The UK has introduced a new $40.5 million fund aimed at bolstering British game development

The UK Government has introduced a $40.5 million (£30 million) initiative aimed at bolstering the British gaming sector by extending the UK Games Fund.

A new UK Video Games Council has been formed, featuring industry experts to build stronger connections with Whitehall and stimulate growth in the creative sector, which will receive an overall investment exceeding $510 million (£380 million). PocketGamer notes that a UK Games Skills Network will also be launched to tackle skills shortages.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport released a statement via LBC, stating, "The £380 million package aims to provide targeted investment, leading to thousands of new jobs and opportunities in sectors like film, TV, music, video games, and advertising, fostering economic expansion in six regions outside of London over a three-year period."

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy highlighted that this funding would stimulate regional growth, attract private investment, and create numerous high-quality employment opportunities.

Ukie CEO Nick Poole commented, "The measures introduced by the Government are a testament to the significant cultural and economic contributions of video games and signify that we are open for business globally."

TIGA CEO Richard Wilson remarked, "The video games sector provides high-skilled jobs, focuses on exports, and boosts growth throughout the UK. Enhancing the UK Games Fund will aid small studios in scaling up, while support for the London Games Festival will underscore the capital's role as a major gaming hub in Europe."

Earlier this month, six independent Welsh game developers received a total of $1.15 million (£850,000) from the Welsh Government. This funding initiative is part of the Games Scale Up Fund for Wales, launched this year through efforts by Creative Wales and the UK Games Fund.