The Department for Culture, Media and Sport commissioned Alma Economics to conduct an impact, process, and economic evaluation of the UK Games Fund (UKGF).

To build on the existing evidence base, we conducted a large-scale survey of both successful and unsuccessful UKGF applicants, receiving over 200 responses. This allowed us to assess changes in key outcomes—such as the creation of high-quality digital IP, commercialisation of videogames, and employment growth—using a difference-in-differences approach to isolate the impact of programme support. The impact analysis found that videogame companies who received support from the UK Games Fund hired more full-time employees, monetised more video game titles, and were more likely to have generated reusable code or assets, and were more likely to have developed a prototype or game, compared to those who did not receive support.

To complement the quantitative analysis, we carried out in-depth interviews with 42 applicants and 12 industry stakeholders to understand how UKGF delivery processes contributed to improved outcomes, including investability and talent development. The economic evaluation used Social Cost-Benefit Analysis to assess the value for money of the programme, capturing benefits such as uplifts in labour productivity, improved wellbeing for participants, and greater consumer welfare for gamers.

➥ Read the report here.