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UK games industry campaign launches for creation of national agency British Games Institute

Petition and social media push begins for its formation

UK games industry campaign launches for creation of national agency British Games Institute

Update: As of 12:30pm on October 24th 2017, the petition now has more than 2,000 signatures.

Original story: Supporters of the British Games Institute has kicked off a campaign backing the creation of a national agency for games culture.

The BGI would act similarly to the British Film Institute, and would act on behalf of the government to ensure the continued growth and contribution of the UK’s games industry to the country’s economic and cultural landscape.

Previously the BGI had called for £8 million to help fund its objectives, which are:

  • To encourage the development of the art, science and technology of games throughout the UK;
  • To research and promote games’ impact on and reflection of British culture;
  • To gather and share the artistic, technical and commercial expertise in games production;
  • To promote and increase diversity and inclusion in the UK games sector.

#FundtheBGI

As part of the new campaign for the creation of the BGI, a change.org petition has been launched that will be sent to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).

At the time of writing the petition has scored 156 signatures.

A social media campaign has also begun on Twitter. Supporters are asked to download a #FundtheBGI sign, take a selfie and post the photo of Twitter with the hashtag in an effort to get more eyes on the appeal.

Supporters so far on Twitter include industry veterans the Oliver Twins, Appynation founder Andy Payne, Modern Dreams’ Ollie Clarke and indie developer Byron Atkinson-Jones.

The campaign is being led by Games Workshop co-founder Ian Livingstone and Games Investor Consulting’s Rick Gibson.

“Some of the most creative and competitive games studios in the world are based in the UK, yet almost all UK games companies struggle to raise finance and access skills, and have to fight against low public recognition of our amazing art form,” said Livingstone.

“The BGI’s programmes will help address these challenges. I’m convinced that the BGI can increase the level of investment, widen games’ cultural impact and source the skills our studios need to stay world-class.”


Head of Content

Craig Chapple is a freelance analyst, consultant and writer with specialist knowledge of the games industry. He has previously served as Senior Editor at PocketGamer.biz, as well as holding roles at Sensor Tower, Nintendo and Develop.