The IWGB Game Workers union criticizes its exclusion from the UK Video Games Council

The Independent Workers of Great Britain's Game Workers division has publicly criticized its exclusion from the newly established UK Video Games Council in a letter addressed to members of the Labour Party.

On July 31, an open letter was sent to Sir Chris Bryant, the minister responsible for creative industries, and Charlotte Nichols, chairperson of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on video games and esports. The message challenged the exclusion of the union and nonprofit organizations amid "a current crisis in the sector with significant job cuts, lack of proper oversight, and unregulated use of AI."

Founded in July 2025, the UK Video Games Council was designed to collaborate with the government to enhance growth, innovation, and global outreach in the UK gaming and interactive entertainment sectors.

The council's first members, co-chaired by Jason Kingsley, CEO of Rebellion Games, and Nick Button-Brown, head of Outright Games, include UKIE CEO Nick Poole, JECO co-founder Emily Bailey, and TIGA CEO Dr Richard Wilson.

The IWGB Game Workers emphasized their "disappointment" with the council's predominantly Southern England-based leadership, noting it does not adequately reflect the diversity of game workers nationwide.

The letter pointed out the lack of inclusion of trade unions, employee representatives, or grassroots organizations in the council's structure.

It further highlighted the government's contradictions, noting that union consultations were incorporated in social care Fair Pay Agreements and that the Prime Minister has often advocated "partnership with workers" for industry rejuvenation.

The letter also objected to the council's members who support and invest in automated software and AI solutions meant to "empower" developers and "optimize" production. It argued this trend undermines real creativity, replacing it with algorithm-driven mediocrity and exacerbating the technological disruption that has already resulted in numerous job losses within the industry.

To address these issues, IWGB Game Workers proposed four measures: improving regional representation, including relevant UK charities, appointing an IWGB-nominated representative, and publically tackling the union's objections.

Spring McparlinJones, chair of IWGB Game Workers, stated in a press release, "We are extremely let down by the Labour government's choice to consult such a limited segment of our industry."

He emphasized the urgent issue of workforce attrition in the industry, asserting that inclusive dialogue with workers, not currently represented by the council, is crucial to solving this problem. "We could be that voice," he declared.