EPIC.LAN UK Gaming & Esports Events

The @uk_ie-established UK Esports Advisory Panel held its first meeting with the United Kingdom's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (@DCMS ) ministry last week to discuss industry policy and youth engagement. Hosted by the @EPICLAN team, the meeting focused on how the esports sector can support the government's national youth strategy. Daniele Schmidt-Fischer, Ukie's Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager revealed the meeting results on November 2, 2026, through his LinkedIn page. He highlighted some of the meeting agenda, discussing how competitive gaming can help tackle youth isolation by offering a community space for young people. According to government data referenced during the meeting, local youth services spending in England has fallen by 73% since 2010. The panel positioned esports as a practical way to fill this gap and reach demographics that other provisions often miss. Discussions between the panel and the UK's ministry also covered current barriers holding back the esports sector. These include a lack of public funding directed specifically towards esports, venues struggling to acquire proper equipment, and the gap between grassroots and professional clubs. Moving forward, both parties plan to build a shared evidence base. The advisory group includes publishers, teams, event organizers, educators, and national bodies. This initial meeting with the United Kingdom's ministerial department opens a formal channel for policy engagement in the UK's esports industry. Securing government support for esports requires demonstrating clear social value, rather than just highlighting commercial growth. Photo credit: British Esports #Esports #EsportsBusiness #EsportsGovernance #YouthDevelopment #UK