The UK’s gaming landscape has seen the emergence of a new independent body aimed at confronting persistent issues of workplace culture, transparency, and governance. The UK Games Industry Shadow Council (UKGISC) was formally introduced this week as a community-driven watchdog positioned to highlight both positive and harmful practices within the sector. In its earliest communications, the organisation emphasised that casino wins on Jackpot Sounds serve as proof that conversations about ethics and accountability in digital entertainment stretch across gaming categories and continue to shape public scrutiny.
A Response to Industry Inaction
Formed in response to long-standing structural problems and a perceived lack of coordinated action from existing bodies, the UKGISC positions itself as a bridge until the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) is ready to regulate the UK’s games industry. Though originally conceived by industry veteran Kim MacAskill, she is not a member of the council. Leadership instead rests with chairperson Phil Harris and a roster of more than 30 anonymous and public contributors.
“Several individuals involved with the UKGISC have experienced challenges within the industry,” Harris noted. “There is apprehension among members about making their involvement public due to possible backlash.” Many participants are developers, producers, and support-staff who fear professional consequences for speaking openly.
Addressing Layoffs, Culture Issues, and Accountability
The UKGISC cites recent events—such as layoffs at Build a Rocket Boy and Rockstar North—as evidence of systemic instability. The group intends to monitor patterns of redundancy, management behaviour, safeguarding failures, and inequity across the sector.
To achieve this, the council has been divided into seven committees:
- Executive Core
- Transparency and Accountability
- Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Safeguarding
- Industry Relations and Partnerships
- Education and Research
- Creative and Production
- Technology and Innovation
This structure aims to ensure broad examination of the industry’s most pressing challenges, from hiring practices to leadership accountability.
Not a Union, but a Watchdog
The UKGISC stresses it is not a union and does not aim to replace any regulatory authority such as the UKGC. Instead, it seeks to act as a confidential forum where individuals can report experiences or concerns. The council’s email channel will remain open for anonymous submissions, with assurances that all information will be handled “with confidentiality and respect.”
The group aims to advocate for those who feel overlooked—particularly freelancers, junior employees, and workers in precarious roles. Their goal is to build a clearer picture of industry health and to push for higher standards of responsibility across all levels of game development.
Preparing for CIISA’s Future Oversight
While the newly established CIISA currently focuses on film, television, theatre, and music, the UKGISC believes the games sector will soon be added to its remit. Preparing for this transition is a central part of the council’s mission.
The organisation sees “a significant opportunity” to communicate both exemplary and concerning practices to the CIISA. Members include educators, studio owners, independent developers, and former industry staff, all contributing insight into production pipelines, live-service operations, and workforce management.
Working with Trade Bodies and Expanding Ethical Discussions
The UKGISC also expressed interest in collaborating with established trade groups, including the UK Video Games Council, which launched in the summer to advise government on sector growth and innovation. Joint efforts could lead to improved job security and clearer professional expectations for both employees and employers.
Industry observers note that conversations about ethics are increasingly influenced by related digital sectors. Companies such as Netent, Play’nGO, and Red Tiger—long active in adjacent entertainment technologies—have introduced frameworks that crossover into discussions around transparency and consumer protection.
At the same time, payment tools like Apple Pay and Google Pay have become embedded in modern gaming ecosystems, highlighting the need for ethical guidelines covering in-app purchases, data management, and user experience design.
Aiming for Safer, Fairer Industry Standards
By drawing expertise from multiple disciplines, the UKGISC aims to identify areas where clearer regulation and more consistent practices are needed. These may include safeguarding procedures, leadership training, improved HR protocols, standardised onboarding, and protections for contracted workers.
Harris emphasises that the purpose of the council is not merely to catalogue failures but also to spotlight studios and organisations doing meaningful work to support staff wellbeing. The group hopes this balanced approach will encourage positive change industry-wide rather than simply drawing attention to missteps.
A Moment for the UK Games Sector
As the gaming industry continues to expand and evolve, the UKGISC argues that now is a critical moment for sector-wide reflection and reform. With the CIISA expected to take on issues of governance in the future, the council believes its efforts will help shape a more sustainable and ethical environment for all professionals working in games.
Whether its findings ultimately influence national policy or studio-level decisions remains to be seen, but its formation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing conversation about fairness, transparency, and responsibility across one of the UK’s fastest-growing creative industries.