Ukie responds to transparency guidance consultation

Submitted – 4th October 2024 

The UK video games industry places player safety at the heart of everything it does, recognising the importance of creating safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environments for a global audience of over 3.4 billion players. With 38% of UK adults and 57% of UK children playing games online, as reported in Ofcom’s Online Nation 2023 survey, the industry is committed to providing tools and information that help players and caregivers manage their experiences and set their own boundaries. In a competitive market where safety and reputation directly influence success, companies prioritise maintaining welcoming spaces and enforce clear terms of service to swiftly address inappropriate or illegal content.

Ukie argues the games industry has a long-standing record of self-regulation, including the use of PEGI age ratings, platform-level parental controls, and consumer education campaigns. Ukie’s approach to online safety is built around four pillars: clear age-appropriate information, safety-by-design, tools for player and parental control, and accessible enforcement and redress mechanisms. As regulation evolves, it’s vital to recognise the distinct nature of in-game interaction, as well as the global scope of many services. Any future guidance should reflect these nuances to ensure consistency with international standards while supporting a safe and thriving environment for all players.