The Intelligence from The Economist On a win and a player: Britain’s gaming prowess
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Aug 19, 2025 
Stanley Pignol, Brussels bureau chief for The Economist, dives into the thriving British gaming industry, ranking as the world’s third-largest exporter. He discusses the industry's transformative milestones since the 1997 breakout game and its quirky innovations that define its culture. The conversation also touches on Europe's declining sin tax revenues as vices fade and highlights the rise of electric rickshaws in Bangladesh, examining their mixed benefits of economic relief versus safety and environmental concerns.
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Britain's Quiet Gaming Superpower
- Britain is a disproportionately strong video‑game exporter, ranking third after the US and Japan.
- Its strength comes from quirky, creative titles that resonate globally.
From Bedroom Coders To Cult Hits
- Early bedroom coders in Britain produced cult hits like Manic Miner and Broken Sword.
- That grassroots culture helped build a distinct, creative domestic games scene.
Games Power Regional Growth
- Video games drive regional levelling-up: four‑fifths of developers work outside London and the sector is highly productive.
- The industry spawns transferable skills used in AI and defence and delivers public‑health benefits.