How to grow the UK video games industry’s influence - Playing Politics, July 2026

Stop being secretive, start funding your institutions 💰

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• I argue that the UK games industry can do a lot more to grow its influence

• Ofcom warns businesses that it’s going to get tough on age assurance tech

• Mexico: A History by Paul Gillingham is my recommendation for the road

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Hello VGIM Insiders,

Thanks for your patience this month. Playing Politics is out a week later than usual due to book touring. I appreciate being given the time to write it.

I’ve made a slight change to the newsletter’s format. As per usual, there’s a big read and links to some interesting news stories about video games and the political road.

But I’ve also added a new ‘recommendation for the road’ section, so I can tip you off to something interesting I’ve experienced that might spark some political thinking.

VGIM Insiders can read Playing Politics right now. If you’re not a VGIM Insider and would like to read this newsletter, you can easily sign up as one.

Use the code POWERPLAY to score VGIM Insider membership – which lands you more newsletters, early access to events and a discount on VGIM purchases – for just £25 a year (or £3 per month).

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And with that self-promotion done, let’s talk industry influence.

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An influential asset, in the right hands - Source: IO Interactive

Big Read - How to grow the UK video games industry’s influence