The UK gaming sector is set to gain distinct SIC codes specifically for game development and publishing activities

The 2026 UK Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) framework will formally acknowledge the video game industry, assigning specific four-digit codes for game development and publishing to accurately capture the sector's size.

Expected to be released by March 2026, these new SIC categories will help the government, investors, and policymakers better comprehend the economic contributions of the industry, according to the statement from the UK games trade organization UKIE.

The SIC system categorizes industries through over 600 detailed five-digit codes within 21 sections. Businesses can use up to four SIC codes to describe their varied operations and products.

"Historically, the videogame sector has been lumped together with general software and IT categories, causing official data to misrepresent the true size, economic value, and growth of the UK games industry," UKIE highlighted.

"More accurate data supports the creation of better policies. This structural advancement is vital for recognizing the UK games industry as a prominent creative and technological success," the organization added.

Dominic Murphy, UKIE's head of public affairs, mentioned that, along with the new four-digit codes, the category of esports will receive unique five-digit SIC codes.

This development will enable the first official evaluation of esports' economic impacts, including facilities and event influences on the economy.

Murphy concluded by saying, "This advancement will provide the industry and policymakers with superior data and insights, leading to more informed assessments of the sector's needs and decision-making."