How Brexit is Affecting Gaming Companies in the UK Gaming Industry

The UK gaming industry has contributed £2 billion annually to the UK’s GDP. Creative, high-tech and fast-growing, it yields high profits on exports. It competes with the AI industry for the best technological talent. It produces global gaming hits. ‘Grand Theft Auto’, Farm Hero Saga, Lego and Batman are UK gaming industry products. The industry would have expanded with the onset of 5G games. Then the UK voted for Brexit.

The Brexit Factor
It’s feared that Brexit will drive up industry costs, hindering progress. The planners of Brexit industrial strategy ignored the UK gaming industry. A report by an industry campaign group ‘Games for EU’ brings grim news. It says a hard Brexit or even a ‘no deal Brexit’ will jeopardise the industry. Here are some reasons:

• The UK gaming industry workforce consists of 30%EU nationals. Brexit ends free UK entry for EU nationals. UK companies had access to the most talented European gaming professionals. Post-Brexit, it becomes very expensive to bring EU nationals into the UK. Larger companies may absorb the cost. Small companies can’t do that leading to the somber truth that some may close owing to higher costs.
• A no-deal Brexit could block UK’s access to streaming and phone services. A negotiated Brexit could bring new data rules with extra costs.
• Industry products will now be subject to tariffs and VAT on imports and exports. So, it will be less profitable to work in the UK.
• British gaming entrepreneurs will no longer have access to EU startup grants. This will impede their growth.

What’s Next?
Once Brexit goes through, bigger companies may absorb the higher costs. Small companies may not. Hopefully, the casino industry will survive. With reduced profits, companies must find new strategies. UK operators may enter the US market. Some companies may consider relocation to gambling hubs like Malta. but this is an expensive option. We must wait to see what the future holds.