Ukie reports that the APPG for Video Games and Esports met on 30 November to discuss online harms in the context of the video games industry. Ukie reports that the group was joined by the Minister for Digital and Culture, Caroline Dinenage MP, who spoke about the impressive contribution games make to the UK economy. She also praised the industry’s actions during the COVID-19 pandemic with Games for Carers and for sharing Government public health messaging in their games to millions of players. Finally, Ukie reports, she stated that the Government is keen to continue to support the sector and noted the additional £1 million provided for the UK Games Fund in the recent Comprehensive Spending Review.

The Minister was followed by a panel chaired by Alex Sobel MP, including Ukie, and the discussion touched on the actions the games industry has historically taken and continues to take on online harms. Ukie says that the panel stressed that the industry is ready, more than most, for online harms legislation thanks to its proactiveness in protecting players and from its long history of working with the Government to prevent harms. It was highlighted how, for games, player safety is a business imperative as well as a moral obligation.

The importance of education was also raised, the point being made that Government and business must empower people to use the tools at their disposal through education.

Finally, Ukie reports that regarding loot boxes, the industry panel emphasised the recent steps taken towards transparency including drop rate disclosures and the PEGI descriptor highlighting in-game purchases with random items.

Ukie says that, overall, the event highlighted the strengths of the UK games industry in terms of protecting players in the area of online harms and stressed the industry’s commitment to continue doing so in the future. To read Ukie’s report in full, click here.