UK government announces £28.5m games fund amid industry uncertainty and Bafta Games Awards spotlight
During the London Games Festival, the UK government unveiled a £28.5m fund dedicated to the gaming sector, providing grants ranging from £20,000 to £250,000 for video game developers. Ian Murray, the Creative Industries Minister, pointed out the often underestimated economic impact of this industry. This funding is part of the broader Creative Industries Sector Plan, which allocates £75m for television and film, along with up to £30m for new music talents. As the Bafta Games Awards draw near, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out with the most nominations. Despite the UK video game industry's valuation of £8.76bn in 2025, it continues to grapple with job losses and studio shutdowns. Christopher Dring acknowledged the importance of this funding but stressed the need for greater assistance compared to other sectors.
Key facts
- The UK government announced a £28.5m games fund with grants up to £250,000.
- Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray said video games' economic value has been overlooked.
- UKIE reported the UK video game industry was worth £8.76bn in 2025, a 7.4% increase.
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads Bafta Games Awards nominations with 12 nods.
- Sandfall Interactive, the game's developer, was praised by French President Emmanuel Macron.
- Alanah Pearce noted investment has shifted to AI, making game funding scarce.
- TIGA reported a record downturn in UK game industry employment and start-ups.
- Two Point Studios' Two Point Museum earned Bafta nominations in British and family game categories.
Entities
Artists
- Alanah Pearce
- Adam Riches
- Gary Carr
- Ben Huskins
- Christopher Dring
- Ian Murray
- Emmanuel Macron
- Leah J. Williams
Institutions
- Bafta Games Awards
- UK Interactive Entertainment (UKIE)
- TIGA
- London Games Festival
- Creative Industries Sector Plan
- Sandfall Interactive
- Robust Games
- The Game Business
- Two Point Studios
- Bullfrog
- Lionhead
- Microsoft
- BBC News
- BBC Newsbeat
- Ministry of Culture (France)
- United Kingdom government
- ScreenHub
- ArtsHub
Locations
- United Kingdom
- London
- Farnham
- Surrey
- Guildford
- France
- Perth
- Fife
- Tay Cities Region
- Australia
- Canada