Games4EU protests against Brexit with 1,000 signatures from the games industry – Variety

More than 1,000 British members of the video game industry have signed an open letter rejecting the Brexit organized by Games4EU, GamesIndustry.biz reported Tuesday.

Games4EU, an anti-Brexit group, has published a detailed report on the harmful consequences of Brexit for the UK video game industry earlier this month. The 51-page report explains how Brexit would have a negative impact on the video game industry, ranging from the higher cost of consumer products and services to studios leaving the UK for the European Union (EU), this could lead to job losses and a "cultural downturn".

Complications between trips to Europe and the UK could also result in relocation of talent from the UK video game industry.

"The loss of access to European talent and travel frictions between the UK and the EU will discourage highly skilled creative / technical staff from working here, ultimately leading to a shortage of talent and a lack of talent. brain drain, "says the report.

Games4EU subsequently published an open letter protesting Brexit. The open letter comes from the signatories of the entertainment industry, "video games, esports, virtual reality, [and] interactive broadcast. "

More than 127 companies and 1,000 people signed the letter, including industry figures such as Peter Molyneux. Some notable non-UK gaming industry also signed, including John Riccitiello, CEO of Unity.

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The short letter highlights the disastrous effects of Brexit and the power of the UK gaming industry.

"We have more than 2,200 companies that employ nearly 50,000 people and highly productive jobs in the UK, from Brighton to Bristol to Nottingham, Dundee and London," the letter said. "We are contributing to UK soft power, particularly to the world's under-45 population. Some of the biggest games in the world, from "Grand Theft Auto" to "Lemmings" to "Tomb Raider" were born and created in the UK.

The letter launches a call for action for a popular vote to keep the UK in the EU "to allow our industry, our consumers and the country to have a say in the final result of Brexit ".

British Prime Minister Theresa May's withdrawal agreement has been approved by EU leaders, but remains for Parliament's approval. The vote on the withdrawal agreement is scheduled for December 11th. When it is adopted, the UK will leave the EU in March next year.