At the Gfinity Arena in London last night trade body UKIE recommended a number of measures for the UK government to take in order to boost esports in the UK. The introduction of this paper, which can be found here, outlines the reasons why esports can and should grow in the UK:
"The UK already has a well-established esports fanbase yet it lags behind some other international markets as a major esports destination (as you can see in the international comparisons section below). This country however is uniquely placed to become a global hub for esports. Firstly, the UK is host to a concentrated combination of businesses from the worlds of video games, traditional entertainment, sports, event management, consumer brands and now esports operators. Secondly, UK consumers are known for their early adoption of video games, other entertainment media and technology. Thirdly, the UK's existing business, legal and regulatory frameworks already provide a strong platform for esports businesses to grow. And finally, the UK's well established interactive entertainment sector provides a ready-made ecosystem in terms of skills, creativity and support services on which to build esports."
In terms of recommendations, there are many, including that esports companies should work alongside government departments to offer investment opportunities for brands and IP owners. The formation of a UK Esports Council was also suggested, as that would allow organisations to share information and co-operate further.
Internet also came into question, another suggestion being that the "Government [should] incentivise the delivery of superfast broadband that matches market leaders such as South Korea (which has an average broadband speed of 27MB second) and develop a strategy for the UK to become a world leader in 5G." Later on in the report it continues talking about internet, saying: "A fast internet connection is the lifeblood of esports. Without it games cannot be made, players cannot compete with each other and there is no connection with the global audience of tens of millions of esports fans who power the growth in esports. So, with esports being watched by a global audience of millions, largely through online streaming services, connectivity through top quality high speed broadband is an absolute necessity if the UK is to become a global esports destination."
The government were also encouraged to set up better means to measure the growth of esports, and that "it will become increasingly important to have more detailed economic information and employment figures for the esports sector" as it grows. "The current SIC code system does not currently accurately capture the size of esports as a separate sector. Industry initiatives such as Ukie's UK Games Map should build on research currently undertaken by companies such as Newzoo, to more accurately capture esports businesses and government should consider how official statistics can more accurately capture the size of esports in the UK."
Interestingly, UKIE also encouraged the government to take esports into consideration when considering policies affecting skills and immigration, and for esports to be incorporated into games industry education.
The penultimate point was that esports companies should "actively support sustainable initiatives that promote and inspire diverse participation of esports," which presumably indicates both professional, top-level players as well as low-level amateur players as well.
The last recommendation was for 15 UK esports ambassadors to be created to promote esports in the UK and abroad, including "a divese mix of players, developers, publishers, and events organisers, and to be added to the UK's existing Video Games Ambassadors scheme."
The conclusion of the paper stated: "The UK has all the ingredients to emulate other esports market leaders. With a commitment from the sector and government to work together, to deliver the recommendations in this paper and to continue to evolve common goals, this country can reach the very top of the esports leagues."
What do you think of the recommendations?