networks that are really trying to support people who need to grow in their careers and reach those positions of leadership from a diverse range of talent pools. “I think that’s a really healthy thing, and


that is something that the industry can do itself. The industry has come together for the #RaiseTheGame pledge. And the census work that we first launched two years ago, and we’ll be reporting the second census this year. That’s incredibly important so that we can benchmark where these initiatives are making a difference to diversity inclusion. “But I think there’s also still a role for the


government. There is still a role for thinking collectively across our sectors, like the creative industry sector, about our national skills agenda. What is the agenda for national skills? You know, we’re talking about skills that change very, very quickly. Job titles that change, or are created that didn’t exist two years ago. These require different kinds of skill sets. “We can’t do it on our own, we need to make


sure that there is a more of a joined up strategy. And that’s not just about the formal education route either. We all know, working in games, that there tends to not be a typical route. But how do we at least articulate those pathways into careers? “I think the work that people like Gina Jackson


are doing on workshops and boot camps for women, doing more programmes that support people returning after work after a period of absence, or coming in from different sectors and getting people up to speed… All of those things are also going to help in terms of the future skills requirements that we need.”


GOVERNMENT SUPPORT But what about that role for the government? While the government is sure to be delighted about the money the industry is contributing to the economy, is it aware of the kind of support we’ll need in order to continue to grow and improve? “At Ukie we’re just about to embark on a


consultation with members in the sector at large as to… what the next 10 years really look like in terms of what they need? What does success look like, so that we can work with the government and inform them and make sure that they understand where targeted interventions are going to help us grow and fulfil their levelling up agenda or contribution to the jobs market, etc.


“And they do recognise that we are a


powerhouse, we are, again, supporting 70,000 jobs up and down the country, we’re delivering 5.3 billion in GVA to the economy, we are levelling up already across key places across the country. The majority of games companies are exporters, the government strategy is about innovation-led recovery and export. So we have a great story to tell, but certain interventions are still required. Support for SMEs to be accessing international markets, trade accelerator programmes… you know, where is our huge B2B trade show in the UK? Those kinds of interventions will help us maintain our competitive edge. “But again, outside of DIT’s remit is the skills


agenda, the talent shortage that we’re looking at, we know the numbers. And this is actually something that is perhaps related to the pandemic. I saw some figures this week, looking at international comparisons, and across different sectors, not just the games sector, there are a lot of open roles. Yet there are a lot of people looking for opportunities, and there seems to be a mismatch there.” The industry certainly has a lot to celebrate, but


we’re hardly the first to point out the problems ahead – from cultural concerns such as toxic and abusive work environments to practical concerns such as the growing skills shortage. So we’re glad to have Twist here to provide not only perspective on how far we’ve come, but also to look to the future – to ensure that the next decade is better than the one behind us. “Given the two years that we’ve been through,


given the amount of consolidation that we’ve seen as an industry, given a lot of the scrutiny that we’ve had – both internally as an industry and externally, I think now is a really good time to just reflect on the next 10 years. And to really set our ambitions high as a UK industry. So that’s what we’re going to be doing as a trade body.” And true to style, Twist celebrates those who


have made her work possible over the past decade. “One of the things I would say I am proud


of is the diversity and the support that we get from our board. The board when I started was absolutely fantastic, amazing people. But the board now is much more diverse in terms of who they represent, what companies they represent, but also who they are. They are such an amazing board, and all our past board members have been absolutely critical. So I just want to pay tribute to them and say thank you.”


February 2022 MCV/DEVELOP | 15


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