UK launches Esports Advisory Panel to advise DCMS

The UK government has launched an industry-led Esports Advisory Panel, convened by trade body Ukie and announced by the Minister for Creative Industries, Ian Murray, at the London Games Festival. The panel brings senior figures from organisations including Team Liquid, Fnatic and ESL FACEIT Group into formal engagement with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Ukie said the panel will provide a single, industry-backed channel for engagement with DCMS. The group will focus on regulation, skills and education, grassroots pathways and other areas that affect the esports sector. Ukie will convene the panel and produce evidence-based recommendations on sustainable growth and talent development across the United Kingdom.

Members represent publishers, platforms, professional teams, tournament organisers and service providers. Organisations named by Ukie include Team Liquid, Fnatic, ESL FACEIT Group, Riot Games, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft and BLAST, alongside representatives from Esports Wales, Scottish Esports, Esports Youth Club, talent agencies and commercial partners. The panel’s remit covers the full competitive ladder, from professional events to school and community programs in the devolved nations.

The announcement coincides with wider government funding for the games sector. A £30 million Games Growth Package includes £28.5 million for the UK Games Fund, which will award studio grants in three tiers: Entry at £20,000, Emergent at £100,000 and Expansion at £250,000. The London Games Festival received £1.5 million over three years to support its role as a showcase for British games and talent.

John Jackson, chief executive of Esports Wales, wrote on LinkedIn that the panel creates a structured, evidence-led forum for industry and government and urged that devolved nations, community activity, education and player pathways be included in its work. Nathan Edmonds, chief executive of Get In agency and a panel member, noted that esports had been largely overlooked at government level and described the panel as a way to give the sector formal representation to advise DCMS and other stakeholders.

Ukie and DCMS announced the advisory panel will meet regularly to review policy priorities, share data and inform decisions on investment, workforce development and event hosting. Organisers expect the panel to operate as a standing advisory body and to provide inputs that national and regional policymakers can use when shaping strategies for skills and the creative industries.