A Shadow Council for UK games is formed to tackle both good and poor practices within the industry.
The initiative aims to collaborate with existing trade bodies to improve job security in the sector, and it describes itself as a temporary, independent body focused on transparency, accountability, and ethical reform.
Known as the UK Games Industry Shadow Council (UKGISC), the group presents itself as a loose assembly of like-minded individuals who have volunteered their time due to perceived inaction in the industry. It was founded by veteran game developer Kim MacAskill, though she does not participate as a council member.
Chairing the council is veteran industry figure Phil Harris, and the group currently comprises more than 30 members. Some participants are reluctant to be publicly identified, citing fears of reprisal.
UKGISC intends to give a platform to voices that want to call out both good and bad practices in the field, pointing to recent incidents such as the layoffs at Build a Rocket Boy and allegations of union busting at Rockstar North as context for their mission.
To tackle concerns comprehensively, UKGISC is organized into seven committees:
- Executive core
- Transparency and accountability committee
- Equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding committee (EDI & Saf safeguarding)
- Industry relations and partnerships committee
- Education and research committee
- Creative and production committee
- Technology and innovation committee
The council emphasizes that it is not a union, but it wants to understand the breadth of underlying issues affecting the industry. It also states that feedback submitted through its dedicated email address shadowcouncilgamesuk@gmail.com will be handled with discretion, dignity, and respect.
Regarding its response process, UKGISC says it seeks to represent sectors and individuals who may have been overlooked in order to build a fuller, more accurate picture, and to ensure accountability among those who provide feedback.
UKGISC will operate until the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) begins its work. CIISA launched recently to set ethical and governance standards across the creative sectors, with the first phase focusing on film, television, theatre, and music. The council suggests it will soon turn its attention to the games industry.
The council argues that its diverse mix of educators, recruiters, company owners, and workers can help identify both good and bad practices and alert CIISA to these issues. It also says it plans to collaborate with established sector bodies, including the UK Video Games Council, to help secure stable employment for both workers and employers.
Additionally, the UK Video Games Council was formed earlier this year to work with the government in supporting growth and innovation within the United Kingdom’s games and interactive entertainment landscape.
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