We value your privacy
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, security, and analyse our traffic. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies.
OKRE and Ukie call on Games Industry, Government and Academia to unite behind UK Video Games Impacts Report
OKRE and Ukie call on Games Industry, Government and Academia to unite behind UK Video Games Impacts Report
OKRE and Ukie have published the Building a Unified Framework For UK Video Games Impacts report.
The report maps the significant cultural, societal and economic impact of the UK video games industry. Through both supply chain mapping and a pioneering impacts framework, the report identifies how video games are rapidly crossing over into other industries, such as Healthcare and Education, and shaping culture across Fashion, Music, Film and TV.
As a result, the report establishes a foundation for researchers and policymakers to better understand, evidence and maximise the diverse ways that games generate meaningful real-world value.
Whilst the report shows the broad reach and impact that games now have, it also identifies the research gaps that still exist.
The report states that wide public awareness of the sector, and its extensive reach into everyday life, is not matched by a clear understanding of the medium.
It argues that this is holding back the games sector, and that more research is needed to effectively correct the misplaced narratives around the industry, grow its audience, and drive growth.
Iain Dodgeon, Director of OKRE, says that “Research is the games industry’s secret weapon in unlocking more support and growth.”
“Continuing to build a fuller picture of its impact will unlock decisions about games innovation, policy support, partnerships and investment. That’s why we are calling on the UK games sector, to come together with academia and government and fill the crucial research gaps that our report has identified.”
Industry body Ukie, a partner on the report, is also backing the call to unite around this research.
“This report should stand as a milestone in our understanding of the power and potential of video games.” says Nick Poole, CEO of Ukie. “We need to move away from framing discussions about ‘good’ or ‘bad’ impacts of games, and this report sets up the industry to continue building a more sophisticated picture.”
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) also welcomed the report.
“Across the creative industries, data is central to effective decision‑making and has played a crucial role in building wider understanding and adoption,” said Audra Gill, Head of Creative Industries at the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UKRI. “OKRE’s research will significantly strengthen how the games industry is understood and discussed, and it’s vital that stakeholders come together around this shared evidence.”
The report was supported by the BFI National Lottery Innovation Challenge.
Rishi Coupland, Executive Director of Industry Development & Innovation at the BFI, says: “We’re thrilled to be backing this project. Our mission is to support a sustainable and globally ambitious UK screen sector, and research such as this framework is central to helping the sector build on its strengths and thrive in the years ahead.”
The full report can be found here https://videogamesimpacts.co.uk.
OKRE and Ukie have also launched a sector-wide survey to capture what people across the UK games industry think about the social impact of their work. Take part in the survey here: