-Brown, chair of Outright Games, on the inaugural council:
Jason Kingsley CBE, CEO and Creative Director, Rebellion (Co-Chair)
Nick Button-Brown, Chair, Outright Games (Co-Chair)
Emily Bailey, Green-BIT
Saad Choudri, Miniclip
Charu Desodt, Interior:Night
Kirsty Rigden, Futurlab
Dave Gould, T2
Chris Van Der Kuyl, 4J Studios
Donna Orlowski, Chucklefish
Nick Poole OBE, CEO, Ukie
Tara Saunders, Larian
Maria Sayans, ustwo Games
Tim Varney, Microsoft
Dr Richard Wilson OBE, CEO, TIGA
“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,” Bryant said.
“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.”
The Council will be supported by Ukie and TIGA. All appointees will serve for an initial term of up to three years, meeting twice a year “to provide strategic advice on how to unlock the full economic, cultural, and educational potential of the UK games industry.”
The UK Video Games Council is just one part of a wider suite of initiatives that include a new $40.5m (£30m) injection to expand the UK Games Fund to support British game development.