Survey: 29% of UK games businesses damaged by Brexit

The Brexit process has been causing headaches for a good chunk of the British games industry, according to a new business survey from UK trade body TIGA. 

Designed to assess the impact of Brexit on the UK games industry, the survey was carried out towards the end of 2017 and is based on a representative sample of 63 games business including small, medium, and large companies.

It found that 29 percent of respondents feel the process has been damaging, primarily because of its impact on recruitment and retention. 

Some noted that projects have stalled due to the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, while others are struggling with retention and recruitment following the referendum. 

A few also reported incidents of staff returning to the continent, adding that those who chose to stay are worried about their residency status.

On the other side of the coin, 11 percent of those asked believe Brexit has been favorable, largely because of the depreciation the sterling currency since the EU Referendum on June 23, 2016. 

They explained the depreciation has made them more price competitive in Europe and the U.S., and said they're now seeing more interest from publishers, investors, and clients outside of the EU. 

Overall, the picture pained by the survey is one of uncertainty. While there are plenty of folk on either side of the Brexit fence, around 33 percent of respondents said they don't actually know whether Brexit has had an impact on their business. 

"The depreciation of sterling since the EU referendum has accentuated the competitiveness of some UK studios, but there have been negative consequences for others" said TIGA CEO, Dr. Richard Wilson. 

"The single most important priority for the UK video games industry in the next phase of Brexit negotiations is that we have access to highly skilled employees from the EU, EEA and beyond. 

"Currently, EU workers make up 15 percent of the UK games industry, while 5 percent come from countries outside the EU. In order to grow and thrive as it previously has, the UK video games industry will need to continue to recruit talent on a global level."