The United Kingdom’s video game industry will receive dedicated classification codes within the national economic framework for the first time. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed that video game development and publishing will be assigned specific four-digit Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes in the 2026 update. This formal recognition is designed to accurately measure the sector’s economic scale and contribution.
Currently, video game businesses are categorized under broader, less precise classifications. This has historically made it difficult for policymakers and analysts to track the industry’s full size, growth rate, and employment impact with precision. The new, dedicated codes will separate game development and publishing from other software and creative activities.
Understanding the Standard Industrial Classification System
The UK Standard Industrial Classification is the official system used to classify business establishments and statistical units. It provides a framework for collecting, tabulating, and presenting economic data across all sectors. Government bodies, researchers, and financial institutions rely on SIC codes for accurate economic analysis and policy formulation.
The absence of specific codes for the games sector has been a longstanding point of discussion within the industry. Trade bodies have argued that the sector’s unique characteristics and significant economic output warrant distinct identification. The upcoming change directly addresses these calls for clearer statistical visibility.
Implications for the UK Games Sector
The introduction of dedicated SIC codes is expected to have several concrete effects. Primarily, it will enable more accurate government reporting on the industry’s gross value added (GVA) and employment figures. This data is crucial for informing regional development strategies, skills funding, and trade policy.
Furthermore, the classification will assist in international comparisons. Other major economies, including the United States and Canada, already have specific codes for game development. The UK’s alignment will facilitate better benchmarking of its competitive position in the global market. Investors and analysts will also benefit from clearer data when assessing the sector’s performance.
The decision follows sustained advocacy from industry representatives, including Ukie, the UK’s games industry trade body. They highlighted that the UK games market is one of the largest in the world, yet its official economic footprint has been obscured by outdated classification methods.
Official Timeline and Next Steps
The new SIC codes are scheduled for implementation in 2026. The ONS will undertake a consultation process to finalize the exact code definitions and structures. This process will involve input from statistical experts and industry stakeholders to ensure the classifications are fit for purpose.
Once active, the codes will be used in all official surveys and business registers. Historical data may also be reclassified retrospectively to allow for consistent long-term trend analysis. The move is seen as a foundational step that could lead to more targeted government support and recognition for the video games industry as a distinct and vital part of the UK’s creative and technology economy.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
