Economist Podcasts On a win and a player: Britain’s gaming prowess
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Aug 19, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Georgia Banjo, Britain correspondent for The Economist, and Stanley Pignol, Brussels bureau chief, uncover Britain’s remarkable rise as a gaming powerhouse, largely driven by its creative culture and the success of franchises like Grand Theft Auto. They also explore the decline of sin taxes across Europe and the impact this has on public services. Additionally, the conversation takes an intriguing turn with the emergence of battery-powered rickshaws in Bangladesh, showcasing innovative energy solutions. It's a fascinating mix of gaming and societal trends!
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Britain's Quiet Gaming Power
- Britain is the world's third-largest exporter of video games and produces distinctive, quirky hits with broad appeal.
- Over half of Britons play games and the sector generates around $200bn globally, highlighting its cultural and economic weight.
How Grand Theft Auto Changed Gaming
- DMA Design's 1997 release reinvented public perceptions and launched Grand Theft Auto into a global cultural phenomenon.
- The franchise's upcoming sixth instalment cost over $2bn to build and is expected to turn a profit within its first week.
Games Boost Regional Economies
- Video games cluster outside London and support regional levelling-up with high productivity and diverse jobs.
- The industry employs about 30,000 people and yields nearly twice the UK's average productivity per gross value added.