On 17th October 2024, Brainspark Games had the privilege of attending Ukie’s Westminster Games Week, an event dedicated to strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in the games industry. As a multi-award-winning EdTech gaming studio, we were excited to be part of discussions on how gaming and education can intersect to revolutionise learning while also driving economic growth, cultural innovation, and industry leadership.

A huge thank you to Ukie and Nick Poole OBE for inviting us to join this initiative, which is committed to making this the most pro-games parliament in British history.

Gaming, Policy, and Education: Key Discussions at Westminster Games Week

At Ukie’s private dinner, our founder Reedah El-Saie engaged in thought-provoking discussions with policymakers, major AAA game studios, and leading indie developers. Hosted by Katy M., Stephen Turner, and Sony, this exclusive event brought together:

Politicians: Charlotte Nichols MP (Lab), Chair of the Video Games APPG, Tristan Osborne MP (Lab), and Zoë Franklin MP (Lib Dem)
AAA studios: Cloud Imperium Games, Rockstar Games, Electronic Arts (EA), and Sports Interactive
Indie developers and innovators: INTERIOR/NIGHT and others

The conversation focused on ambitious visions for the future of the UK’s games industry, with a shared commitment to leveraging gaming as a tool for both entertainment and education.

At the Education & Games Roundtable, chaired by Tristan Osborne MP, we joined discussions with:

Policymakers: Matt Western MP, Samantha Niblett MP, Hayley Russell (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Gaming studios and educational organisations: Theo Lomas (Epic Games), Philip Holton (Pearson), and Jake Habgood (Sumo Digital)

Key Topics of Discussion

The roundtable highlighted urgent issues within the UK’s education system and how the games industry can contribute to more inclusive and future-ready learning models. Some of the key themes included:

The opportunity to revolutionise learning through play.
The need for an education system designed for diverse learners.
Why 33% of UK pupils fail GCSEs and how to address this gap.
The importance of cultural inclusivity in the curriculum.
Understanding why BAME and neurodiverse students lag up to 18 months behind their peers.
Equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the creative industries.
How government support can help innovative EdTech and gaming studios keep the UK at the forefront of the global industry.

Perhaps the most fundamental question raised was:

What is the purpose of education in a rapidly evolving digital world?
How can we nurture lifelong learners while ensuring that education is accessible, engaging, and aligned with real-world opportunities?

Brainspark Games: Driving Change Through Educational Gaming

As a pioneering EdTech studio, Brainspark Games is dedicated to:

Developing free, culturally inclusive, AI-powered Augmented Reality educational games.
Using gaming as a tool to engage diverse learners and bridge educational gaps.
Providing immersive, inquiry-based learning experiences that align with real-world skills.
Collaborating with policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to ensure games contribute positively to education, society, and the economy.

The UK games industry is the fastest-growing creative sector, and Brainspark Games is uniquely positioned to combine the enjoyment of gameplay with the impact of education. The conversations at Westminster Games Week reinforced our commitment to ensuring that gaming continues to drive positive change—both in the classroom and beyond.

A huge thank you to Ukie and everyone involved in making this such a fantastic opportunity to connect, collaborate, and drive the future of games and interactive education in the UK.

How do you see gaming shaping the future of education and industry? We’d love to hear your thoughts.