Ukie is running the first ever Westminster Games Week between 23rd-25th November 2021.
The event, which is run in partnership with Xbox and supported by Electronic Arts, Tencent, Ubisoft and Jagex, will see the industry engage with political figures on three key topics in the heart of Parliament.
The first day will be dedicated to levelling up and the role the industry can play in fostering local growth. Day two will focus on fun and responsible play, highlighting the work the industry does to protect players. The week will conclude with a third day exploring skills of the future and the role of games in education.
There will be a series of different activities taking place throughout the week. As well as a number of roundtables, including a session dedicated to levelling up hosted by Jonathan Gullis MP, Westminster Games Week will include a lunchtime showcase in Portcullis House to demonstrate games, charities and responsible play initiatives from across the sector directly to parliamentarians, researchers, and civil servants.
The event will conclude with a Parliamentary Reception, featuring a speech from a senior political figure with a connection to the UK games industry.
“We’re delighted to finally return to Westminster after a series of unpredictable events,” said Dr Jo Twist OBE, CEO of Ukie.
“The industry has grown significantly in terms of its size and its cultural importance over the last two years and political engagement of this kind is incredibly important, particularly as so many MPs’ constituencies across the country have games businesses employing hundreds of people.
We look forward to showing decision makers at the heart of Government what role we can play in the economy of the future, and how responsible we are in ensuring players have a fun and safe time.”
James Butcher, Xbox UK&I Category Director, said “The past year has been unprecedented in demonstrating the positive impact of games in strengthening social connections. We’re pleased to be supporting Ukie’s Westminster Games Week to further raise awareness in government about the economic contributions of our sector, the creative and cultural impact of games, and our efforts in accessibility and responsibility.”
“The UK games industry has become a mature economic powerhouse and a force for good in society, which touches almost every demographic in the country” said Tim Woodley, Head of Publishing at Hello Games and Chair of the Ukie board. “I’m looking forward to the industry demonstrating its vibrancy and entrepreneurship during Westminster Games Week.”
Discover more about Westminster Games Week at www.ukie.org.uk/westminstergamesweek.