The UK gaming industry is exponentially growing, last year was a record year for the UK gaming industry, both the market monetary value (£4.33bn) as well as other sectors like films and merchandising (£100.5m). Estimates further put it growing at a rate of 6.7pc and suggested by 2021; the UK gaming industry will be worth £5.2bn, this will make it Europe’s largest market and the fifth largest in the whole world.

According to PwC, nearly 50% of UK’s population plays video games, on all platforms – Online, games console, PC, smartphone, or VR headset. The increase in gaming popularity can be attributed to the increased availability to the public; how it is easy to download them at the click of a mouse or tap of a screen.

This availability has brought forth opportunities that include funding and investments with potential clients viewing games as a means of engaging audiences, and moreover people looking to get employment in the sector. All these factors profoundly influence the gaming sector. The enormous appetite for games and gaming merchandise in the UK means there is more demand for services offered by gaming professionals, which translates to more money.

Attracting top players

The UK has rated the third best country at attracting, training and furthermore retaining skilled workers within the digital industry, with the significant magnets being the cities of London, Cardiff, and Birmingham. Additionally, as more people become equipped in working in the gaming industry, with universities offering a range of technical courses, firms are likely to succeed and grow if they employ these highly skilled workers.

Is it Game over for the UK?

The UK gaming industry is thriving because there is the existence of high-skilled, and adequately funded workers who are making games every day to meet the market demand. For this to continue, however, Dr. Richard Wilson, chief executive of The Independent Game Developers’ Association, proclaims that support must, and should indeed, stay at the same level, with support, games will be developed and will be enjoyed by the population and in turn provide revenue. He also believes that much of the gaming industry future success will evidently rely upon government policy decisions. He further recommends the formation of an official investment fund for gaming, which will provide a substantial tax relief rate for developers, who will then continue accessing skilled workers, from the EU and incorporating them into the gaming industry.