More than just a game

Today is National Video Games Day. As Chief Executive of Ukie I have seen the scale of the impact that games have on people’s lives first-hand. Games help people build friendships, give them space to learn new skills and support them through challenges. Behind every game there is a story of how someone has found happiness, resilience or inspiration. 

We know from a growing body of research that games contribute to wellbeing, help with learning and bring people together across borders and generations. We also know that those benefits are often overlooked or misunderstood. That is why Ukie is launching a new initiatives. It will serve as a home for stories that show the positive social, educational and cultural contribution of games in the UK. 

Our goal is to create a trusted place where evidence and lived experience come together. By doing this we can give policymakers, educators, parents and the public a clearer picture of what games mean to people’s lives today. 

This is also about pride in the UK industry. The studios, publishers and creators based here are making experiences that reach millions of people worldwide. Their work is not only entertaining but also enriching, and we want to ensure that contribution is recognised at every level of society. 

So on National Video Games Day, let’s celebrate the games we play and the people who make them.  

As part of this, we want to hear directly from you. If games have made a difference in your life, whether through friendship, learning, creativity or wellbeing, please share your story with us.  

Nick Poole
Chief Executive, Ukie