Ukie Westminster VIP Games Industry Reception 2016

By Costanza Passeri 

Last week Dimoso attended the annual UKIE Westminster VIP Games Reception. The evening was a celebration of excellence and creativity and a great chance to discuss the political agenda for games in the aftermath of Brexit.
The event took place at in the wonderful Whitehall Court,  an incredible venue for such an important event in the games industry calendar.  The special night held by Ukie aimed to bring together the most important names in games industry with leading figures of UK Parliament.

(Photo: One Whitehall Place library, venue of the event)

Ukie is a not-for-profit organisation that represents companies from small startups to large developers in games industry, working across online, mobile apps, consoles, PC, eSports, VR and AR.
The goal of the organisation is to support and promote their members, helping them grow in the UK games and interactive entertainment industry.
Guests were welcomed in the majestic One Whitehall Place library,  between old paintings and modern screens where new generations of video games were being played.
The stands of Activision Blizzard, London Games Festival, SpecialEffect, Farm Heroes Saga and many more entertained the participants, showcasing the latest best practices and innovations.

The speeches, kick-started by Ukie CEO Dr Jo Twist, highlighted just how dynamic and successful the UK games industry is today. The evening demonstrated the government’s support of the games industry.
The presence of Culture Secretary, the Rt Hon John Whittingdale MP, showed this strong relationship so significant in this political period of change. During his keynote speech, the Culture Secretary appealed to the attendees, asking the industry share their voice, their needs and their ideas, in order to keep growing together.

(Photo: the Culture Secretary Rt Hon John Whittingdale MP)

It wasn’t just a night dedicated to innovation. Another strong bond was celebrated, together with values of inclusion and confidence.
Dr Mick Donegan explained the mission of SpecialEffect, a charity using technology to enhance the quality of life of people with physical disabilities.

The organisation played an emotional and intense video to show guests the amazing work done by volunteers using video games.
The power of  games and interactive entertainment goes beyond the joy that video games could bring. As the people at Special Effect demonstrate, they can also have a deep positive impact on therapy, confidence and rehabilitation.