With Westminster Games Week just a few days away, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Video Games and Esports has been formally re-established at its inaugural meeting in the new Parliament.
Charlotte Nichols MP (Labour, Warrington North) was elected as the new Chair, succeeding Alex Sobel MP (Labour, Leeds Central and Headingley), who led the group since 2018. Following her election, Nichols expressed excitement at becoming Chair, sharing her passion for The Legend of Zelda series and highlighting the local economic impact of the industry in her constituency, citing studios like 10:10 Games in Warrington.
Returning as Vice-Chairs are Matt Western MP (Labour, Warwick and Leamington), Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Conservative), and Lord Taylor of Warwick (Independent), with Ukie re-appointed as the secretariat for the APPG.
To mark the launch of Ukie’s new “Supercharged” strategy, CEO Nick Poole provided an update on Ukie’s ambitious goals to elevate the UK games industry by energising regional clusters, and empowering talent within the sector. Nick highlighted how the APPG could support Ukie’s vision to position the video games industry as a central pillar of the UK’s modern economy, promoting innovation and sustainable growth. The “Supercharged” strategy, which includes a focus on inward investment, expanding the UK Games Fund, and advancing diversity and skills, aligns closely with the APPG's objectives.
Following the formal proceedings, members engaged in discussions on key areas including the potential of AI within games, the growing importance of esports, and how to amplify the sector's contributions to the UK economy. The APPG’s role in advocating for supportive policies and raising the industry's profile within Parliament was emphasised throughout.
New members attending the meeting included Chris Webb MP (Labour, Blackpool South), Tristan Osborne MP (Labour, Chatham and Aylesford), Scott Arthur MP (Labour, Edinburgh South West), and Tom Morrison MP (Liberal Democrat, Cheadle).
Together, the APPG and Ukie will work to ensure the UK's video games industry remains at the forefront of innovation and creativity, driving forward the economic and cultural impact that the "Supercharged" campaign seeks to unleash.
