Game Academy’s David Barrie on How Gaming Could Help Solve Britain’s Skills Shortage in Good Game Club Podcast

As employers struggle to fill digital skills gaps while AI and digital transformation reshape the workplace, a new episode of Good Game Club argues that gaming could be one of Britain’s biggest untapped talent pipelines.

Featuring David Barrie, Founder and CEO of Game Academy, the episode is released on July 9.  It explores how gaming develops problem-solving, collaboration, leadership and digital capability. Working alongside the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education, Game Academy has helped thousands of gamers across the UK to identify transferable skills developed through games and connect those skills with education and employment opportunities.

Barrie says: “The most important thing is helping people to realise their potential, realise who they are and whoever they want to be, and finding ways and means to create pathways and opportunities for them to be able to do that.” 

Throughout the conversation, Barrie argues that digital play increasingly reflects the kinds of capabilities employers need.  He describes game developers as “the architects of culture and the architects of a new digital world,” and says that “games and gaming are on the right side of history.”

Drawing on Game Academy's research and experience, Barrie explains why employers should start recognising gaming as a genuine indicator of future workplace potential.  He describes how Game Academy has identified patterns linking games such as Portal and Total War with careers in the creative industries and management roles, and games like Football Manager, League of Legends and Factorio which require project management, cybersecurity and leadership skills.

Gaming, says Barrie, “grabs a lot of people who are disengaged in the real world … It’s a fantastic and powerful incubator for new ways of organising, and new ways of social engagement for communities.”

The discussion also tackles healthy gaming, acknowledging the importance of balance while rejecting simplistic narratives that portray gaming as either wholly positive or wholly negative. Instead, the episode explores how games can foster belonging, confidence and agency when supported by healthy habits and strong communities. 

Good Game Club is hosted by industry leaders Jude Ower MBE, CSO at PlanetPlay, and Mathias Gredal Nørvig, CEO of SYBO.  Jude Ower said: "As the summer holidays begin, many parents will be wondering how much time their children are spending gaming. The good news is that, with the right balance, games aren't just keeping young people entertained - they can also help them develop valuable skills they'll use long after the holidays are over." 

Supported by the Dubai Films & Games Commission and Tencent, the podcast brings together leaders from gaming, culture, business and public policy to explore how games are shaping society and creating positive impact for people and the planet.

The latest episode is available to watch and listen to here.  For more information, please visit Linktree or contact comms@goodgame.club.