Brexit: UK video game trade bodies UKIE and TIGA issue statements on EU referendum outcome

Video game trade bodies issue rallying cries after Britain votes to leave EU.

Britain European Union EU split — The video game industry contributes £1.1bn to the UK economy iStock

UK video game trade bodies UKIE and TIGA have issued statements on Britain's decision to leave the European Union, both stating they will continue do what they can for the country's thriving gaming sector despite the economic fallout and uncertainty.

In a brief statement, UKIE CEO Dr Jo Twist said: "UKIE is committed to ensuring the UK is the best place in the world to make and sell games, and although this decision and the political uncertainty it brings will have an impact on our businesses it is important to remember that we already have a globally successful sector and a leading exporter in the digital economy.

"UKIE will continue to work hard with colleagues in government to ensure we continue to have the best possible business environment and we will be following developments closely as well as advising members as they unfold."

Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA said: "The UK video games industry is a high technology sector that provides high-skilled employment for over 30,000 people, including approximately 11,000 development staff and which contributes £1.1 billion to UK GDP. It is also export-oriented, with at least 95% of studios exporting.

"Following the referendum in favour of 'Brexit', it will be more vital than ever to strengthen (and avoid harming) those sectors where the UK has a comparative competitive advantage: for example, aerospace, defence, high-value manufacturing and engineering, high technology industries, higher education, low carbon technology and the creative industries, including the video games sector.

"For the video games industry, it is particularly important that policymakers ensure games companies have access to sufficient finance, benefit from Video Games Tax Relief and R&D Tax Relief, have clear and stable IP rights and can access highly-skilled people from outside of the UK. Any new points-based migration system must not be onerous or complicated, otherwise the industry's growth could be held back."

TIGA, a non-profit network for video game developers and publishers, also stated that the government should "take steps to ensure the continued success of sectors with economic potential" including the gaming sector.

Following the referendum's historic result, the pound's value has plummeted to a 30-year low and David Cameron has announced he will step down as Prime Minister in October.